48 FAO-Led Projects Approved by Global Environment Facility to Empower 46 Countries

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has recently approved 48 of transformative projects, spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), signifying sustainable agri-food systems worldwide. With a staggering investment of 2.9 billion dollars, these initiatives are established to tackle hunger while preserving our environment. In a world grappling with the challenges of hunger and environmental degradation, the need for action has never been more pressing.

The FAO-led projects, spanning 46 countries including key South Asian players like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, are set to benefit 4.2 million people across five diverse regions. By restoring over 4,74,000 hectares of land, implementing sustainable practices on 24 million hectares, and safeguarding 2 million hectares of protected areas, these initiatives promise tangible results on a global scale.

The GEF Council also approved three FAO-led global and regional programs focused on food systems, oceans, and ecosystem restoration. It includes:

The Food System Integrated Program (FSIP)

• Central to FAO's strategy is the emphasis on holistic transformation, evident in the diverse array of projects approved by the GEF Council. The Food Systems Integrated Program (FSIP), in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), stands out as a beacon of comprehensive change.

• With a focus on sustainability from farm to table, FSIP aims to revolutionize agri food systems, ensuring they are not only resilient and inclusive but also environmentally friendly. By aligning with global frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement, FAO underscores its commitment to driving impactful change on a global scale.

Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Program

• Recognizing the critical role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth, FAO's Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Program emerges as a pivotal intervention.

• By targeting land-based pollution in nine Large Marine Ecosystems, including the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea, the program aims to combat marine degradation and safeguard biodiversity

• Through a combination of policy measures, infrastructure investments, and ecosystem-based solutions, FAO's initiative offers a ray of hope for our oceans' future.

Central Asia Water and Land Nexus Program

• In regions grappling with water scarcity and land degradation, FAO's Central Asia Water and Land Nexus Program comes as a lifeline.

• By restoring ecosystems in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, the program not only enhances water security but also uplifts rural livelihoods

• With sustainable water management at its core, FAO's initiative addresses a multitude of challenges, from salinization to soil loss, offering a blueprint for sustainable development in water-stressed regions.