Extreme poverty is a significant problem in rural areas around the world, where around 80% people live in these conditions. Among these individuals, approximately 76% are involved in agriculture, and many depend on subsistence agriculture for their survival.

However, agri-food systems face shocks and stresses that can compromise their stability and negatively affect the most vulnerable groups, who do not have adequate means to deal with the risks. This situation can lead to a cycle of poverty, misery and hunger in these communities.

To address these challenges, it is necessary to adopt inclusive risk management approaches that address the immediate needs of populations affected by shocks, while also addressing the root causes of vulnerability. The goal is to create resilient and peaceful communities capable of dealing with the challenges and uncertainties inherent in agriculture.

In this context, social protection plays a crucial role. It comprises a set of policies and programs that aim to address the economic, environmental and social vulnerabilities that contribute to food insecurity and poverty. Social protection seeks to act in a preventive, protective, promoting and transformative manner in relation to its beneficiaries.

These interventions are implemented through a variety of instruments, generally grouped into three main pillars: social assistance, social insurance and labor market interventions. These pillars cover a wide range of measures, such as income transfer programs, food subsidies, agricultural insurance, training and professional development, among others.

Social protection plays a fundamental role in reducing extreme poverty and increasing food security, particularly in rural areas dependent on agriculture. By providing economic and social support to vulnerable families, it increases their resilience during periods of shock and encourages investment in more sustainable agricultural production. Furthermore, it can contribute to the promotion of more equitable and inclusive rural communities by providing development and empowerment opportunities for farmers and their families. This may involve creating conducive conditions for local economic growth, strengthening productive capacities and access to basic services such as education and healthcare.

In Brazil, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) played a fundamental role in the development of ecological and agroecological sustainable agriculture, representing society's desires and pressing for public policies in the sector. Since the 1980s, several NGOs focused on alternative agriculture, which was later replaced by the term ecological agriculture. Currently, the term organic agriculture is widely used to cover the different aspects of this approach.

This agroecological movement has gained strength in the country, driving the adoption of agricultural technologies and techniques that respect natural resources and promote sustainability.

Furthermore, researchers joining the alternative movement have had a significant impact on agricultural science and technology. They sought scientific foundations for the technical proposals of the agroecological system, contributing to the construction of knowledge and the validation of sustainable practices. This collaboration between researchers and farmers has resulted in important advances in the development of more balanced agricultural systems that consider the environmental, social and economic aspects of food production.

Sustainable agriculture brings a number of significant benefits to farmers, society and the environment.

In other words, it aims to conserve natural resources, such as water, soil and biodiversity, ensuring their availability for future generations. By adopting appropriate management practices, it contributes to the preservation of soil fertility, water quality and the health of ecosystems.

Sustainable agricultural production prioritizes the use of natural techniques and inputs, reducing dependence on pesticides and chemical fertilizers. This results in healthier and safer food, free from toxic residues, which contributes to the population's food security.

Sustainable agriculture also promotes social well-being by valuing farmers' work and improving their living conditions. By creating equitable and fair work and income opportunities, it contributes to social inclusion, especially in rural communities.

Another important benefit is the reduction of waste and optimization of resources. Sustainable agriculture seeks efficiency in the use of water, energy and other agricultural inputs, avoiding waste and reducing production costs. This brings economic benefits to farmers and contributes to the preservation of scarce resources.

Sustainable agriculture also stands out for its resilience in the face of climate change. By adopting practices that increase crop diversification, soil conservation and proper management of water resources, it strengthens agricultural systems, making them better able to face climate challenges and reducing associated risks such as droughts and floods.

 Promoting Gender Equality: The Transformative Potential of Women in Agri-Food Systems

Women's equality in agri-food systems is an extremely important topic and has been recognized as a key element in boosting the global economy and reducing food insecurity. A new report from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) highlights that promoting gender equality in this sector could result in an increase of up to US$ 1 trillion in the global economy and reduce food insecurity by 45 million people.

Agri-food systems play a fundamental role in the lives of women around the world. In fact, women are an essential part of the workforce in this sector and, in many countries, depend on these activities for their livelihoods. However, despite their crucial role, women face significant challenges and inequalities compared to men in agri-food systems.

The lack of access to productive resources, such as land, credit, seeds and technologies, is one of the main barriers that women face in this sector. Furthermore, they often face cultural, social and legal restrictions that limit their full and equal participation.

