A first draft, based on nine country reports, was prepared as supporting documentation for an informal regional consultation on the state of the Near East and North Africa's biodiversity for food and agriculture, held in Rome, Italy, 5 to 7 April 2016. The document was later revised based on feedback received from the participants of the informal consultation. During the informal consultation, participants also discussed regional needs, priorities and possible actions for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture.