COP 17

The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 7th Session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties (CMP7) to the Kyoto Protocol, are now in progress in Durban. Over the weekend a number of events related to agriculture are taking place. Here are a sample:

Friday 2nd December

Agricultural Solutions to Support Food Security, Sustainability and Animal Welfare

15:00 -16:30 Durban Exhibition Centre

Description: While agriculture significantly affects and is affected by climate change, it should also be a part of the solution. Drawing on country-specific examples in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, experts will discuss mitigation and adaptation policies that support food security and other social goals.

Speakers from Brighter Green, Compassion in World Farming, Humane Society International, IFOAM, Dupoto Community Forest Association, Kenya

Overcoming Food Insecurity with Adaptation Actions. Building on Lessons from Sub-Saharan Africa

18.15 to 20.00 Durban Exhibition Centre

Organised by: IFOAM & The Government of Malawi

Description: Practices and initiatives transforming rural livelihoods in Africa will be presented by the leaders behind them. Affordable resilient farming practices, community based extension programs, dynamic small-scale farmer associations and country lead initiatives will be discussed in the context of Africa’s position on adaptation in the negotiations.

Saturday 3rd December

Putting Vulnerable Rural People at the Centre of the Agenda: Ecosystem & Community Based Approaches to Resilient Rural Livelihoods

16.45 to 18.15 African Pavilion

Organised by: IFOAM & African Union, World Food Program & Rainman Landcare Foundation

Sunday 4th December 2011

Nutrition and Climate Change: Making the Connection to Enhance Livelihood Resilience, Health and Women’s Empowerment

18.30 to 20.00 African Pavilion

Organised by: Public Health Institute, World Food Programme, UN Standing Committee on Nutrition and Action Against Hunger