Foodscapes is a global mapping of specific area of food production, defined by the combination of biophysical characteristics and management attributes in that area. It draws from a report, which presents the results of the first global analysis and mapping of foodscapes.
The analysis finds that some foodscapes occur in relatively small, confined areas while others are widespread and occur on multiple continents. Examples of the latter include semi-arid grazing systems that are widespread on all continents, and “breadbasket” foodscapes with intensive grain and oil crop production in temperate plains with good soils. As is to be expected, foodscapes are very diverse, and the global mapping resulted in more than 80 foodscape classes. Defining and mapping foodscapes makes it easier to envision which nature-based solutions are most relevant to the transition the foodscape will need to make to accommodate demand, conserve ecosystems and the services they provide, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.