The FAO report highlights that investing in gender equality in agri-food systems can generate significant benefits. The inclusion of women in this sector boosts productivity and efficiency, improves food and nutritional security, promotes sustainable economic growth and contributes to social development.

When women have equal access to productive resources, they are able to increase their productivity and improve the quality of the food produced.

Gender equality in agri-food systems also has a positive impact on the global economy. The FAO report highlights that the elimination of gender inequalities in this sector could generate an increase of up to US$ 1 trillion in the global economy by 2030. This value is the result of increased agricultural productivity, employment growth and a boost to other economic sectors .

Investing in gender equality in agri-food systems is essential to address food insecurity. The report estimates that reducing gender inequalities in this sector could lead to a reduction of 45 million people in vulnerable situations.

The report on the status of women in agri-food systems highlights the crucial importance of reducing gender inequalities, improving access to resources and promoting resilience as a fundamental path to achieving gender equality, empowering women and establishing fairer agri-food systems and sustainable.

One of the report's key recommendations is to close gaps related to access to assets, technology and resources. This involves ensuring that women have equal opportunities to acquire and use resources, such as land, credit and agricultural inputs, as well as having access to appropriate technologies adapted to their needs. Addressing these inequalities will help increase women's productivity and strengthen their position in agri-food systems.

Another key recommendation is to address the disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic and care work on women. Investing in social infrastructure, such as affordable, quality childcare, can unlock women's economic potential, allowing them to fully participate in the workforce and have better employment opportunities. Furthermore, implementing effective social protection programs can increase women's resilience and economic security.

The report also highlights the importance of gender transformative approaches in changing discriminatory norms. This involves challenging entrenched gender stereotypes and promoting a culture of equality and respect in agri-food systems. Such approaches not only promote gender justice, but also have significant economic returns, contributing to sustainable development.

Finally, the report's authors highlight the urgent need to improve the availability of high-quality data, disaggregated by sex, age and other forms of social and economic differentiation. This data is essential to monitor progress, identify gaps and inform effective policies and programs to promote gender equality in agri-food systems.

The report demonstrates that reducing the gender gap in agricultural productivity and equalizing wages between men and women in the global agricultural sector could increase global gross domestic product by almost US$ 1 trillion. Furthermore, this gender equality could reduce the number of people suffering from food insecurity by 45 million, providing a significant improvement in living conditions and well-being.

Another important highlight is that projects that focus on empowering women and promoting gender equality bring even greater benefits than those that only address the issue in general. The study reveals that if half of small-scale producers received development interventions focused on women's empowerment, it would result in a significant increase in income for an additional 58 million people, as well as strengthening the resilience of another 235 million.

In short, the report's recommendations emphasize the importance of investing in gender equality in agri-food systems. By closing access gaps, addressing structural inequalities, driving transformative change and improving data availability, we can create a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous future where women play a central role in building resilient and fair agri-food systems.

Promoting Food Security and Sustainable Nutrition in Europe and Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities

A new report from UN highlights the importance of food security and nutrition in the Europe and Central Asia region, offering insight into how to move towards more accessible and sustainable diets. While the region as a whole is in a relatively better position compared to other parts of the world, the report highlights the need to address some developments to avoid setbacks in this crucial field.

Food security and nutrition are fundamental to ensuring the well-being of populations and sustainable development. The report highlights that the Europe and Central Asia region faces specific challenges in this area, which need to be addressed in a comprehensive and coordinated way. Although extreme hunger is a rare reality in the region, there are other issues that deserve attention, such as poor nutrition, lack of access to healthy food and the sustainability of food systems.

One of the concerns highlighted in the report is the high prevalence of unhealthy diets, characterized by excessive consumption of processed foods, sugar, salt and saturated fats. These inadequate dietary patterns are associated with chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is essential to promote a transition to more balanced diets, based on fresh, nutritious and sustainable foods.

Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of affordable accessibility to healthy foods. Lack of financial resources often prevents people from accessing a variety of nutritious foods, leading to disparities in food security. It is necessary to adopt measures that make healthy food more accessible and financially viable for everyone, especially for vulnerable groups, such as low-income people and marginalized communities.

