Recognizing the need to take a more holistic and strategic approach to development support and poverty alleviation, FAO established its Sustainable Development Department in January 1995. The new department serves as a global reference centre for knowledge and advice on the biophysical, biological, socio-economic and social dimensions of sustainable development. It aims at promoting, coordinating and leading in the formulation of concepts, policies and strategies for:

§          Greater involvement of rural people, especially the poor and women, in their own development

§          Generation and transfer of knowledge and technologies for sustainable development

§          Management of natural resources and protection of the environment

The Department is also charged with the responsibility of coordinating FAO's follow-up to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), post-UNCED Conventions and International Summits on Population, Social Development and Women. It develops and promotes sustainability concepts, strategies and methodologies in the development programmes of FAO member countries, and more specifically in the work programmes of FAO technical departments.