Latest news with #FAO-led
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
USD 8.9 Million Approved For Climate-Resilient Agriculture In Solomon Islands
Press Release – FAO Resilient Rural Economic Growth and Food Security project aims to transform how food is grown, accessed, and sustained in the Solomons promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing national policies, strengthening local governance, improving … Bangkok, 10 June 2025 – The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) has approved USD 8.9 million in grant funding for an FAO-led initiative to strengthen food security and climate resilience in the Solomon Islands. With rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and a large rural population dependent on agriculture and fisheries for livelihoods and food, the Solomon Islands is among the world's most climate-vulnerable nations. Bolstered by over USD 29 million in co-financing, the Resilient Rural Economic Growth and Food Security project aims to transform how food is grown, accessed, and sustained in the Solomons – promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing national policies, strengthening local governance, and improving availability and access to climate information. GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodríguez said that the project was a powerful example of how locally led action can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for transformation. 'By combining scientific knowledge with traditional practices and anticipating future environmental risks, this collaboration with the Government of Solomon Islands will equip communities to adapt not only their crops and coastlines, but their entire way of life,' Rodríguez said. 'This is adaptation action that is inclusive, anticipatory, and deeply rooted in local leadership.' The project will improve the management of more than 36 000 hectares of land and coastal areas for climate resilience, train more than 60 000 people, and directly benefit more than 75 000 people. The project targets five provinces – Malaita, Guadalcanal, Choiseul, Temotu, and Rennel/Bellona – that underpin national food security, face heightened climate change hazards, and hold high potential as models for scalable, community-led adaptation. Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces are key agricultural hubs with high exposure to climate-induced crop losses. Choiseul, Temotu, and Rennell/Bellona are remote provinces with limited market access and infrastructure, where communities are highly dependent on natural resources and traditional food systems. Working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, this project will integrate climate adaptation into national and local food systems policies and create a 'one-stop shop' for climate information, advisory services, innovative practices, and mechanisms to attract public and private investment. In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, the project will enhance community-level planning and conflict management capacities. It also seeks to safeguard traditional knowledge and governance systems, ensuring that adaptation measures are socially inclusive and culturally appropriate. The project will also promote diversified livelihoods and train farmers to interpret and apply climate information in their agricultural practices. The project aims to scale out these innovations across the Solomon Islands through strengthened research institutions and dissemination of best practices. By integrating climate resilience into the Solomon Island's agrifood system from national policy to on-farm practices, the project will support rural livelihoods, improve food security, and promote sustainable income opportunities. Managed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the LDCF is the only global fund dedicated to helping Least Developed Countries adapt to climate change. It supports locally led solutions across agriculture, water, health, infrastructure, and more – strengthening systems, scaling finance, and building resilience where it's needed most. The LDCF has delivered more than $2.35 billion in grants to date – supporting the transition from incremental to transformational adaptation across 51 countries.
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
USD 8.9 Million Approved For Climate-Resilient Agriculture In Solomon Islands
Press Release – FAO Resilient Rural Economic Growth and Food Security project aims to transform how food is grown, accessed, and sustained in the Solomons promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing national policies, strengthening local governance, improving … Bangkok, 10 June 2025 – The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) has approved USD 8.9 million in grant funding for an FAO-led initiative to strengthen food security and climate resilience in the Solomon Islands. With rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and a large rural population dependent on agriculture and fisheries for livelihoods and food, the Solomon Islands is among the world's most climate-vulnerable nations. Bolstered by over USD 29 million in co-financing, the Resilient Rural Economic Growth and Food Security project aims to transform how food is grown, accessed, and sustained in the Solomons – promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing national policies, strengthening local governance, and improving availability and access to climate information. GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodríguez said that the project was a powerful example of how locally led action can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for transformation. 'By combining scientific knowledge with traditional practices and anticipating future environmental risks, this collaboration with the Government of Solomon Islands will equip communities to adapt not only their crops and coastlines, but their entire way of life,' Rodríguez said. 'This is adaptation action that is inclusive, anticipatory, and deeply rooted in local leadership.' The project will improve the management of more than 36 000 hectares of land and coastal areas for climate resilience, train more than 60 000 people, and directly benefit more than 75 000 people. The project targets five provinces – Malaita, Guadalcanal, Choiseul, Temotu, and Rennel/Bellona – that underpin national food security, face heightened climate change hazards, and hold high potential as models for scalable, community-led adaptation. Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces are key agricultural hubs with high exposure to climate-induced crop losses. Choiseul, Temotu, and Rennell/Bellona are remote provinces with limited market access and infrastructure, where communities are highly dependent on natural resources and traditional food systems. Working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, this project will integrate climate adaptation into national and local food systems policies and create a 'one-stop shop' for climate information, advisory services, innovative practices, and mechanisms to attract public and private investment. In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, the project will enhance community-level planning and conflict management capacities. It also seeks to safeguard traditional knowledge and governance systems, ensuring that adaptation measures are socially inclusive and culturally appropriate. The project will also promote diversified livelihoods and train farmers to interpret and apply climate information in their agricultural practices. The project aims to scale out these innovations across the Solomon Islands through strengthened research institutions and dissemination of best practices. By integrating climate resilience into the Solomon Island's agrifood system from national policy to on-farm practices, the project will support rural livelihoods, improve food security, and promote sustainable income opportunities. Managed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the LDCF is the only global fund dedicated to helping Least Developed Countries adapt to climate change. It supports locally led solutions across agriculture, water, health, infrastructure, and more – strengthening systems, scaling finance, and building resilience where it's needed most. The LDCF has delivered more than $2.35 billion in grants to date – supporting the transition from incremental to transformational adaptation across 51 countries.
