The session will present insights from South and Southeast Asia about the importance of forests and biodiversity for food, cultures and livelihoods. Indigenous knowledge, systems and practices about forest foods are kept intact and are thriving in the region but in some parts are under threat, driven by an extractive industry-focused economic model. The session will share key messages and recommendations of NTFP-EP and the Wild Foods, Biodiversity and Livelihood Network to cultivate greater support for the protection, recognition and enhancement of indigenous and traditional livelihood systems of which wild foods are a critical part. Local and network initiatives to promote and sustain wild/forest foods, and how these benefit local diets and well-being will be shared. Current situations which challenge forest food and biodiversity conservation will also be discussed, with a call to action to strengthen, protect and conserve forests for people, and for our collective future.
