Through the transformation of agrifood systems in 10 municipalities in western Cuba, a new project of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aims to help increase food production with a focus on sustainability in fishing, forestry and agricultural practices.
With funding of 9.3 million dollars and a duration of five years, some 7,000 hectares of agricultural land and 600 hectares of forests will be restored, FAO, in charge of the initiative together with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Center for Research on Protein Plants and Bionatural Products (CIPB), reported on its web site.
“Blue and green development in Cuba's food and urban sectors” is the name of the project, which has a circular economy approach and will implement financial incentives in the public and private sector.
According to the report, it is expected to achieve sustainable productive growth of food production at the local level without compromising existing natural resources, which will improve the capacity to face the impacts of climate change.
It is also estimated to reduce greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions by 1,231,676 tons.
FAO emphasizes that this project, part of the Global Integrated Blue and Green Islands Program, will benefit some 18,694 people, more than half of whom are women.
Manuel Sobrino, president of the CIPB, highlighted during the opening workshop the importance of the initiative for local development, by promoting the sustainability of local food systems and reinforcing the environmental component for the benefit of nature and society.
The information highlights that the project in Cuba will be an essential pillar in the national efforts for the transition towards a sovereign, sustainable and resilient productive matrix, guaranteeing the protection and management of productive ecosystems.