Another crucial aspect addressed by the report is the need to make food systems more sustainable. This involves reducing food waste, promoting sustainable agricultural production, reducing the use of natural resources such as water and land, and adopting agricultural practices that preserve biodiversity and minimize environmental impact.

To address these challenges, the report proposes an integrated and collaborative approach. It is essential to strengthen policies and regulations that promote healthy diets, invest in food and nutrition education programs, encourage public-private partnerships to improve food infrastructure and promote sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, regional cooperation and the exchange of best practices can play a crucial role in finding joint solutions and sharing knowledge and resources.

The report also highlights the urgent need to redefine food and agricultural policies to address the “triple challenge” of current agri-food systems: increasing the accessibility of healthy diets, ensuring better livelihoods for farmers and improving environmental sustainability. This redefinition is essential to address global challenges related to food security, nutrition, rural poverty and climate change.

One of the report's key recommendations is that tax incentives be expanded beyond support for individual farmers, aimed at improving overall services. This includes investments in agricultural research and development, education, agricultural extension, pest and disease control, public food safety control systems, climate-smart agriculture, and efficient emissions control technologies and practices. In this way, it will be possible to boost innovation and the adoption of more sustainable practices throughout the agri-food value chain.

Furthermore, it highlights the importance of complementary policies in areas such as health, social protection, trade and the environment. An integrated approach to these policies is essential to ensure that efforts to restructure agri-food systems have a significant impact in the region. This requires close cooperation and coordination between different sectors and actors involved.

In the context of environmental sustainability, the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote more climate-friendly agricultural practices stands out. Science-based, climate-smart and energy-efficient technologies and practices must be applied throughout agri-food value chains, aiming to mitigate negative environmental impacts and conserve natural resources.

However, the report emphasizes that all these initiatives must be adapted to local circumstances and respect the principle of participation. It is crucial to involve relevant stakeholders such as farmers, local communities, civil society organizations and the private sector to ensure that policies and measures are culturally appropriate, socially inclusive and economically viable.

Sustainable Development in Rural Areas: A Pact for the Future

Recent detailed research carried out by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) revealed that small-scale farmers are responsible for around a third of the world's food production. According to the study published in World Development, five out of every six farms around the globe consist of less than two hectares, taking up only about 12% of all agricultural land, yet contributing approximately 35% of the global food supply.

This contribution of smallholder farmers to the food supply varies significantly between countries, with a share reaching 80% in China, while in nations such as Brazil and Nigeria, the share is in the low single digits. This analysis highlights the importance of having improved and harmonized data to obtain a more accurate and detailed picture of agricultural activities, aiming to assist policymakers.

It is crucial to avoid using the terms “family farming” and “small property” interchangeably, as highlighted by Marco Sánchez, deputy director of the FAO Agri-Food Economics Division. Although most family farms are small, it is important to recognize that some of them are medium-sized or even large.

In 2014, an emblematic FAO report estimated that nine out of ten of the 570 million farms in the world were family farms, responsible for approximately 80% of global food production. The new research, titled “Which farms feed the world and has farmland become more concentrated?”, seeks to clarify the prevalence of different farm sizes.

According to updated estimates, there are more than 608 million family farms across the world, taking up between 70% and 80% of agricultural land and producing around 80% of the total value of food produced globally. The study also presents estimates of farm size: approximately 70% of all farms, which represent just 7% of agricultural land, are less than one hectare. Furthermore, 14% of farms, controlling 4% of land, are between one and two hectares, while another 10% of farms, covering 6% of land, are between two and five hectares.

On the other hand, 1% of the world's largest farms, with more than 50 hectares, hold more than 70% of global agricultural land, with almost 40% of this land concentrated in farms with more than 1,000 hectares.

These findings highlight the importance of small farmers in food production and highlight the need for policies and strategies that support and strengthen this sector.

The most relevant public policy for family farming at Brazil level began in 1995 with the creation of the National Program for Strengthening Family Farming (Pronaf). The objective of the program is to strengthen family farming through subsidized financing of agricultural and non-agricultural services. This program guarantees the diversification of agricultural activities on family properties, enables entrepreneurship through the processing and agro-industrialization of food produced by family farming, as well as meeting marketing requirements and the adoption of conservation practices for environmentally, economically and socially sustainable production.