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
USD 8.9 Million Approved For Climate-Resilient Agriculture In Solomon Islands
Bangkok, 10 June 2025 – The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) has approved USD 8.9 million in grant funding for an FAO-led initiative to strengthen food security and climate resilience in the Solomon Islands. With rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and a large rural population dependent on agriculture and fisheries for livelihoods and food, the Solomon Islands is among the world's most climate-vulnerable nations. Bolstered by over USD 29 million in co-financing, the Resilient Rural Economic Growth and Food Security project aims to transform how food is grown, accessed, and sustained in the Solomons – promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing national policies, strengthening local governance, and improving availability and access to climate information. GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodríguez said that the project was a powerful example of how locally led action can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for transformation. 'By combining scientific knowledge with traditional practices and anticipating future environmental risks, this collaboration with the Government of Solomon Islands will equip communities to adapt not only their crops and coastlines, but their entire way of life,' Rodríguez said. 'This is adaptation action that is inclusive, anticipatory, and deeply rooted in local leadership.' The project will improve the management of more than 36 000 hectares of land and coastal areas for climate resilience, train more than 60 000 people, and directly benefit more than 75 000 people. The project targets five provinces – Malaita, Guadalcanal, Choiseul, Temotu, and Rennel/Bellona – that underpin national food security, face heightened climate change hazards, and hold high potential as models for scalable, community-led adaptation. Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces are key agricultural hubs with high exposure to climate-induced crop losses. Choiseul, Temotu, and Rennell/Bellona are remote provinces with limited market access and infrastructure, where communities are highly dependent on natural resources and traditional food systems. Working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, this project will integrate climate adaptation into national and local food systems policies and create a 'one-stop shop' for climate information, advisory services, innovative practices, and mechanisms to attract public and private investment. In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, the project will enhance community-level planning and conflict management capacities. It also seeks to safeguard traditional knowledge and governance systems, ensuring that adaptation measures are socially inclusive and culturally appropriate. The project will also promote diversified livelihoods and train farmers to interpret and apply climate information in their agricultural practices. The project aims to scale out these innovations across the Solomon Islands through strengthened research institutions and dissemination of best practices. By integrating climate resilience into the Solomon Island's agrifood system from national policy to on-farm practices, the project will support rural livelihoods, improve food security, and promote sustainable income opportunities. Managed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the LDCF is the only global fund dedicated to helping Least Developed Countries adapt to climate change. It supports locally led solutions across agriculture, water, health, infrastructure, and more – strengthening systems, scaling finance, and building resilience where it's needed most. The LDCF has delivered more than $2.35 billion in grants to date – supporting the transition from incremental to transformational adaptation across 51 countries.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pinduoduo, FAO Hold Global Digital Agriculture Bootcamp for Young Innovators in China
DALI, China, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A group of young entrepreneurs from eight countries have completed a three-day digital agriculture bootcamp in Yunnan province, part of a global effort to equip the next generation of agrifood leaders with the skills and tools needed to solve real-world farming challenges. The Digital Agriculture Innovation Bootcamp, co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Zhejiang University, and e-commerce platform Pinduoduo, brought together 18 startup founders for hands-on training and field research. All participants were previous winners of the Global AgriInno Challenge, an FAO-led competition recognizing youth-led innovation in agriculture. "At FAO, we believe that youth-led innovation powered by emerging technologies and Digital Public Infrastructure can play a transformative role in building more climate-resilient, efficient, and equitable agrifood systems," said Vincent Martin, director of the FAO Office of Innovation. The bootcamp builds on the momentum of past competitions and is part of Pinduoduo's ongoing campaign to drive agricultural modernization through digital tools and scientific innovation. The program was split into two parts. The Yunnan leg, held in the ancient village of Gusheng in Dali, gave participants firsthand exposure to how digital agriculture is being deployed at the grassroots level. Entrepreneurs conducted interviews with local farmers, visited "Science and Technology Courtyards," or field-based research stations, and observed smart farming initiatives aimed at improving soil health and reducing chemical use. "Mechanized planting and modern practices are transforming local agriculture," said Robinson, a startup founder from Peru who took part in the bootcamp. "Seeing firsthand how digital tools are improving efficiency and sustainability has been incredibly valuable." The first part of the bootcamp was held at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, where participants were introduced to innovation tools such as stakeholder mapping, needs assessment, and startup fundraising. Experts from FAO, Pinduoduo, and top agricultural universities shared practical strategies