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FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia

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Biodiversity framework tops agenda as experts on Europe’s forests and forest industry meet
21/11/2023
A joint session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) European Forestry Commission and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Committee on Forests and the Forest Industry will meet in San Marino this week to review and coordinate strategy on forests and the forest industry in Europe.
Experts lay plans for obsolete pesticides in Central Asia, Türkiye during Baku workshop
24/10/2023

It is estimated that around half the obsolete pesticides in the world can be found in the former Soviet Union, with a large portion currently sitting in Central Asia. During Soviet times, the region was an important centre for agriculture, particularly cotton production, with mandatory pesticide application and oversupply.

Transforming agriculture to combat climate change
20/10/2023
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) works to support countries to move to sustainable agriculture, adapt to climate change and to mitigate climate change by reducing or preventing greenhouse gas emissions. As part of this effort, FAO organized a two-day workshop on advancing climate action in agriculture in Europe and Central Asia, from 27 to 28 September in Istanbul, Türkiye.  
Agricultural heritage benefits today’s urban agrifood systems
14/07/2023
To raise awareness of the importance of work to strengthen urban agrifood systems in the region of Europe and Central Asia, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a webinar in early June focusing on the challenges and opportunities in urban food agrifood systems faced by countries in the region. 
Pesticide registration, integrated pest management advancing in Central Asia, Türkiye
10/07/2023
An FAO project taking place in Türkiye and four Central Asian countries has made enormous strides in reducing the use of dangerous pesticides and promoting more natural methods of pest control in the region.
FAO: biodiversity conservation and resiliency linked
21/06/2023
According to estimates, in Europe and Central Asia, 42 percent of monitored terrestrial animal and plant species have declined in population in the past decade. It is now more important than ever before to conserve and use biodiversity sustainably, and to reduce the pressure on natural resources and ecosystems.
Millet – a forgotten grain with major potential
30/05/2023
In 2023, proclaimed as the International Year of Millets, these crops are celebrated across the globe for their multiple benefits. It’s a perfect opportunity for people of the Europe and Central Asia region, where the crop’s popularity isn’t so high, to learn more about the values of producing and consuming millets.
Expert meeting in Tashkent focuses on healthy soils
24/05/2023

The second meeting of the International Network on salt-affected soils (INSAS) is taking place this week in Tashkent to address land degradation and build stronger linkages between science, policy, and farmers.

Biopesticides are a safe and effective tool against locusts in Central Asia
08/05/2023

By definition, pesticides are a poison. These chemicals denigrate and pollute the soil, water, air, plants, and other insects and organisms essential to biodiversity of ecosystems; leave residues in foods; and can be harmful to human health.

Biopesticides offer a better, more sustainable solution for Central Asian farmers.

©FAO/ Tetyana Brivko
Ukraine’s national seed collection relocates to a secure site
02/05/2023

Unique plant genetic resources have been transported over a thousand kilometres from Kharkiv to the west of Ukraine.

In Kyrgyzstan, FAO and partners aim to help restore ecosystems critical to combating climate change
11/04/2023
Whenever we drink water, eat fruit or take a deep breath, we should thank the forests that make it all possible. Forests and trees play a crucial role in addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development by absorbing greenhouse gases and creating more sustainable landscapes.
Upgrading traditional techniques boosts production of famous Azerbaijani tomatoes
30/03/2023
Sayad village is one of the most ancient settlements nestled on the Caspian Sea coast of Azerbaijan’s Khachmaz district. It’s long been famous for its numerous varieties of succulent tomatoes thanks to the farmers’ careful cultivation of the crop and the sunny climate.
FAO assists seed system management in four countries of southern Europe and Central Asia
21/03/2023
Seed quality management, seed policy frameworks, and principles and elements for seed quality assurance and certification were the main topics during a four-day workshop just conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Yerevan, Armenia.
Global Environment Facility pledges support for FAO climate change projects in Türkiye
03/02/2023

FAO, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye, has been granted financial support of about USD 45 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for three new projects between 2022 and 2025. The projects will focus on biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, ecosystem management, water conservation, and climate change mitigation.

