New partnership between BNDES and FAO in the Amazon region

The Amazon region is the epicenter of the new cooperation agreement signed between FAO and the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), one of the financial institutions driving Brazilian development, which, during 2022, invested more than US$ 3.8 billion in cooperation projects. This agreement will establish a framework for action and shared goals between the partners to promote sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems.

"The partnership reinforces BNDES' international commitment to promote a green and inclusive development agenda. This means valuing the country's megadiversity and socio-cultural wealth through the bioeconomy, the conservation and sustainable use of socio-biodiversity, and the promotion of sustainable and resilient agrifood systems that ensure food security for the entire population," said the institution's Socio-environmental Director, Tereza Campello during the signing of the agreement in Brasilia - together with FAO Director General, Qu Dongyu. 

For its part, FAO's mandate responds to the sustainable development goals of the 2030 agenda to eradicate hunger and malnutrition in all its forms, where transformation with innovation is key. For this, not only producers act, but also the private sector and local organizations are needed, who have to work together to achieve the objectives.  

Among the areas of cooperation considered by this agreement are: 

• Sustainable development of agrifood systems
• Strengthening of cooperatives and organizations
• Promotion of food security 

The cooperation agreement will be reflected in the joint organization of activities aimed at sharing experiences and strengthening family farming by promoting public policies that promote food and nutritional security, inclusive markets, and developing and structuring value chains. 

In addition, it will seek to identify financial solutions to support initiatives that promote an agenda focused on climate change, carbon neutrality, and biodiversity in the region. In addition, based on international experience, we will encourage the exchange of data, studies, and information related to the purpose of the agreement, as well as experiences and dialogues on environmental, social, economic, and governance aspects of value chains in Brazil and Latin America.