Launch of “The State of the World's Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture 2021” - SOLAW 21 Synthesis Report
by Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
09/12/2021
Launch of “The State of the World's Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture 2021” - SOLAW 21 Synthesis Report
High Level Event
Opening Remarks
By
Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
As prepared
9 December 2021
Excellences,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. Due to rapid urbanization and population growth, the demand for agrifood products has been growing and will continue to grow in coming decades,
2. Thereby increasing the unprecedented pressure on the world’s soil, land and water resources.
3. Evidence shows a slowdown in agricultural productivity, with a rapid decrease in productive capacity and negative effects on the planet.
4. Human-induced soil degradation affects 34% - that is, 1 660 million hectares - of agricultural land.
5. More than 95% of our food is produced on land, with little room for expanding the area of productive land.
6. Land use per capita declined by 20% between 2000 and 2017.
7. Water scarcity puts at risk global food security and sustainable development, threatening 3.2 billion people living in agricultural areas.
8. As set out in the SOLAW 21 Report, current patterns of agrifood production are not sustainable, and the interconnected ecosystems of soils, land and water are stretched to the limit.
9. Yet, agrifood systems can play a major role in alleviating these pressures and contributing positively to climate and development goals.
10. To achieve the SDGs, we need to develop and implement a holistic approach with integrated solutions at all levels.
11. We need to transform our agrifood systems to make them more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable.
12. We need to produce more with less input and less environmental impacts.
Dear Colleagues,
13. To meet global demands, we will need to produce 50% more food by 2050.
14. Achieving this will depend on a rapid scaling-up of technology and innovation.
15. We need to strengthen our AquaStat and Geo-spatial systems, and work with Members to develop SoilStat and LandStat,
16. To provide the basic data, information and science-based solutions for digital agriculture.
17. Land and water governance must be more inclusive and adaptive,
18. To the benefit of millions of smallholder farmers, women, youth and indigenous peoples,
19. Who are the most vulnerable to climatic and other socio-economic risks, and face greater food insecurity challenges.
20. Sustainable soils, land and water are the foundations for resilient agrifood systems, and for achieving climate mitigation and adaptation targets.
21. For example, the effective use of soils alone can potentially sequester one-third of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
22. FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 promotes the sustainable management of our natural resources for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all, leaving no one behind.
Dear Colleagues,
23. The State of the World’s Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture Report offers:
• a timely update of the status of soil, land and water resources,
• is a source of important data for effective decision-making and leadership; and
• is a call-for-action for targeted investments to implement holistic solutions at scale.
24. Thank you.