A new report released this week shines a spotlight on 21 initiatives transforming food systems. The Beacons of Hope: Accelerating Transformations to Sustainable Food Systems research study by the Global Alliance for the Future of Food and Biovision Foundation for Ecological Development showcases projects tackling pressing challenges today.
These include ‘MASIPAG, a farmer-led network of civil society organisations, NGOs, and scientists in the Philippines sustainably managing biodiversity through farmer bred and controlled rice production, seeds and biological resources; and Zero Waste San Francisco, a local government initiative to reorganise waste management in the city by shifting to a circular system. They reduce waste by targeting growers and food businesses with informative campaigns, creating links for wholesalers with food banks, changing consumer behaviors, and more’.
“The key to solving humanity’s biggest challenges – in particular, the climate and biodiversity crisis, as well as addressing malnutrition and hunger – lies within food systems. There is so much to learn from the Beacons of Hope. It is our duty to spread the word and establish a new narrative of hope and optimism, proving that big transformation is feasible and that we are not doomed to continue to move towards ecologic and social collapse. The Beacons show what is possible and are an example for others,” said Andreas Schriber, CEO at Biovision.
Read the report to learn more about the 21 innovations.
Ruth Richardson, Executive Director at the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, added: “There’s little doubt that we need systemic change, new policies, and a shift in power dynamics in order to realise a safe, resilient, and fair food future. As our new report makes clear, though our current food system is behind most of the world’s environmental problems, it is also the source of the solutions we need. It’s now on us, as a global community, to recognise that the transformations we need are already occurring and to turn our energies towards accelerating this process. This starts with better understanding of how to support and facilitate these transformative processes in place-based, contextual ways, which makes this report an invaluable asset to those who want to transform policy, practice, and mindsets.”
