A platform of discussion
The participants of the Adelboden International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development in Mountain Regions (Adelboden, Switzerland, June 2002) jointly agreed to “call on interested countries and other partners to establish an Adelboden Group on Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development in the Mountain Regions...”. According to the Declaration adopted by consensus at Adelboden, this Group is intended to be “a platform for discussion of policies and policy instruments, exchange of experience, and preparation of initiatives”. The Adelboden Group consists of different stakeholders (civil society, governments and international organizations) from all regions of the world.
Third Meeting of the Adelboden Group
October 2007, Rome, Italy
An essential partner for the SARD-M Project
The activity of the Adelboden Group has been focused on the FAO SARD-M Project. During meetings held once a year, the Adelboden Group has been consulted on the substantive content of the project and in particular on the priorities that need to be taken into consideration in the annual work programme of the project, the methodological matters, the themes of regional workshops, and the strategy for disseminating its results. In particular, it discusses the results and recommendations of the project.
The Group provided inputs for the formulation of the Project (First meeting in September 2003), proposed its priorities (Second meeting, October 2004), and discussed and proposed the orientations for its implementation through the Interim Bureau (meetings in December 2005 and November 2006). At its Third meeting in October 2007, the Group discussed and endorsed the key principles identified by the SARD-M Project for improved policy packages and institutional processes for SARD-M as well as major issues of importance to address in the future. These were outlined in a “Statement of the Adelboden Group on SARD-M”, which includes commitments by the various stakeholders for the dissemination of SARD-M Project findings, networking and collaboration for the integration of the SARD-M approach.
Mandate and activities for 2008-2009
The Bureau of the Adelboden Group met in March 2008 and defined the Group’s mandate as follows:
1. Assist national governments to incorporate a “Policies, Institutions, Processes” multisectoral approach. (PIP)
2. To be an action oriented think-tank for early identification of new actions / tools / mechanisms required for both public and private actors to cope with new challenges.
3. Act as a catalyst and driver for PIP through members (organizational and individuals) and appropriate mountain projects (SARD-M)
4. Support local actions to improve mountain livelihoods including though pilot projects with members and partners of governments, NGOs and civil society.
5. Facilitate exchanges of experiences and knowledge amongst various levels of members / players.
For 2008-2009, the Adelboden Group will thus continue its advisory role to the SARD-M Project, advocate on SARD-M policy issues at various events, including the UN Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD) and work towards mobilising funding for projects aiming to valorise positive externalities of mountain regions.
