In this issue, we discuss the Global Bioenergy Partnership and the important work it is undertaking – in collaboration with governments and international organizations - to establish sustainability indicators for bioenergy projects. We also report on the Food for the Cities Initiative, an integrative approach to coordinating FAO’s activities in urban and peri-urban areas and sharing best practices with other international and civil society organizations. Finally, we introduce the new water report: Climate change, water and food security.

In assessing the anticipated impacts of climate change on agriculture and agricultural water management, it is clear that water availability (from rainfall, watercourses and aquifers) will be a critical factor. Substantial adaptation will be needed to ensure adequate supply and efficient utilization of what will, in many instances, be a declining resource.

In this issue, we look plans underway for the launch of a new Global Soil Partnership, an ambitious attempt to support a global effort to work on common issues related to soil management. We also examine a regional project focused on assisting four Andean countries - Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador – with issues of climate change adaptation and disaster risk management in the agricultural sector. Finally, we invite you to participate in an online conference addressing issues related to policies and practices of water allocation in Asia, with a special focus on agriculture.

The concept of a green economy has lately gained currency as the world has been searching for solution to multiple global changes, especially in the midst of the global economic crisis in 2008. The UN Joint Crisis Initiative 4 on the Green Economy, led by UNEP, is currently investigating this concept and a Green Economy Report, covering all sectors’ contributions to the green economy is being prepared. The United Nations General Assembly has selected the “green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty alleviation” as one of the main themes of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) to be held in Rio, Brazil in 2012.