In June 1992, the third United Nations Conference on Environment and Development took place in Rio de Janeiro. This historic summit culminated in three Conventions drawn up by the States Parties, addressing three global issues: climate change, loss of biodiversity and desertification. While these Conventions are primarily concerned with the environment, there are also underlying agricultural and food issues, due to the impact of agriculture on the environment and the need to feed the world within the limits of available resources. Agroecology, as a holistic and integrated approach, offers cross-cutting responses to issues facing the planet. However, the inclusion of agroecology within the decisions negotiated by the Rio Conventions is very limited.

As environmental issues become ever more pressing and these international forums come increasingly under the political spotlight, the strengthening of agroecology within the Rio Conventions is fundamental to steering the necessary transformation of food systems. Indeed, these instruments guide government policies and define the environmental financing framework, particularly for international institutions.

In light of the conferences on the three Conventions that will be held towards the end of the year, this paper aims to take stock of the role of agroecology within the Rio Conventions, providing the keys to analysis and putting forward ideas for greater integration of agroecology within these three Conventions.