FAO project to boost sustainable food production in Cuba

HAVANA, Cuba, Feb 20 (ACN) Through the transformation of agrifood systems in 10 municipalities in western Cuba, a new project of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (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 five-year duration, some 7,000 hectares of agricultural land and 600 hectares of forests will be restored, FAO, in charge of the initiative along 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 sectors.

According to the report, it is expected to achieve sustainable productive growth in 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 that greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions will be reduced 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 kick-off workshop the importance of the initiative for local development, by promoting the sustainability of local food systems and strengthening 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.