CPWF & Rio+20

We at the CGIAR Challenge Program on Water and Food stand behind the CGIAR’s assertion that agricultural research-for-development can contribute to a more sustainable, food-secure world. We are helping to this goal through our work in increasing the resilience of social and ecological systems through better water management for food production. Sustainable agricultural expansion and equitable water management are themes that must resonate widely at Rio+20, as thousands of participants and observers converge to discuss the future of sustainable development in today’s rapidly changing world. For that reason, CPWF and its partners are getting involved in the Rio+20 events in numerous ways. 

The CGIAR Call-to-Action

Agriculture is the single largest employer in the world, providing livelihoods and jobs for 40 per cent of today’s global population. Moreover, as a human enterprise, it reflects the single largest use of land of any sector. In developing countries, smallholder farms provide up to 80 per cent of the food supply. Faced with environmental degradation, climate change, scarcity of land and water, loss of agricultural biodiversity and ecosystem services, and a world population that is continuing to climb, it is critical for farm and natural resource management and policies to play a more central role in shaping the broader development and environmental agendas.

In order to achieve this, CGIAR has outlined a seven-point plan for how agricultural research for development can contribute to a more sustainable, food-secure future. Read more…

Agriculture and Rural Development Day

Do you believe in the importance of investing in an integrated landscape approach that improves agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, while also addressing threats to forests, water, and biodiversity? The 4th Agriculture and Rural Development Day (Monday 18 June at the SulAmérica Convention Center, Rio) is hosted by CGIAR and Embrapa, and will feature a full day packed with learning events, panel sessions and discussions around the theme “Lessons in Sustainable Landscapes and Livelihoods”. Register now, or learn how to follow the event from home!

CGIAR Rio+20 News

Mountain Pavilion

CONDESAN, CPWF’s lead partner organization in the Andes, will be contributing to the Rio+20 dialogue in a major way. From June 13th to the 24th, they will be actively involved in a Mountain Pavilion, which aims to engage stakeholders in a series of discussions around issues related to sustainable development in mountain regions. CPWF-Andes will participate in a series of events:

Follow the events live on Twitter from @mountain_forum (English) and @infoandina (Spanish).

CPWF reflections on Rio+20



About Rio+20: 

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development  (UNCSD, or Rio+20) will take place in Brazil on 20-22 June 2012 to mark the 20th anniversary of the landmark 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). At the Rio+20 Conference, world leaders and thousands of participants from governments, the private sector, NGOs and other groups, will come together to shape how we can reduce poverty, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection on an ever more crowded planet, to get to the future we want.

The Conference will focus on two themes: a green economy in the context of sustainable development poverty eradication and the institutional framework for sustainable development.

Rio+20 will highlight seven priority areas: decent jobs, energy, sustainable cities, food security and sustainable agriculture, water, oceans and disaster readiness. Several of these focus areas touch directly on the work of CGIAR, as the global agricultural research partnership.

If you have any questions please contact Michael Victor.