for scaling agri-tech solutions in smallholder contexts. Back in Dali, participants learned how local farmers use app-based platforms to order fertilizer tailored to their crop and soil profiles. One pilot program has reportedly reduced nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into nearby Erhai Lake by more than 30%. "This exchange gave me new ways to think about adoption," said Robinson, the startup founder. "Farmers won't pay for innovation—they'll pay for solutions that improve their lives." For Pinduoduo, the bootcamp is part of a long-term commitment to agricultural development. The company has continuously supported initiatives such as the Global AgriInno Challenge, the Science and Technology Courtyard Competition, and now this bootcamp, all under its mission to strengthen agriculture through digital commerce and technology. In April, Pinduoduo announced a new RMB 100 billion support plan to deepen investment in farmer support and agri-tech innovation. Agricultural research, talent development, and technology promotion are core parts of the strategy. The company said it will continue using its digital platform to improve productivity at the source of the supply chain and support rural revitalization efforts. "Innovation technology is the wind, data empowerment is the rain, and multidisciplinary talent is the plow. Together, they drive modern agriculture forward," said Hou Kaidi, vice president at Pinduoduo. "In the next three years, we will continue to leverage the company's digital platform and resources to support global agricultural talent development and innovation, allowing the fruits of science and technology to take root in the fields and energize rural revitalization." FAO said it will continue building its global network of Digital Agriculture Innovation Hubs, linking governments, academia, the private sector and farmers to fast-track sustainable transformation in food systems worldwide. SOURCE Pinduoduo Sign in to access your portfolio
Cision Canada
5 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Pinduoduo, FAO Hold Global Digital Agriculture Bootcamp for Young Innovators in China
DALI, China, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ -- A group of young entrepreneurs from eight countries have completed a three-day digital agriculture bootcamp in Yunnan province, part of a global effort to equip the next generation of agrifood leaders with the skills and tools needed to solve real-world farming challenges. The Digital Agriculture Innovation Bootcamp, co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Zhejiang University, and e-commerce platform Pinduoduo, brought together 18 startup founders for hands-on training and field research. All participants were previous winners of the Global AgriInno Challenge, an FAO-led competition recognizing youth-led innovation in agriculture. "At FAO, we believe that youth-led innovation powered by emerging technologies and Digital Public Infrastructure can play a transformative role in building more climate-resilient, efficient, and equitable agrifood systems," said Vincent Martin, director of the FAO Office of Innovation. The bootcamp builds on the momentum of past competitions and is part of Pinduoduo's ongoing campaign to drive agricultural modernization through digital tools and scientific innovation. The program was split into two parts. The Yunnan leg, held in the ancient village of Gusheng in Dali, gave participants firsthand exposure to how digital agriculture is being deployed at the grassroots level. Entrepreneurs conducted interviews with local farmers, visited "Science and Technology Courtyards," or field-based research stations, and observed smart farming initiatives aimed at improving soil health and reducing chemical use. "Mechanized planting and modern practices are transforming local agriculture," said Robinson, a startup founder from Peru who took part in the bootcamp. "Seeing firsthand how digital tools are improving efficiency and sustainability has been incredibly valuable." The first part of the bootcamp was held at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, where participants were introduced to innovation tools such as stakeholder mapping, needs assessment, and startup fundraising. Experts from FAO, Pinduoduo, and top agricultural universities shared practical strategies for scaling agri-tech solutions in smallholder contexts. Back in Dali, participants learned how local farmers use app-based platforms to order fertilizer tailored to their crop and soil profiles. One pilot program has reportedly reduced nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into nearby Erhai Lake by more than 30%. "This exchange gave me new ways to think about adoption," said Robinson, the startup founder. "Farmers won't pay for innovation—they'll pay for solutions that improve their lives." For Pinduoduo, the bootcamp is part of a long-term commitment to agricultural development. The company has continuously supported initiatives such as the Global AgriInno Challenge, the Science and Technology Courtyard Competition, and now this bootcamp, all under its mission to strengthen agriculture through digital commerce and technology. In April, Pinduoduo announced a new RMB 100 billion support plan to deepen investment in farmer support and agri-tech innovation. Agricultural research, talent development, and technology promotion are core parts of the strategy. The company said it will continue using its digital platform to improve productivity at the source of the supply chain and support rural revitalization efforts. "Innovation technology is the wind, data empowerment is the rain, and multidisciplinary talent is the plow. Together, they drive modern agriculture forward," said Hou Kaidi, vice president at Pinduoduo. "In the next three years, we will continue to leverage the company's digital platform and resources to support global agricultural talent development and innovation, allowing the fruits of science and technology to take root in the fields and energize rural revitalization." FAO said it will continue building its global network of Digital Agriculture Innovation Hubs, linking governments, academia, the private sector and farmers to fast-track sustainable transformation in food systems worldwide.