FAO promotes science and innovation for greener agrifood systems
14/12/2022
Recent global events have thrown a spotlight on the urgency for more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems and have also shown us possible holistic and inter-linked approaches to a greener and more food secure future for all. Greening agriculture provides a pathway to come closer to this goal.
Regional webinar fosters more sustainable soil management
09/12/2022
Healthy soils are the prerequisite for healthy plants and crops, and consequently for healthy food. World Soil Day, celebrated on 5 December every year, is an occasion to focus on the crucial role of soils in our food systems, and to assess the state of soil resources.
Carp fishing gets a fresh start in Albania
21/11/2022
Carp was once the “King of Lake Shkodër”. Found in abundance in the largest inland body of water in the Balkan Peninsula, carp was a lifeline for fishers and their communities for generations. The lake, situated on the border of Albania and Montenegro, was also the home of birds, eels, freshwater snails and several fish species. The lake’s communities were fishing communities and until recently, people always thought of themselves as fishers.
Permaculture and community seeds production are key paths to a greener agriculture
15/11/2022
All across Europe and Central Asia, there is a growing desire among consumers to buy local healthy food that is produced in a way that is less harmful to the environment and biodiversity. Permaculture, foraging spontaneous plants and community seeds production are interrelated approaches implemented in the region to glean and grow food in a sustainable manner. To broaden knowledge on these traditional and innovative approaches and their benefits, FAO organized a regional workshop on permaculture and community seed development in collaboration with Gradina Moldovei, a Moldovan association specialized in the topic.
New efforts begin to build resiliency in Tajikistan’s agriculture
14/11/2022
A new project by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Republic of Tajikistan’s state institution Agricultural Entrepreneurship Development Project Management Unit,  will provide technical assistance to the country to strengthen resilience of the agriculture sector.
Eurasia joins Committee on World Food Security dialogue on gender equality for food security and nutrition
28/09/2021
Two half-days of intense discussions started yesterday aiming to present and receive feedback on the draft Voluntary Guidelines on Gender Equality and Women's and Girls' Empowerment in the context of food security and nutrition. More than 20 countries of
Events

17/ 12

2024

19/12

2024

Speed dating consultations
Batken (Kyrgyzstan), 17/12/2024 - 19/12/2024

Within the framework of the project “Capacitated women civil society organizations sustaining peace in Kyrgyzstan”, so-called "Speed dating" sessions will be held in two rural areas of Batken district with the participation of national experts and local self-government bodies, local council deputies and residents.

25/ 11

2024

Opening ceremony of water reservoir
Batken (Kyrgyzstan), (Kyrgyzstan), 25/11/2024

The Batken oblast, located in the south-eastern part of the Fergana Valley, is characterized by a hot climate in spring and summer and is most...

14/ 11

2024

FAO Workshop: Implementing the second phase of the LDN Target-Setting Programme under the UNCCD
Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), 14/11/2024

The workshop in Bishkek will be attended by representatives of ministries and departments related to natural resource use (land, water, forest), UNCCD representatives, international organizations and projects, academia, and non-governmental organizations. The objectives of the event are to inform participants about the implementation of the UNCCD in Kyrgyzstan, to present the second phase of th...

10/ 11

2024

30/11

2024

Call for innovations, solutions, and best practices to enrich the Green Practices Repository
Virtual Event, 10/11/2024 - 30/11/2024

Green Agriculture promotes a holistic approach to greening agrifood systems by adopting sustainable practices, policies, and innovations that focus on efficient use of NR, inputs, and energy, reduction of carbon emissions and pollution, preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, sustainable consumption practices and reducing food loss and waste. It guides transformation of agrifood systems...

10/ 11

2024

16/11

2024

International study tour on pasture and forest management
Ankara (Türkiye), Konya (Türkiye), Eskişehir (Türkiye), Bolu (Türkiye), İstanbul (Türkiye), 10/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

The FAO/GCF project "Carbon Sequestration through Climate Investment in Forests and Rangelands in the Kyrgyz Republic" has initiated an intern...

