The WG01 Coordinators are pleased to announce the official launch of the newly created Subgroups on Environmental sustainability. 

This is the result of to the collective reflexion that took place during the Third Conference of the World Banana Forum (WBF) in November 2017 in Geneva and the following discussions during the fourteenth WBF Steering Committee meeting (SC14) Based on the proposals received, WG01 Coordinators have decided to create dedicated Subgroups to promote the most relevant topics in the WG01 agenda with tangible actions. During the meeting, it was stressed the need for WG01 members to lead these sub-groups and activities directly.

The subgroups have been officially presented and launched by their coordinators during a dedicated WG01 call on Monday 18 June 2018. They will allow a better allocation of expertise and resources as well as better coordination, and improved pace of action for the WG01.

Subgroups: 

1 – Farm of the Future
Co-coordinators: George Jaksch (Biodiversity Partnership Mesoamerica-BPM), Jeroen Kroezen (Solidaridad)
Aiming to be an umbrella project for the WG01, the objective is to create a space for creative thinking and exchange, challenging existing practices and proposing substantially improved sustainable banana production models.

2 – Beyond Monoculture
Co-coordinators: Paul Lievens (Banana Link), Gustavo Gandini (Banelino), Alain Normand/Paul Bouzon (Compagnie Fruitière)
Primarily aimed at working on the reduction of use of pesticides in the banana industry and promoting agroecology approaches, including biodiversity and soil health.

3 – Water Management
Co-coordinators: Kahlil Apuzen-Ito (Farmcoop), Diego Balarezo (Solidaridad Peru), Manfred Pulm (Greenyard)
This Subgroup aims to improve water management practices in the banana value chain.

4 - Reinforced WBF Task Force on TR4
Co-coordinators: Luud Clercx (Agrofair), Enrique Uribe (GLOBALG.A.P), Morag Webb (COLEACP)
The Task Force on TR4 has been created in 2013, as a concerted effort of stakeholders of the industry, research institutions, governments and international organizations to cope with the spread of Fusarium wilt TR4. Following a recent assessment, it has been decided to develop and strengthen capacity building and awareness raising activities, especially focused on small farmers.

For more details, contact [email protected]