COP16 side event: Agroecology policies for food system transformation and their contribution to NBSAPs

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The transition from conventional agriculture to agroecology and sustainable agri-food systems is a global priority. At the international level, various treaties, conventions, and agendas emphasize the need to address profound changes in production systems to contribute to sustainability and mitigate planetary damage. Agroecology is presented as a viable alternative for advancing sustainable development and an effective strategy to simultaneously address community rights, territorial development, and biodiversity conservation.

In recent decades, there has been a reported growth in agroecology and various life-centered agricultural practices (organic, regenerative, tropical, biodynamic, permaculture, among others). However, most food production in Colombia and worldwide continues to follow the conventional model, leading to increased environmental and social impacts.

Internationally, there has been significant progress in promoting public policies on agroecology and incorporating it as an essential strategy for transforming food systems and conserving biodiversity. “Agroecological food systems are uniquely positioned to simultaneously address the crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and hunger. These systems are based on principles of diversity, resilience, and equity” (Agroecology Coalition 2023).

During the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit, the Global Coalition for Agroecology, known as the Agroecology Coalition, was launched. This coalition brings together groups of organizations and institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, with an integrated and systemic approach to food systems at scale, aiming to support national pathways for transforming food systems.

In Colombia, the methodological process for the participatory development of public agroecology policy began in 2023. This process has included various spaces for participation and dialogue with social and community organizations, as well as other stakeholders interested in agroecology. Colombia’s public agroecology policy was officially launched during this side event at COP16 at the Colombia Pavilion. The policy has the goal of promoting agroecology and other life-centered agricultural practices to build territorial food systems that contribute to productive transformation, food sovereignty, biodiversity conservation, and buen vivir (good living).