26 May 2023, Ankara – Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Regional Cooperation Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (BSEC-CSFS) has launched a dedicated website to promote the food systems transformation agenda in the BSEC region, and to contribute to building a network of food system professionals. The BSEC-CSFS website will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and information on the Centre’s activities, and will provide updates on food systems and food security in the region, related reference materials, guidelines, and information from member states and partners.

BSEC-CSFS was established in Ankara, Türkiye, by member states of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) in November 2020 under a project implemented by FAO within the scope of the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programme on Food and Agriculture (FTPP II). The creation of the BSEC-CSFS was a response to dramatic changes in food systems worldwide, many of which have become increasingly globalized, concentrated, industrialized, and science and capital-intensive.

The launch of the BSEC-CSFS website reflects efforts by Türkiye, BSEC and FAO to tackle current challenges in food systems at a regional level. The website will serve as a knowledge hub and facilitate the sharing of information and experience among food systems stakeholders in the Black Sea region and beyond.

The website also provides important information about food systems frameworks and the current state of food systems in the BSEC region. Visitors can access relevant publications including individual country food systems assessment reports, which provide useful data for decision-makers and agri-food professionals alike. In addition, the website contains information about training and relevant press releases among other features.

Additionally, the “Join Us” section of the website enables individuals or institutions to communicate their work and ideas on food systems, providing a useful tool to contribute to the establishment of a regional platform for food systems. 

The website can be accessed at www.bseccsfs.org/en 

About the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programmes

The objectives of the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programmes are to provide support to ensure food security, rural poverty reduction and sustainable forest management; combat desertification; and preserve ecosystems in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and other countries of mutual interest. 

Established in 2007, the first phase of the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programme on Food and Agriculture (FTPP) has benefited from trust fund contributions totalling USD 10 million, financed by the Government of Türkiye and represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. During the first phase of the programme, 28 projects were implemented in 16 countries between 2009 and 2015. 

In 2014, Türkiye and FAO commenced the second phase of the FTPP along with the first phase of the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP), with additional funding of USD 20 million, bringing Türkiye’s total contribution to USD 30 million.

LINKS:

• Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization Regional Cooperation Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (BSEC-CSFS)/project flyer
• Conference spotlights regional food system sustainability

Available at: