FAO enters a new phase to assist the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Europe and Central Asia through a workshop today in Ankara. Participants will validate an action plan that goes more in-depth on how to implement the 21 SDG indicators related to FAO’s mandate and their own data needs. In the...

This publication presents FAO's work in support of the achievement of the SDGs in Europe and Central Asia. Featuring selected country case studies across the region, it describes how FAO and partners are already supporting countries to achieve multiple SDGs targets through current project and programmes.     This publication is in line...

Although migration has always been a phenomenon at the core of the dynamics characterizing the Mediterranean, the factors triggering displacements have changed. At present, the situation has become more complex, and today it is necessary to identify and understand the drivers of migration in order to integrate them in a...

This report provides an analysis of agricultural policy developments and the EU approximation process in the Western Balkan area. Quantitative analysis of agricultural policy developments was performed using data on budgetary support for agriculture, systematised according to the Agricultural Policy Measures (APM) classification scheme, a uniform classification of agricultural budgetary...

The EastMed project was designed to support the development of regionally consistent fisheries management among Eastern Mediterranean countries through the monitoring of commercial fisheries and the development of fishery research and management capacity. EastMed became operational in September 2009 with funds from the European Union (DG-MARE), the Government of Italy...

The project successfully reinforced the basis for the cooperative management of shared multispecies fisheries in the four MedSudMed participating countries: Italy, Libya, Malta and Tunisia. This was achieved through the implementation of subregional research programmes, the establishment of scientific networks, and improved national capacity building. Fisheries scientists and staff in...

Gender equality is a key to eliminating poverty and hunger, as it has been demonstrated by the FAO throughout its research worldwide. As part of the FAO efforts on generating evidence and knowledge, and in compliance with the FAO Policy on Gender Equality, the purpose of the Country Gender Assessment...

Rich in karst fields and scenic views, rural life in Canton 10 of Bosnia and Herzegovina has its opportunities and challenges. Although the canton’s geography does not allow for intensive farming, it provides a good basis for livestock production and rural tourism. Its rural communities are well-positioned to shape their...

A pig disease originating from Southeast Africa, never before seen in Europe and Central Asia, hit the news in 2007 when it was first detected in Georgia. Since then, African swine fever has spread throughout Eastern Europe, entering the European Union in 2014. Everywhere it has emerged, African swine fever has caused the...

In response to the growing challenges of rising hunger and malnutrition due to continuous conflicts and the effects of climate change, considerable efforts are required to strengthen partnerships in food security and nutrition among developed, transition and developing countries. Kazakhstan, having committed to ensuring food security in Central Asia and having...

In Kyrgyzstan, a FAO pilot programme is enabling local farmers to supply food for schoolchildren’s meals

It is estimated that about half of the world’s obsolete pesticides can be found in the former Soviet Union, with many of them stored throughout Central Asia. As an important centre for agriculture, particularly cotton production, the subregion was a heavy user of pesticides. What remain are inappropriate burial sites,...

Degradation of land and ecosystems is one of the greatest challenges that face countries around the world. Human socio-economic activities and bio-physical factors, such as deforestation and soil erosion, exacerbated by climate change, are the main causes of degradation. Aiming to reverse this trend, several international organizations are partnering with regional...

A two-day conference on efficient production and marketing of Georgian fruits and berries concludes today in Tbilisi. Attracting producers from Georgia, the event focused on helping local growers take advantage of numerous investment and market opportunities, both locally and internationally, by sharing best practices in apple, pear and berry production,...

Small-scale fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea Region represents a key segment of the fishing sector, accounting for the greatest part of the fleet in the region and more than a half of the total workers employed in the sector. Fisher and fishworker households are exposed to different risks and...

The background for conducting country studies on the challenges, needs and constraints of smallholders and family farms in seven countries has been a wish to further strengthen the Regional Initiative and develop the initiative towards a stronger programmatic approach at both the regional and country levels. To provide support to...

It is estimated that about half of the world’s obsolete pesticides can be found in the former Soviet Union, with many of them stored throughout Central Asia. As an important centre for agriculture, particularly cotton production, the subregion was a heavy user of pesticides. What remain are inappropriate burial sites,...

Current food systems are at a crossroads. There is a strong need for transforming food production and consumption patterns in a sustainable way. One where farmers adapt and build resilience to the increasing challenges from climate change and where nutritious food is available for all. Agroecology provides one solution towards...

Until now, there has been little information available to the international community regarding the state of forests in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Today, however, the UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section has released the first regional overview of the forest sector in these countries since they became independent in the 1990s.

Turkey is home to a great variety of biodiversity and ecosystems. The country’s diverse geographic features range from the Black Sea Mountains to the Mediterranean plains, from eastern highlands to Aegean coastline, with three biogeographical regions. For centuries, Turkey’s ecosystems and biodiversity have been the basis of sustainable agricultural practices...