Recognizing its economic, social and environmental importance, several governments have implemented public support policies specifically aimed at family farmers. These policies aim to promote sustainable development, ensure adequate income, provide access to resources and markets, and strengthen food security.

One of the main policies is the National Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Policy (Pnater). Through this policy, family farmers receive technical assistance and rural extension, which includes guidance on sustainable agricultural practices, natural resource management, appropriate technologies and access to relevant information. This helps farmers improve their productivity, efficiency and resilience, promoting the development of their properties and communities.

Another important measure is the Family Agriculture Insurance (SEAF), which provides family farmers with financial coverage in the event of crop loss due to adverse weather events. This insurance helps farmers deal with the risks associated with agricultural production and protects their income, avoiding disastrous economic consequences.

The Minimum Price Guarantee Policy (PGPM) is another relevant initiative. It establishes minimum prices for agricultural products, ensuring fair remuneration for farmers and regular national supply. This helps to balance the market, avoiding sudden price fluctuations and providing stability to family farmers.

Furthermore, programs such as the National Biodiesel Production and Use Program (PNPB) and the Food Acquisition Program (PAA) aim to promote productive inclusion and the generation of employment and income for family farmers. The PNPB encourages the sustainable production and use of biodiesel, while the PAA buys food directly from family farming for donation to social assistance entities or commercialization on the market, expanding business opportunities for these farmers.

Another important measure is the National School Meal Program (PNAE), which allocates resources to purchase healthy food from family farming for school meals. This benefits both farmers, who have access to a stable and guaranteed market, and students, who receive nutritious, quality meals.

In addition to these policies, there are initiatives aimed at access to land, such as the National Land Credit Program (PNCF), which offers financing for family farmers to acquire land and invest in structuring their properties. The Brasil Mais Cooperativo Program also plays an important role, supporting cooperatives and rural associations through specialized assistance and qualification of management, production and marketing processes.

The implementation of public policies to support family farming is essential to promote sustainable development, food security and the socioeconomic inclusion of family farmers. These policies recognize the economic, social and environmental importance of this form of agriculture, and seek to provide the resources, knowledge and incentives necessary to strengthen this sector.

By guaranteeing access to technical assistance, rural extension, credit, agricultural insurance and guaranteed minimum prices, public policies offer support and stability to family farmers, allowing them to improve their agricultural practices, increase their productivity and income, and face climate and climate challenges. economic.

These policies have a significant impact on the lives of family farmers, strengthening their capabilities, improving their living conditions and contributing to reducing poverty and promoting food security. Furthermore, they promote the preservation of the environment, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and the appreciation of biodiversity.

However, it is important that these policies are constantly reviewed and improved, taking into account the particularities of each region and emerging challenges. Support for family farming should be seen as a strategic investment, capable of boosting rural development, reducing inequalities and promoting global sustainability.

The Rural Pact Conference, held in 2022, marked the search for common objectives related to rural development. At this event, all potentially interested actors were invited to propose commitments, that is, specific actions that are proposed to be carried out to advance towards the objectives established in the rural vision.

To date, around 80 commitments have been presented, reflecting the diversity of ideas and proposals from participants. Half of these commitments are formally established, while the other half are ideas for actions that are still being developed by participants. This wide range of commitments demonstrates the engagement and interest of different actors in promoting positive changes in rural areas.

Of the commitments submitted, approximately 30% come from individuals, while the other 70% come from organizations. Among the organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), public authorities, academic and research institutions, and business organizations stand out. This diverse participation shows that both governmental and non-governmental sectors as well as educational and research institutions recognize the importance of committing to the Rural Pact.

In relation to the countries represented in the commitments, a broad geographic distribution is observed. The top three countries in terms of number of commitments are Spain, Italy and Belgium, followed by Sweden, France, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Austria, Bulgaria and Germany. This diversity of countries demonstrates the international reach of the Rural Pact and its relevance for different rural contexts and realities.

Regarding the topics covered by the commitments, most organizations are involved in rural development, regional policy, agriculture, research and innovation. These areas are key to driving sustainable development and addressing the challenges faced by rural communities. The fact that different actors are committed to addressing these issues reflects the need for a multifaceted and collaborative approach to achieve meaningful results.

Overall, the presentation of commitments under the Rural Pact represents an important step towards a common vision for rural development. This initiative engaged a variety of actors, both individual and organizational, and demonstrated the potential for cooperation and collaboration to drive concrete and positive actions in rural areas. As these commitments are implemented, they are expected to have a significant impact and contribute to building a more prosperous, sustainable and inclusive rural future.

