Agroecology, nature-based solutions, sustainability, and ecosystem restoration are essential to guarantee the adaptation and contribution of territorial food systems to mitigating impacts. However, achieving environmental and social sustainability requires fair remuneration for farmers’ ecosystem goods and services
Globally, local actors are increasingly interested in differentiation approaches to preserve and promote the identity of their products. Origin and quality signs, certifications, labelings, and territory-linked marketing strategies are some of the tools opted by local farmers to be better visible, obtain premium prices, and revitalize the biological and cultural heritage of their regions.
As a contrast, the impact on sustainability is often assumed without being defined or evaluated in accordance with rigorous and well-established criteria. In response, the European Commission released in 2022 a regulation proposal for EU Geographical Indications, which includes a voluntary sustainability approach for future PDOs and PGIs. Additionally, organizations such as FAO contribute actively with tools and methodologies towards the assessment of the sustainability and resilience of food systems.
In this session, we will present examples of agroecological practices evaluated in Bhutan, as well as approaches taken in the African and European contexts, complemented by the AniTerrAE project funded by the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) and carried out by FAO in collaboration with ODT.