Unlocking the values of unseen food species : a cautious approach : policy brief

2025

Littérature grise

Porcher Vincent, Burgos Ariadna, Dounias Edmond, Alpha A., Bonis-Profumo G., Césard N., Champion Louis, Cormier Salem Marie-Christine, Cubry Philippe, Darias Maria J., Dourian T., Katz Esther, Lamy Thomas, Maire Eva, Mouquet Rivier Claire, Orland C., Zurita-Benavides M.G., Verger Eric

Marseille : IRD, 2025, 4 p. multigr.

While global food systems predominantly depend on only 200 to 300 food species that comply with international standards and trade regulations, we estimate that between 20,000 and 40,000 species contribute to the diets of Indigenous Peoples and other communities. These species, however, typically operate outside of formalized and regulated socio-economic frameworks. Federated under different terms like "neglected" or "underutilized", these species are increasingly highlighted as a panacea to nourishing the world due to their nutritional qualities. However, we prefer to refer to them as "unseen", as these species are deeply embedded in local socio-cultural settings-shaped by ecological knowledge, identity, heritage, belief systems, practices, and community-based economies often overlooked. Despite their multiple values, unseen food species should not be dissociated from the complex food systems in which they are nested. Increasing their visibility without adequate safeguards can lead to local sovereignty loss, heightened demand and exploitation, uncontrolled commercialization and appropriation. Therefore, policies for their sustainable use should be promoted and comply with safeguarding procedures, such as those outlined in the Nagoya Protocol, and be co-constructed with local populations to ensure equity and long-term effectiveness for sustainable management.

Environnement, écologie générale [021ENVECO] ; Système alimentaire [098SYSAL]

Fonds IRD [F B010095234]

fdi:010095234