11/ 11

2024

22/11

2024

FAO at COP29
Baku (Azerbaijan), 11/11/2024 - 22/11/2024

The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) hosted by Azerbaijan in Baku will take place between 11-22 November. The Conference is a landmark event in the global effort to combat climate change and ensure food security for present and future generations. For FAO, COP29 serves as a platform for collaborative dialogue, knowledge sharing, and decision-making on the unique role of agr...

24/ 9

2024

25/9

2024

National workshop on improved pest and pesticide management in Uzbekistan
Tashkent (Uzbekistan), 24/09/2024 - 25/09/2024

With support from the project “Technical Assistance for Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals in Uzbekistan”, an FAO workshop will focus on introducing pesticide life-cycle management, identifying gaps in current systems, and developing a roadmap for improvements. Expected outcomes include enhanced collaboration, targeted interventions, and strategies to mitigate pesticide-related risks, ulti...

25/ 9

2024

27/9

2024

Workshop: Advancing climate action in agriculture in Europe and Central Asia
Baku (Azerbaijan), 25/09/2024 - 27/09/2024

The three-day regional workshop “Advancing climate action in agriculture in Europe and Central Asia” aims to underscore the critical role of agrifood systems in addressing climate change and implementing climate actions. It will explore the role of the agriculture sector in achieving the goals set by the Paris Agreement, particularly in relation to sustainable food systems, gender-responsive cl...

7/ 10

2024

11/10

2024

EIFAAC International Symposium and 32nd Session
Pula (Croatia), 07/10/2024 - 11/10/2024

The Thirty-Second Session of the European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission (EIFAAC) and a related International Symposium, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Croatia and the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, will be held in Pula, Croatia from 7 to 11 October 2024. The Symposium will focus on building a sustainable future for inland fi...

29/ 5

2024

31/5

2024

Regional conference: Advancing on green policies for agrifood systems transformation
Yerevan (Armenia), Hybrid Event, 29/05/2024 - 31/05/2024

On 29-31 May 2024, FAO is organizing a regional conference in a hybrid format on green agriculture “Advancing on green policies for agrifood systems transformation in Europe and Central Asia”, in the framework of its regional project on scaling up green agriculture in the region.

21/ 5

2024

Third Regional Dialogue on Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems
Virtual Event, 21/05/2024

Since 2015, FAO has supported Members in the Europe and Central Asia region through the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme, which recognizes the commendable work of our farmers, herders, fishers and forestry people and serves a tool to protect and conserve the resilient agricultural systems they have built up. The third Regional Dialogue on GIAHS for Europe and C...

22/ 5

2024

23/5

2024

International forum for action on sustainable beekeeping and pollination
Ljubljana (Slovenia), 22/05/2024 - 23/05/2024

The Government of Slovenia and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organize an International forum for action on sustainable beekeeping and pollination. This biennial event brings together governments, experts, business and civil society to give a regular fresh impetus to the international cooperation on beekeeping and pollination and to align it with the quickly c...

16/ 4

2024

Conference on Bio- and Phyto-Remediation Technologies for Contaminated Agricultural Soil Towards Green Agriculture
Almaty (Kazakhstan), Hybrid Event, 16/04/2024

In the framework of the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded and FAO-managed project “Lifecycle Management of Pesticides and Disposal of POPs Pesticides in Central Asian countries and Türkiye”, there remediation trials have taken place in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the past years. Through this international conference, the results of these trials will be presented and explained, while pro...

25/ 3

2024

26/3

2024

Regional workshop on building resilience in agrifood systems for drought mitigation and emergency support
Chișinău (Moldova), Hybrid Event, 25/03/2024 - 26/03/2024

FAO is convening a regional workshop in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova from 25 to 27 March 2024 on climate-smart agriculture practices and policies as a way to increase resiliency in the face of current severe natural and human-made crises.

21/ 3

2024

Conference: Forests and Innovation. New solutions for a better world
Moscow (Russia), Hybrid Event, 21/03/2024

On the occasion of the International Day of Forests, FAO, in close cooperation with the Russian Federal Forestry Agency, is organizing a scientific and practical conference dedicated to this year’s theme: “Forests and innovation: New solutions for a better world” involving renowned international experts and decision-makers.

