BAKU, Azerbaijan (21 November 2024) - In the face of mounting challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, and global food insecurity, experts at COP 29 emphasized the critical need for transforming food systems and how a multisectoral approach to climate action can help countries achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), and advance the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The panel session, “Harvesting Change: Sustainable Food Systems for Climate and Biodiversity Solutions,” was a side event during the 29th Conference of Parties in Baku, Azerbaijan. Hosted by CGIAR and FAO, it brought together a diverse group of panelists, participants, and stakeholders from various sectors to share their knowledge and insights, including the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Food, Proveg International, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Mercy for Animals, the Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources of The Gambia, food packaging company Tetra Pak, and CGIAR centers WorldFish, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Reimagining food systems

During the discussion, the transformation of food systems emerged as a cornerstone for addressing global challenges. Panelists called for a food systems approach, which connects agricultural production, distribution, and consumption to environmental and societal goals. This holistic perspective emphasizes collaboration across sectors, actionable governance mechanisms, and policies that promote sustainability. Countries were encouraged to develop National Food Pathways, integrated strategies prioritizing co-benefits such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions while improving nutrition.

Gender and cultural sensitivity were also discussed. FAO Deputy Director Nancy Aburto spoke about FAO-led initiatives in South Sudan that integrated women's empowerment with small-scale farming to improve nutrition and resilience. Similarly, school feeding programs in several countries incorporating locally sourced fish provided stable markets for small producers while addressing malnutrition. Culturally-appropriate solutions also ensured long-term sustainability, with programs aligning with local dietary preferences to gain community acceptance and deliver lasting benefits.

Examples of impact

The discussion revealed several examples of how food systems can be transformed to contribute to both climate resilience and biodiversity conservation while ensuring food security and improving livelihoods:

• The Gambian Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources Deputy Permanent Secretary Malang Darboe shared that a $25 million Green Climate Fund project is helping revitalize aquaculture in the country by constructing fish tanks, restoring ecosystems, and introducing climate-smart processing methods. The initiative benefits over 167,000 individuals, with more than half being women, empowering them through improved livelihoods and ecosystem restoration efforts like mangrove planting.
   
• IRRI Regional Director for Asia Jongsoo Shin highlighted how the Rice-Fish Farming Project in Myanmar is helping enhance livelihoods and nutrition while reducing greenhouse gasses. This innovative approach, which combines rice cultivation with fish rearing, not only provides farmers with fish to eat and sell but also lessens their reliance on agrochemicals and aerates the water, minimizing methane emissions.
   
• Researcher Netsayi Mudege of Worldfish shared that, in collaboration with the government of Zambia, they are pioneering climate-smart aquaculture solutions, including quality inputs and feed, temperature early warning systems, solar dryers, and integrated agriculture-aquaculture systems. These initiatives improve food security, reduce food waste, and mitigate the effects of climate change on vulnerable communities.
   
• Richard Ali, Director of Corporate Affairs, Strategy, and Stakeholder Relations of Tetra Pak, spoke about how his company is leading efforts to reduce waste and emissions through advanced manufacturing technologies. Its "One Step" milk processing system cuts CO2 emissions by 38% while significantly lowering energy and water use. The company also collaborates with SMEs to adopt sustainable practices, demonstrating the private sector's role in driving transformation.

Unlocking opportunities for transformation

Despite some successes, significant challenges remain. A lack of data on the combined impacts of nutrition and climate interventions hinders the ability to design and scale integrated strategies. Financing is another critical barrier, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, which often lack access to streamlined funding mechanisms. Moreover, many national climate plan,s like NDC,s fail to fully incorporate food systems. Stronger alignment between food systems and global frameworks was urged, emphasizing the urgent need to include sustainable food practices in climate and biodiversity strategies.

Programs like the Nourishing Food Pathways and the Initiative on Climate Action and Nutrition are helping bridge the gaps between climate-sensitive and nutrition-sensitive interventions. Data tools such as the Food Systems Dashboard, Financial Flows to Food Systems (3FS), and the Policy Coherence Tool promote aligned and effective decision-making.

A call to action

To achieve meaningful transformation, several priorities were underscored:

• Breaking silos: Governments and organizations must align goals across the agriculture, climate, and biodiversity sectors.
   
• Localized solutions: Community-driven initiatives and subnational planning are crucial for tangible results.
   
• Empowering SMEs: Simplified financing systems can enable small businesses to adopt sustainable practices and technologies.
   
• Global leadership: International frameworks must integrate food systems to unlock their full potential for climate and biodiversity solutions.

The global food system stands at the intersection of climate resilience, biodiversity preservation, and nutrition improvement. Programs integrating food systems into national strategies must also bridge the gap between high-level policies and grassroots implementation, empowering primary producers and marginalized communities.

While hurdles persist, the collective commitment of governments, businesses, and communities can provide a strong foundation for progress. Through collaboration, innovation, and equity-driven approaches, food system transformation is not only possible but already underway, offering hope for a more resilient and sustainable future.