Publications
Nature Positive Food Systems : A working definition
Post, P.M.; Hermans, T.D.G.; Naranjo Barrantes, M.A.; de Rooij, L.L.; Wang, Y.; Klostermann, J.E.M.; Conijn, J.G.; Kruft, K.E.; Liu, C.; le Roux-Pullen, L.; Hiemstra, S.J.; van der Sluis, M.; Bonekamp, G.; Steemers-Rijkse, I.; Mubita Zambrano, T.M.; Vriezekolk, E.J.; Snels, J.C.M.A.; Navarro Y Koren-Matser, M.E.; van Alphen, M.A.
Summary
The last few years the term ‘Nature Positive Food Systems’ has gained attention as a result of global advocacy to rethink our food systems and the reciprocal relationship with nature. The food system is both impacting nature and benefiting from nature, and therefore key in achieving nature-positive ambitions. Most crucially the idea of ‘Nature Positive’ reflects the increasing global consensus on the ambition to not only halt biodiversity and ecosystem decline, but reverse the destruction of nature and regenerating nature. Moreover, the concept of ‘Nature Positive’ is not just about numbers, it is all about a different look: a positive look on nature and its interaction with the systems that feed us. The significant move from reducing harm to regenerating nature, raises the question if Food Systems can contribute and become nature positive themselves.
The concept of ‘Nature Positive Food Systems’ consists of two elements: ‘nature positive’ and ‘food systems’.
Food systems as the whole complex range from activities from farm to fork. In the food system approach the food system activities are already placed in between social and environmental drivers, addressing the functional
relationships and interdependencies. If we define nature in its broadest sense, as often implied, this represents the environment in the food system approach: the external world in its entirety. It is not just about plants and animals, about habitats; it is also about soil, water and functioning ecosystems in all its diversity. Therefore, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are often used as an indicator for the state of nature.
The figures are clearly pointing out the nature is under pressure. There is no single cause but most are involving human decision-making and are reflective of the human-nature relationship. Many of our key systems heavily
depend on the benefits of nature, which have been deteriorating over time. To this end, it is also clear that urgent action is required since reversal and regenerating will also require time.