The European Commission recognizes the importance of rural areas and is committed to ensuring their continued sustainable development. In this sense, a long-term vision for rural areas in the European Union (EU) was established until 2040, through an official communication. This vision seeks to create stronger, interconnected, resilient and prosperous rural areas, identifying areas of action to achieve these objectives.

O EU Action Plan for Rural Areas, in turn, is a comprehensive approach that aims to provide specific guidance and instruments to support rural development. It encompasses tangible flagship initiatives, that is, concrete and visible actions that are implemented in different areas and sectors. These initiatives aim to strengthen rural areas, improve connectivity and territorial cohesion, increase resilience and promote prosperity in rural communities.

The combination of the Rural Pact and the EU Action Plan for Rural Areas is a strategic approach that aims to drive significant and positive change in rural areas across the European Union. These initiatives provide a framework for action to implement policies and programs that support rural development, taking into account the specific needs and challenges faced by rural communities.

Through these measures, the EU seeks to strengthen rural areas, promote innovation, improve quality of life, boost economic activity and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of rural areas. Furthermore, these actions contribute to reducing territorial disparities and promoting a more balanced and inclusive approach to development across the entire territory of the European Union.

In short, the vision set out for the EU's rural areas until 2040, together with the Rural Pact and the EU Action Plan for Rural Areas, demonstrate the European Commission's commitment to driving sustainable development and promoting well-being in rural areas. rural areas. These initiatives provide a clear roadmap for implementing concrete and tangible measures that will help achieve the proposed objectives, benefiting both rural communities and society as a whole.

FAO argues that effective social programs play a crucial role in alleviating these problems by providing direct support to families and individuals facing socioeconomic difficulties.

These programs are primarily aimed at providing access to adequate, nutritious food as well as other essential resources such as clean water, healthcare and education. They may include initiatives such as food distribution, income transfer, school feeding programs, rural infrastructure development, agricultural training and training, among others.

In addition to providing immediate support, social programs also aim to address the underlying causes of poverty and food insecurity. They seek to promote sustainable development, strengthen local capacities and create opportunities for people to overcome poverty in a lasting way.

FAO highlights that social programs must be implemented in an integrated manner, addressing the multiple dimensions of poverty and hunger. This includes considering gender issues, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and strengthening local communities. Furthermore, the active participation of beneficiary communities and collaboration between governments, civil society organizations and the private sector are fundamental to the success of these programs.

The International Partnership for Cooperation on Child Labor in Agriculture is an initiative led by FAO in collaboration with several international partners, governments, civil society organizations and the private sector. Its main objective is to combat and eradicate child labor in agriculture, promoting political and practical changes at a global level.

Child labor in agriculture is a serious and persistent concern in many countries, affecting millions of children around the world. These children are often involved in dangerous activities, subjected to precarious working conditions and deprived of access to education and adequate opportunities for growth and development.

The International Partnership for Cooperation on Child Labor in Agriculture aims to raise awareness and mobilize the various actors involved in agriculture, including governments, producers, workers, civil society organizations and consumers. Through this collaboration, we seek to promote significant changes in policies and practices to ensure respect for children's rights and their protection against child labor.

The partnership focuses on an integrated and comprehensive approach, which encompasses awareness raising, the promotion of public policies, the training of key actors, the implementation of inspection and monitoring strategies, as well as international cooperation and the exchange of good practices.

One of the partnership's main activities is the development and implementation of specific national action plans for each participating country. These plans aim to strengthen the normative and regulatory framework related to child labor in agriculture, improve oversight capacity and promote concrete actions to remove children from child labor and provide them with adequate educational and development opportunities.

FAO leads 26 projects supported by the Global Environment Facility to transform agri-food systems into environmental solutions

A Global Environment Facility (GEF) recently approved 26 projects led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with the aim of transforming agri-food systems into solutions to global environmental challenges. These initiatives represent total funding of US$174.7 million from the GEF and will help leverage an additional US$1.2 billion in co-financing.

Projects will address a wide range of environmental issues such as climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, water pollution and sustainable use of natural resources. They aim to promote the transformation of agri-food systems, integrating sustainable agricultural practices, biodiversity conservation, efficient water management and the adoption of low-carbon technologies.

