Transforming Food Systems for People and Nature
The Food Systems Integrated Program operates within the Global Environment Facility's eighth replenishment cycle (GEF-8), which includes 11 integrated programs designed to accelerate action towards an equitable, nature-positive, carbon-neutral, and pollution-free world.
With USD 283 million in GEF financing, the program builds strategic momentum from previous initiatives, including GEF-6 and GEF-7 Resilient Food Systems, the Good Growth Partnership and the Drylands Sustainable Landscapes, while maintaining close alignment with the GEF-7 Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program.
Program Alignment With Global Priorities
The program delivers global environmental benefits in the GEF focal areas of biodiversity, climate change, and land degradation, supporting the implementation of the three Rio Conventions: the Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). In doing so, it helps countries meet key global commitments, including the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Paris Agreement, and Land Degradation Neutrality targets.
It also builds the momentum for agrifood systems transformation accelerated by the UN Food Systems Summit (2021) and reinforced by the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action (2023).
Its social and economic benefits also contribute to progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, supporting FAO's mission of efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.
Governance
At the global level, the Global Coordination Project (GCP), jointly implemented by FAO and IFAD, provides strategic coordination, facilitates knowledge exchange, and strengthens collaboration across countries.
Oversight is provided by a Program and Project Steering Committee, while a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) offers independent technical guidance and quality assurance. Regular coordination among partners supports transparency, learning, and effective delivery.
Global Coordination Project Team
Hernan Gonzalez
GCP FSIP Coordinator, FAOMassimo Giovanola
GCP FSIP Co-Coordinator, IFAD
Patrick Kalas
Knowledge, Learning & Systemic Capacity Development Lead/Hub 4 Coordinator, FAONevena Bakalar
Knowledge Management Co-lead & Partnerships Focal Point, IFAD
Adrian Barrance
GCP FSIP Senior Strategic Advisor, FAOMichael von During
GCP FSIP Technical Specialist, IFAD
Bojana Milovanovic
Communications and Outreach Specialist, GEF Integrated Programs, FAOSoma Chakrabarti
International Gender, Social Inclusion and Youth Specialist
Alaa Nassif
GEF Integrated Programs Operational SpecialistMarco Sacchetta
GEF Funding Liaison Specialist, FAO
Funding Partner
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the world's largest multilateral fund for the environment. Its family of funds works together to address the planet's most pressing challenges in an integrated way. Its financing helps developing countries address complex challenges and work towards meeting international environmental goals. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $27 billion in financing, primarily as grants, and mobilized another $155 billion for country-driven priority projects.
Our Partners
FAO and IFAD partner with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to implement the country projects, as well as with other strategic partners, including the Nature Conservancy (TNC), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and YPARD.
Governments from 32 participating countries are key partners in implementing the Food Systems Integrated Program on the ground. They are driving the transition towards more sustainable, resilient and inclusive food systems, ensuring alignment with national priorities and global environmental goals.
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