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Grazing cows crossing a road in Zambia

Feeding the world, protecting the environment

More than 820 million people in the world are affected by food insecurity and malnutrition. An additional 2 billion people globally suffer from “hidden hunger” - a lack of essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, and zinc. Demand for animal protein products continues to grow, supported by…
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Aerial view of farm landscape

Climate solutions can contribute to tackling poverty

For developing countries throughout the world, efforts to tackle climate change can create opportunities to improve the well-being of people living in extreme poverty. A report just launched by Drawdown Lift, a program of Project Drawdown, provides a synthesis of such win-win opportunities. The…
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Nigerian farmer on a rice cart being pulled by cattle

Why the GEF is investing in transforming food systems

You may be aware that food plays an important role in human health. Did you know it is also critical to the health of our planet? Food systems are major drivers of global forest and biodiversity loss, land and soil degradation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Pressure is also…
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Cabuyal beach in Costa Rica

To build back better, we need to rethink global subsidies

In an article for the Davos Agenda 2021, GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodriguez says a renewed focus on easing pressures on nature through a green and blue recovery has breathed new life into upcoming negotiations on biodiversity loss, land degradation, ocean conservation, and climate…
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Young Kyrgyz farmer picking corn

Working together to grow, nourish, and sustain

On October 16 every year, we celebrate World Food Day to highlight the enduring vision of a world free from hunger and malnutrition. This year, we face the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19, which threatens food security and human health and may push another 130 million people into hunger by the end…
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Farmer tilling land in Angola

Repairing our broken food system

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the warning bells about our broken food system. As farmers and consumers grapple with disruptions in the global food supply chain, we are witnessing an exacerbation of threats to the natural environment. Since start of the pandemic, increases in deforestation…
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Woman at a fruit stand in Africa

Let's reboot our global food systems

A new sustainable approach to food and agriculture must tackle hunger, improve nutrition, safeguard the environment and hardwire resilience to global shocks such as COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic began as a health crisis, but it is also an environmental crisis that has quickly evolved into an…
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Peruvian man in foreground of mountain backdrop

Indigenous peoples and COVID-19: response and resilience

This year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples offers a moment to reflect on how difficult the COVID-19 pandemic has been for indigenous peoples around the world and how much promise there is from ongoing initiatives to support and engage these communities who have much to teach…
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A man surrounded by vegetables and greens at his place at Indian Bazaar. A mix of colors and textures. Captured in India, Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi.

How to feed the world and nurture the planet: ideas from GEF partners

Transforming food systems and pursuing healthier diets are key to achieving food security and reducing environmental degradation   Achieving Zero Hunger is not only about feeding people, but also ensuring proper nutrition and nurturing the planet. This year, World Food Day calls for action across…
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Basket of vegetables

Producing sustainable food is every company's business

Businesses of all kinds must be prepared to help re-imagine the world’s food system, which is not fit for purpose Are you reading this with a cup of coffee, a piece of chocolate or maybe even a protein bar with nuts and puffed rice?  There is a good chance that the coffee beans, cocoa, nuts or rice…

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