FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

News and Press Releases

COVID-19 reignites drive for a “One Health” approach to tackle preventable illnesses at the animal-human-ecosystems interface
Stronger Together: FAO, OIE and WHO commit to joint multi-sectoral efforts in Asia and the Pacific
24.12.2020 Bangkok, Thailand
COVID-19 reignites drive for a “One Health” approach to tackle preventable illnesses at the animal-human-ecosystems interface
As COVID-19 continues to inflict illness and misery across the Asia-Pacific region, three international organizations have vowed to collaborate and intensify their joint efforts to respond to all health threats, including zoonotic influenza, rabies, antimicrobial resistance and those affecting food safety, through a One Health approach. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have reaffirmed...
FAO releases a comprehensive guide to sustainable cricket farming
Consumer interest in edible insects has been rising in recent years and that has driven a traditional, but local, industry in Southeast Asia to expand to meet increasing global demand. To ensure the rapidly increasing supply can adequately respond to international food safety concerns (and ensure sustainable practices), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Thailand’s Khon Kaen University, has today published Guidance on sustainable...
Kiribati strengthens agriculture in the face of COVID-19
Enhancing food security, nutrition and resilience has never been more important in the small island nation of Kiribati than now – in the face of Covid 19 and its associated health and economic impacts.  With funding from UN COVID-19 Response and Recovery Multi-Partner Trust Fund, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN have been working across the agriculture and fisheries industries to strengthen food systems & supply chains...
Kiribati strengthens agriculture in the face of COVID-19
Enhancing food security, nutrition and resilience has never been more important in the small island nation of Kiribati than now – in the face of Covid 19 and its associated health and economic impacts.  With funding from UN COVID-19 Response and Recovery Multi-Partner Trust Fund, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN have been working across the agriculture and fisheries industries to strengthen food systems & supply chains in...
Global Environment Facility approves over $78 million to support FAO-led projects
16 countries will benefit from projects designed to conserve biodiversity, enhance ecosystem services, combat land degradation, and preserve natural resources on land and water
15.12.2020 Rome
Global Environment Facility approves over $78 million to support FAO-led projects
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed the recent decision by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council to approve 13 FAO-led projects in 16 countries, totaling some $78.5 million dollars. The decision came during the 59th GEF Council Meeting and will build upon its June 2020 decision to approve $176 million for FAO-led projects. The projects address global environmental crises that impact the productivity and sustainability...
Small Island Developing State leaders join FAO Director-General to explore pathways to resilience
Brussels Dialogue looked at mitigating COVID-19 impacts on island states
10.12.2020 Brussels/Rome
Small Island Developing State leaders join FAO Director-General to explore pathways to resilience
The world's Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face special food-security strains due to climate change, rising oceans, and high reliance on food imports and tourism, which have declined sharply due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders of island states said at a dialogue organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). FAO Director-General QU Dongyu noted that the SIDS faced unique vulnerabilities and challenges, which have been further...
New FAO report highlights the role of soil organisms in ensuring sustainable agri-food systems and mitigating climate change
Soil organisms play a crucial role in boosting food production, enhancing nutritious diets, preserving human health, remediating pollution and combating climate change, but their contribution remains largely underestimated, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations said today in its report on "The State of Knowledge of Soil Biodiversity". The report was launched on the occasion of World Soil Day, marked on 5 December.  Despite the fact that biodiversity loss is...
Re-establishing fishing in Tuvalu after TC Tino and the impacts of COVID-19
Following the devastation of Cyclone Tino in January and a slowed economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FAO is supporting Tuvalu in rebuilding and sustaining its fisheries programme and providing economic opportunities for fishers. From January 16-19, 2020, Cyclone Tino brought heavy rains and winds that caused catastrophic damage that impacted Tuvalu’s food and fish production systems. Tuvalu’s Government requested FAO to provide technical assistance to rehabilitate fisheries in the aftermath...
Discussions to move FishFAD project forward in programs in Vanuatu
The Vanuatu Fisheries Department (VFD) hosted a programme retreat from September 28-October 2, 2020 on the island of Espiritu Santo at Turtle Bay Lodge. The 40 participants included VFD directors, managers and senior staff; provincial fisheries development officers (FDOs); representatives from the Pacific Pathways and FishFAD projects; stakeholders from the Sanma Secretary General and East Santo Area Council; and village chiefs and fishers. This meeting followed the FishFAD project’s virtual regional...
Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific meets to develop work plan
The 80th Executive Committee meeting of the FAO Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific (APHCA) was held today in the Thai capital Bangkok. Due to the COVID-19 situation the meeting was held virtually with the participation of the Executive Committee members from Australia (chair), India, Iran, Malaysia and Philippines. The establishment of the Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific within the framework of the...