Regional dialogue on people of African descent and rurality in Latin America and the Caribbean

Live broadcast

Context

According to 2024 estimates, based on national census, 22.5% of the rural population in Latin America is people of African descent, which is a relevant aspect from a political, economic and social point of view. 

It is important to highlight the relevance of rurality, where African descent ancestral territories are located, a special reservoir of traditional knowledge. These ancestral territories allow communities to preserve their own practices of seed care, food production and the protection of biodiversity for the benefit of their communities and human race, driven by men and women who have been able to develop strategies for the organisation and governance of the territory.

For FAO, it is essential to strengthen and enhance the work with people of African descent and rurality to reach the Sustainable Development Goals.  In this regard, the creation of spaces for dialogue, collaboration, alliances and collaborative construction for action is a path that opens possibilities for greater visibility, recognition and participation.

Therefore, we invite you to dialogue with the Permanent Forum for people of African descent, government authorities and African descent organisations and other high-level strategic allies (RRI, The Tenure Facility, ILC, etc.), together with FAO, ECLAC and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia. This dialogue will address the progress, current gaps and necessary actions to identify ways to promote more inclusive public policies that enhance the recognition of people of African descent, the protection of ancestral knowledge, genetic resources and the right to land, considering the challenges and recommendations that allow the enhancement of alliances, the identification of courses of action and agreements focusing on the next Global Biodiversity Summit COP 16.