A strong delegation of 20 IFAP representatives is participating in the United Nations Convention Framework on Climate Change Conference – the Conference of the Parties (COP 14) - taking place from December 1-12. This worldwide media covered event is meant to build momentum towards an agreed outcome in Copenhagen in December 2009 where a Post Kyoto Protocol will be signed. With little time remaining until Copenhagen, the pressure is on for real progress to be made in Poznan and for the Parties to flesh out and indentify which proposals to take forward in 2009.
IFAP urges parties to the Convention and policy makers to recognize the particular nature of agriculture in the design of this new climate deal. IFAP farmers call on governments and parties to the UNFCCC to support the establishment of an international agreement on agriculture which will take into consideration the special characteristics and needs of this sector.
Even though agriculture is responsible for 13.5% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG) it is also the sector which will be most impacted by an increasingly variable climate. Above all, however, the agricultural sector has huge potential in providing solutions to both mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Despite the difficulties they face, farmers are already doing much to adapt to climate change and also to mitigate its effects. However, their actions are often unrecognized and not well-documented. And yet, farmer-centered solutions for adaptation and mitigation efforts do exist, ranging from sustainable agricultural practices such as conservation agriculture to sustainable forest management, and the production of sustainable and clean energy.
In Poznan, IFAP will facilitate a discussion between farmers, scientists, business and industry at a side-event entitled: “Part of the Solution: Why Agriculture Matters for Climate Change Policy”, organized by IFAP in conjunction with CropLife International, the International Fertilizer Industry Association, and the Global Forum on Agricultural Research. The aim of the event is to exchange ground-level, practical solutions to the effects of climate change by different actors of the food chain. It will be held on Monday, December 8 between 19:30 and 21:00. For more information, click here. During the event, follow this link to view a live webcast - http://copportal1.man.poznan.pl/
“Farmers are already providing sustainable produce while protecting the environment. Unlocking the full potential of agriculture for climate change solutions is a big challenge for both farmers and governments, but together we will succeed,” said Elisabeth Gauffin, Vice-President of IFAP and Moderator of the side-event.
“If farmers are not properly equipped to deal with the effects of climate change, this will not only have negative effects on greenhouse gas emissions, but also on rising poverty, global health problems and food insecurity. Empowering farmers, in particular family farmers, is an essential factor for achieving a sustainable future. With the right tools, farmers will be in a better position to cope with climate change and to continue producing food for the population in a profitable manner. Climate change and poverty will only be addressed effectively if significant investments in agricultural development become a reality,” Gauffin added.
IFAP has released a Declaration, outlining farmers’ solutions to climate change and proposals for specific policies. It encourages member state representatives at the UNFCCC and national governments to support and integrate these proposals into their policies.
Summary of key links:
• IFAP Climate Change Declaration
• Live webcast of side-event, “Part of the Solution: Why Agriculture Matters for Climate Change Policy”: http://copportal1.man.poznan.pl/
• Follow this event with important IFAP updates, photos and documents here: http://www.ifap.org/en/UnitedNationsClimateChangeConference2008.html
IFAP is the farmers' voice at the world level, and has been advocating farmers’ interests at the international level since 1946. IFAP’s mission is to develop farmers’ capacities to influence decisions that affect them at both the domestic and international levels. www.ifap.org