By adopting an integrated approach, these projects aim to not only improve the environmental sustainability of agri-food systems, but also promote increased productivity, food security and the strengthening of rural communities. They emphasize the importance of innovative and low-impact agricultural practices, promoting the conservation of natural resources and the resilience of farmers in the face of climate change.

Furthermore, projects led by FAO also aim to promote social inclusion and gender equity in agri-food systems. They seek to empower smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, through access to resources, training, technology and market opportunities. By strengthening local capacities, these initiatives aim to boost sustainable rural development and reduce inequalities.

The approval of these projects by the GEF demonstrates the recognition of the importance of agri-food systems as a lever for solving global environmental challenges. By investing in innovative and sustainable approaches to agriculture, FAO and its partners seek to promote a transition towards more resilient, inclusive and ecological food systems.

The partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is driving a series of innovative projects to transform agri-food systems into effective solutions to address urgent environmental challenges. With total funding of US$174.7 million from the GEF, these projects have the potential to leverage more than US$1.2 billion in co-financing, marking a significant step towards sustainability and resilience.

The integrated approach of these projects covers several critical areas, including biodiversity loss, climate change, ecosystem degradation and pollution of land, freshwater and oceans. The aim is to create a positive impact on land and seascapes through improved management of protected areas, sustainable agricultural practices, responsible forestry and sustainable fishing.

This strategic initiative aims to restore degraded ecosystems, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, improve the management of shared natural resources and benefit 1.6 million women and men. The projects will contribute to the creation or enhancement of approximately 17.9 million hectares of protected areas, promoting the conservation of globally important forests, the cooperative management of shared aquatic ecosystems and the restoration of 820,000 hectares of ecosystems.

Among the projects, those developed in critical forest biomes, such as Laos, Nicaragua, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Venezuela, stand out. These initiatives, led by FAO and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), aim to protect and conserve forests of global relevance, while improving the management of forest resources.

Additionally, specific programs have been targeted at blue and green islands, addressing the interdependence between the environment and economic systems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Countries such as Cape Verde, Cuba, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago and Vanuatu will benefit from these actions, seeking sustainable development that balances environmental conservation and economic growth.

Ecosystem restoration is also a key component of these projects, involving Côte d'Ivoire, Nepal, São Tomé and Príncipe and Vietnam. These initiatives will be dedicated to revitalizing degraded landscapes, recovering hundreds of millions of hectares and generating economic, ecological and subsistence benefits for local communities.

In addition to large-scale projects, the partnership between FAO and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) also encompasses individual initiatives that aim to address specific challenges related to biodiversity conservation, land degradation, adaptation to climate change and management of shared water systems. These projects are being implemented in several countries, with the aim of strengthening environmental sustainability and food security.

A notable example is the regional project encompassing Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Jordan, Sudan and Yemen. In this region, sustainable fisheries management will be promoted in the Red Sea Large Marine Ecosystem, aiming to preserve fishing resources and guarantee the subsistence of coastal communities.

Another global project will address an urgent issue: reducing marine plastic litter. Through initiatives implemented in Costa Rica, Kenya and Vanuatu, solutions will be tested to mitigate the negative impact of plastic in the oceans, thus protecting marine life and coastal ecosystems.

Venezuela will receive support from FAO to strengthen the management and combat of invasive aquatic species in Coastal Marine Protected Areas. This effort aims to protect biodiversity and preserve the integrity of the country's marine ecosystems.

In other countries, such as Chile, Honduras, Mexico, Haiti, Zambia and Cape Verde, FAO is working to promote environmental sustainability and food security. Actions include income diversification through landscape restoration, integration of biodiversity at different levels of governance, promotion of sustainable land management and adaptation to climate change in local communities.

These individual projects represent a strategic approach adapted to the specific needs of each country, seeking to improve the management of natural resources, strengthen climate resilience and ensure the sustainability of agri-food systems. Through these initiatives, FAO and GEF are working together to comprehensively address environmental challenges and promote a more sustainable and secure future for all.

Therefore, by adopting sustainable agriculture practices, it is possible to obtain long-term economic, environmental and social benefits. This includes improving agricultural productivity, reducing production costs, conserving natural resources, mitigating climate change and promoting food and nutrition security.