FAO Geneva (LOG), in close collaboration with the Permanent Missions of Bolivia and  the Republic of Ecuador to the UN in Geneva and Uniterre and La Via Campesina, are organizing an "Agroecology Fair: Living in Harmony with Mother Earth” at the Palais des Nations, from 24-28 April 2017 to mark the  International Day of Mother Earth.　

The event aims at sensitizing the Geneva community about the importance of agro-ecology for the preservation of biodiversity, traditional knowledge and the improvement of social conditions. In particular, the exhibition contributes to raise awareness of the value of agro-ecology for the rights of peasants. The event features FAO relevant publications, posters and photos from the fields as well as food and agricultural products from the farming communities which are also made available for tasting.

The opening took place on 24 April and was facilitated by Mr Francesco Pisana, Director of the UNOG Library, with the participation of more than 80 spectators. 　

Speaking at the opening, Ambassador Nardi Suxo of Bolivia highlighted that “the promotion of agroecology in line with the respect of the rights of smallholder farmers would help realize the right to food, reduce rural poverty, improve nutrition and adapt to climate change”.　

Ms. Monica Martinez, Minister at the Permanent Mission of Ecuador in Geneva, stated that Bolivia and Ecuador have been working closely at national, regional and sub-regional levels to promote the  full implementation  of the principle of Harmony with Nature adopted in Rio in 1992. She added today’s fair has demonstrated that countries and local (indigenous) communities have been implementing sustainable agricultural practices for hundred years. It also provides concrete examples of these less expensive practices  which  could be used to adopt sustainable food production and consumption systems.　

Mr Celso De Carvalho, Officer-in-Charge of FAO Geneva noted that, “agro-ecology reaches its full potential when the enabling political environment is in place, and when farmers have the opportunity to collaborate and exchange knowledge and experience among themselves, with the support of scientists, researchers, educators and decision makers”.

More information:
Silvano Sofia, FAO Geneva, [email protected]