The [Convention on Biological Diversity] through its emphasis on the ecosystem level of agricultural biodiversity, offers a challenge for developing sustainable agricultural systems at the national and local level. In this context, it is recognized that more attention should be given to understanding and enhancing the genetic variety, within and between harvested and non-harvested plant, animal and microbial species. Also, more attention should be given to enhancing the complementary and synergetic relationships between species, and the sustainability, as well as the productivity (which has hitherto received more attention), of agro-ecosystems. This implies that a range of best practices should be identified and made available, with a view to their further development in an integrated manner in specific local situations.