27/ 6

2023

GEF-funded project “Integrated Natural Resources Management in Degraded Landscapes in the Forest-Steppe Zone of Ukraine” closes
Kyiv (Ukraine), Hybrid Event, 27/06/2023

Invited speakers will present the main achievements of the project, review its challenges, and describe further plans and opportunities. The project was a joint initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Agrarian Policy a...

21/ 6

2023

22/6

2023

Second regional dialogue on biodiversity mainstreaming across agricultural sectors in Europe and Central Asia
Virtual Event, 21/06/2023 - 22/06/2023

The interlinked climate change and biodiversity-related crises top the charts of short-term and long-term risks the world will face over the next decade. The restoration, conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity are critical to addressing global environmental challenges, building our ...

11/ 4

2023

Inception Workshop on Carbon Sequestration through Climate Investment in Forests and Rangelands
Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Hybrid Event, 11/04/2023

On Tuesday 11 April FAO is organizing the launch of the FAO-GCF project “Carbon Sequestration through climate investment in forests and rangelands (CS-FOR) in the Kyrgyz Republic”.

24/ 5

2023

Nature-based solutions related to apiculture and wild pollinators
Qakh (Azerbaijan), Hybrid Event, 24/05/2023

The FAO Subregional Office for Central Asia is organizing a hybrid event “Nature-based solutions related to apiculture and wild pollinators” on 24 May 2023.

27/ 3

2023

Localizing SDGs: Agrifood systems transformation as a key accelerator
Virtual Event, 27/03/2023

2030 is seven years away and we are far from achieving the SDGs. We are at risk of not achieving in full the targets related to agrifood systems by 2030. Climate change, along with other drivers and crises, is already undermining the recent progress made in promoting sustainable rural livelihoods and fighting against all forms of malnutrition. To continue ensuring food security and nutrition...

13/ 3

2023

17/3

2023

Regional Training on Strengthening seed system management in South European and Central Asian countries
Yerevan (Armenia), 13/03/2023 - 17/03/2023

In the framework of the regional programme on seed system and the project titled “Creating enabling environments for enhanced climate resilience in agriculture”, FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia is organizing a regional training between 13-17 March 2023 Yerevan, Armenia, to strengthen seed system management in South European and Central Asia c...

14/ 12

2022

Green Agriculture and Science and Innovation: Main scientific findings in Europe and Central Asia
Virtual Event, 14/12/2022

Agrifood systems in Europe and Central Asia are deeply affected by geopolitical and economic uncertainties which impact both directly and indirectly on food supply chains, and have repercussions in food markets; moreover, they are threatened by environmental, human-driven long-term stresses, such as climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss and natural resource degradation.

5/ 12

2022

6/12

2022

Regional Webinar Series on Soil Protection as part of World Soil Day 2022
Hybrid Event, 05/12/2022 - 06/12/2022

Let’s celebrate World Soil Day 2022! As soils provide most of our food and are central to our planet’s life-support system. Without healthy soils, we cannot sustain healthy lives.

30/ 9

2021

Regional workshop for Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in Azerbaijan
Hybrid Event, 30/09/2021

In the frame of the European Union-funded project on the development of sustainable and inclusive local agrifood systems in north-west region of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Azerbaijan embarked on identifying potential agricultural heritage systems in its north-west region. 

16/ 11

2021

17/11

2021

Regional dialogue on biodiversity mainstreaming across agricultural sectors in Europe and Central Asia
Hybrid Event, 16/11/2021 - 17/11/2021

11:00 – 13:00 (CET) FAO supports member countries in mainstreaming biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in the agriculture sector. Following the first global multi-stakeholder dialogue, and in line with its mandate to coordinate a collective effort, FAO convenes the first regional dialogue on biodiversity mainstreaming for Europe and Central Asia.

22/ 2

2022

FAO’s 2nd Regional Workshop: The Road Ahead after COP26: Enhancing Targets and Compliance with Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) for Agriculture and LULUCF
Hybrid Event, 22/02/2022

10.00-13.00 (CET) The FAO Regional Workshop, “The Road Ahead after COP26: Enhancing Targets and Compliance with Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) for Agriculture and LULUCF” aims to support the developing states and emerging economies of the Europe a...