The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) called on local governments to make agri-food systems and green spaces part of their plans, policies and actions. The key is to make cities more sustainable.
Qu Dongyu, Director-General of FAO said the policies should also be inclusive. These initiatives should also be able to create jobs and promote engagement built on green industry, a green environment, green products and a green way of lifestyle. Qu made the call at the recent 2020 World Council of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), hosted virtually by the city of Guangzhou, in China, and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
UCLG is a global network of cities and local, regional, and metropolitan governments and their associations, and the largest organisation of sub-national governments in the world, with members in over 140 countries.
Why are urban food systems and green areas critical?
FAO explained that by 2050, almost 70% of the world's population would be living in cities. Urban dwellers consume about 70% of all food supplies, and this number is steadily rising. Many urban and peri-urban communities experience food and nutrition insecurity. At the same time, they suffer from diet-related non-communicable diseases and increasing overweight and obesity rates. Expanding cities also encroach on natural habitats and account for about 70% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.Sustainable urban food systems and more green spaces, including urban and peri-urban agriculture and forests, are essential for cities. Having these in place makes cities more resilient in dealing with the impacts of climate change. (Image from Unsplash)
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