Nature based Solutions for decent rural youth employment in agri-food systems

Committee on World Food Security, CFS 51

23-27 October 2023, Rome, Italy
 

Session Title: Nature based Solutions for decent rural youth employment in agri-food systems
Organizers: IUCN and FAO
Location: Iran Room – Hybrid
Language: English

Session Description

The contribution of Nature based Solutions (NbS) to climate action and Nature conservation is increasingly gaining attention globally. Nevertheless, their application in agriculture, and their impacts on food security and employment opportunities have largely been overlooked, especially considering youth inclusion in equitable agricultural value-chains. This session will seek to clarify the concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), discuss their use in agriculture, and see how these NbS could support the shift from grey to green resources, and promote equitable and inclusive agricultural value chains.

Speakers, including farmers, experts and countries representatives will:
(1) Share knowledge and experiences related to the implementation of Nature-based Solutions in agriculture; 
(2) Discuss potential challenges and pre-requisites for NbS to contribute to inclusive and equitable production systems, creating green jobs especially for the youth; and
(3) Draw lessons, including on the role of key support actors, including governments and financial institutions.

Expected outcomes

• Provide practical examples of Nature based Solutions in agriculture and their contribution to decent employment opportunities, especially for the youth.
• Inspire farmers and actors across the agriculture value chain to design and implement nature based actions that contribute to increased inclusivity.
• Highlight success factors to accelerate an inclusive transformation on the agriculture value chain.

Proposed speakers

Host: Senior representative IUCN 

Moderator: TBD

High level intervention: Minister of Agriculture of Costa-Rica (TBC)

Scene-setters: IUCN and FAO

Panellists:
•    Asian Farmers Association
•    Marie-Aude Even, IFAD
•    Youth entrepreneur + University (BSF) – Sierra Leone
•    Sable Green Trust (vermicompost) – Zimbabwe
•    CCFD, International NGO

Closing Remarks: FAO representative

Agenda_IUCN_FAO side event at CFS 51