Context:
Recently, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) have signed two agreements for the implementation of projects aimed at protecting the miombo forest.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Miombo Forests
- Biome Characteristics: The Miombo forest spans a significant portion of southern Africa, including nations like Angola, DRC, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This biome is marked by its tropical and subtropical landscapes that consist of grasslands, bushlands, and savannahs.
- Ecological Significance: This forest type covers approximately 2.7 million square kilometers and is critical for the ecological stability of the region. The predominant tree species are Brachystegia, often found alongside Julbernardia and Isoberlinia, which are indicative of the forest’s unique vegetation.
- Hydrological Importance: The Miombo woodlands play a crucial role in maintaining the hydrological integrity of the Greater Zambezi River basin, a key transnational waterway essential for the region’s biodiversity and human activities.
- Socioeconomic Impact: These forests are not just ecological treasures but also support millions of people living in rural settings across several countries. They facilitate local trade, especially in border areas between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and provide essential resources like firewood, food, and water, underscoring their importance in the daily survival and economic stability of numerous communities.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
- FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on leading international efforts to eliminate hunger.
- World Food Day, celebrated annually on October 16th, marks the founding anniversary of FAO in 1945.
- Headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO collaborates with sister organizations, including the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Initiatives Taken:
- Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS): Recognizes and promotes agricultural systems contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
- Desert Locust Monitoring: Monitors the global situation of Desert Locust to address potential threats to crops.
- Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC): Responsible for implementing the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.
- International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources: Adopted in 2001 to ensure conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
Flagship Publications:
- The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA).
- The State of the World’s Forests (SOFO).
- The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI).
- The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA).
- The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO).
-Source: Down To Earth
