- Sharing knowledge and defending traditional knowhow.
- Managing natural resources and energy (water, soil, forests, energy, biodiversity, sea…).
- Reducing agricultural losses and food waste throughout food chains.
The 2016 FAO-CIHEAM joint edition of Mediterra offers an innovative and prospective approach on the issues of triple waste reduction including agricultural losses, waste of natural resources and waste of knowledge and knowhow. This Report features a collection of shared expertise and local experiences in the Mediterranean region. It provides the keys to understanding and presents solutions for action targeting policy-makers, development operators, professionals and researchers.
Agriculture and food security are two major global challenges. Situated at the heart of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they raise several strategic issues for countries and international cooperation. ‘Produce more and better’, such is the equation to help address the challenges related to population growth, changing consumption patterns and scarcity of natural and financial resources. In this context, the reduction of agricultural losses and food waste has become a priority.
Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development 2016-2025: Investing in environmental sustainability to achieve social and economic development
MSSD 2016-2025 is the result of over two years of intensive collaborative work within the MAP system. The review of the 2005 MSSD was led by the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development (MCSD) with the assistance of the Secretariat to the Barcelona Convention (Coordinating Unit of the Mediterranean Action Plan – UNEP/MAP) through its Plan Bleu Regional Activity Centre (PB/RAC) and the support of the other MAP components (RACs). The MSSD 2016-2025 was developed through a highly inclusive process, in which all member States and regional key stakeholders had the opportunity to participate. Involvement, support, and substantial contributions from many regional and national organisations and stakeholders were crucial to develop this important document.
"Coping with Water Scarcity in Agriculture: a Global Framework for Action in a Changing Climate" is an action-oriented contribution by the FAO to support the development and implementation of policies and programmes on the sustainable use of water in agriculture worldwide" published in 2016.
Water scarcity is one of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century. Agriculture is both a cause and a casualty of water scarcity. It accounts for an estimated 70 percent of global water withdrawals, with freshwater resources heavily stressed by irrigation and food production. While demand for water for agriculture and other uses are increasing rapidly, climate change also affects fresh water resources negatively both in terms of quantity and quality. More frequent and severe droughts are having an impact on agricultural production, while rising temperatures translate into increased crop water demand. Water use is growing at more than twice the rate of population increase, and a 60 percent surge in food demand is expected by 2050. There is an urgent need, therefore, to address water scarcity.
As from April 2017, CIHEAM Bari is a partner of the Global framework for action to cope with water scarcity in agriculture in a changing climate.