The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) have signed an MoU, to enhance their collaboration to build more sustainable and resilient food systems for the benefit of all in the Pacific Islands
The agreement’s objectives aim at promoting sustainable natural resources utilisation and management, biodiversity mainstreaming, ecosystem services, environment planning and assessment, and environmental protection and rehabilitation for transforming agrifood systems to be more resilient, efficient and inclusive in the Pacific region. The MoU was signed by FAO deputy director-general, Laurent Thomas, and SPREP director-general, Sefanaia Nawadra, during a ceremony held on 8 March 2023 in Nadi, Fiji.
Through this MoU, the two organisations will work closely together to address the common challenges and opportunities facing the Pacific region, including climate change, natural resource management, food security and nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods. FAO and SPREP will also promote knowledge-sharing, capacity development, and joint programming to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other regional and international agreements.
"Recognising multiple challenges that the Pacific Island countries face, including the still ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and increase in prices of food, feed, fuel, and fertiliser and difficult access to finance – known collectively as the 5F crisis, FAO is committed to supporting Pacific countries in achieving their sustainable development goals, particularly in the areas of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries,” said Thomas. “This MoU with SPREP is an important step towards strengthening our partnership and enhancing our collective efforts to address the challenges facing the region. Together, we can build more sustainable and resilient food systems and contribute to a more sustainable future for all."
Under the MoU, FAO and SPREP will collaborate on a range of activities, including policy and technical advice, capacity development, knowledge-sharing, and joint programming. The two organisations will also explore opportunities to leverage funding and resources from other partners to support their joint initiatives.
