A World Summit report by the United Nations (U.N.) found agricultural imports into the Marshall Islands have grown rapidly over the past few decades, outpacing the sluggish growth of exports from the country. This spike in imports has not only posed a problem for the Marshallese and sustainable agriculture in the Marshall Islands, but also for the current climate crisis facing the global community.
Change in Diet
The Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations (FAO) speculates that imports are causing the abandonment of the traditional diets once common on the island (i.e., seafood, leafy greens and coconuts), in favor of a greater reliance on costly processed grains and meat from abroad.
This poorer quality food has led to a noticeable uptick in obesity, with a National Institute of Health-funded study showing 62.5 percent of the country as either overweight or obese. The new diet has also eroded the national sovereignty of the islands, with the agricultural economy growing ever more dependent on the United States and other foreign assistance.
Environmental Impact of Imports
Importing processed food in favor of sustainable agriculture in the Marshall Islands has a heavy environmental cost as well. According to a study conducted by the University of California, Santa Barbra, the carbon expelled in the process of preserving, refrigerating, and shipping processed foods negatively impacts CO2 levels.
The Marshall Islands thus have good reason to invest in mitigating both obesity, as it impacts their economy and quality of life, and climate change, as the smaller islands will be hit the hardest by the rising ocean levels and more extreme weather patterns.
Climate change is also speculated to cripple the once prosperous coconut and seafood industries that are valuable to the Marshall Islands’ economy and diet. One of the primary plans to mitigate these effects has been a greater investment in local sustainable agriculture.
International Aid
Fortunately, the FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO), and leaders throughout the Pacific Islands have committed to improving sustainable and local agriculture to fight climate change and spur economic independence and growth. This plan was outlined by Graziano da Silva, Director-General of the FAO, at a high-profile meeting with Pacific Island leaders last November.
“You are suffering from things that you didn’t cause,” da Silva explained, “from things you are not responsible for – the impact of climate change.This is what FAO offers – support so that you can face climate change.”
According to da Silva, obesity also posed a major threat. “It is an epidemic that we need to address. Together with partners such as the WHO, we promote the uptake of healthy, fresh food – fruits, vegetable and fish instead of processed food.”
Those at the meeting went on to reaffirm a commitment to limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a lofty goal that will require much planning and development.
The United Nations
For the U.N., attaining this goal means working to develop sustainable agriculture in the Marshall Islands that incentivizes local redevelopment of the coconut industry, and working with local officials to establish Farmers Markets in cities to promote the distribution of seafood and leafy greens.
It also means utilizing social movements focused on changing diets to decrease reliance on processed foods high in addictive sugar and sodium. The World Summit Report by the U.N. also emphasizes the development of the Marshall Islands’ more rural areas.
“While the Capital has developed at a relatively fast speed, the developments in the Outer Islands have lagged behind,” the report noted, especially the kinds of improvements in infrastructure that would allow rural residents to produce local food and transport it throughout the Islands.
In addition, the U.N. argues that ensuring agricultural development on the rural islands is best achieved by improving the fiscal position and economic management of the central government and to encourage private-sector investment through new policies.
Though the impact may appear small, promoting sustainable local agriculture not only staves off the growing worldwide obesity epidemic by creating healthier diets, but it is also key to capping global temperatures. For these reasons, local agriculture is vital to the continued wellbeing of the Marshall Islands, and all Pacific communities.
At the meeting in Rome, Pacific Island leaders made the necessity clear, issuing a group statement that asked for all nations to “exceed previous commitments and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius pre-industrial levels, to reduce the adverse impacts on food security and nutrition, coastal habitats and the livelihoods of those depending on oceans.”
– Shane Summers
Photo: Flickr
The Varying Success of Humanitarian Aid to Micronesia
Micronesia — also known as the Federated States of Micronesia — is a country in the Pacific Ocean made up of more than 600 islands. The country contains four island states named Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap, and its capital, Palikir, is located on Pohnpei.
Micronesia is at risk of typhoons and super typhoons, which can cause widespread disaster through the islands. In 2008, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) took over humanitarian aid to Micronesia. Previously, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided humanitarian assistance to Micronesia.
Foreign Assistance
USAID, along with the International Organization for Mitigation (IOM), has introduced many programs to help bring humanitarian aid to Micronesia. In an effort to help the most people, the agency is focusing on disaster mitigation. Specifically, in regards to typhoons.
Shortly after taking over funding for humanitarian aid to Micronesia, the United States Agency for International Development funded the Hybrid Mitigation, Relief, and Reconstruction Program which ran through 2013. The International Organization for Mitigation (IOM) also managed and implemented various planning and pre-positioning efforts in Micronesia in areas that are most likely to be hit by natural disasters.
In 2012, the United States Agency for International Development and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) funded the Climate Adaptation, Disaster Risk Management, and Education (CADRE) Program. The program was implemented by the International Organization for Mitigation and works with local government and communities to increase emergency response capacity; this program is still in effect today.
Efforts After Typhoon Maysak
Since Typhoon Maysak, which passed through Micronesia in the spring of 2015, more than $6 million has been spent on humanitarian aid to Micronesia. Most of this funding went towards the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, which helps households affected by typhoons. Their efforts include shelter coordination, sanitation, clean water and hygiene interventions.
Also in 2015, in the wake of multiple typhoons and super typhoons from 2013-2015, the United States Agency for International Development, introduced the Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response (PREPARE) Program. Again, this program was implemented by the International Organization of Mitigation. This program pre-positions humanitarian relief supplies, reconstruction and housing infrastructure. The goal of the program is to quickly bring relief to those affected by typhoons in Micronesia and increase the resilience of the nation by mitigating the effects of natural disasters. Thankfully, this program is still in effect, as of 2017.
Through the past several years, the United States Agency for International Development partnered with the International Organization for Mitigation has had many successes in humanitarian aid to Micronesia. In addition to funding mitigation efforts, the United States Agency for International Development has also provided over $4 million to the International Organization for Mitigation, specifically for reconstruction efforts such as housing and utilities.
Most of these efforts are spread through the entirety of Micronesia, but Chuuk and Yap, the most western island states, receive more aid since they are more likely to suffer from a natural disaster. As these programs continue, Micronesia has a great chance of recovering faster and suffering far less damage from any future natural disasters.
– Courtney Wallace
Photo: Flickr
Sustainable Agriculture in the Marshall Islands Improves Health
A World Summit report by the United Nations (U.N.) found agricultural imports into the Marshall Islands have grown rapidly over the past few decades, outpacing the sluggish growth of exports from the country. This spike in imports has not only posed a problem for the Marshallese and sustainable agriculture in the Marshall Islands, but also for the current climate crisis facing the global community.
Change in Diet
The Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations (FAO) speculates that imports are causing the abandonment of the traditional diets once common on the island (i.e., seafood, leafy greens and coconuts), in favor of a greater reliance on costly processed grains and meat from abroad.
This poorer quality food has led to a noticeable uptick in obesity, with a National Institute of Health-funded study showing 62.5 percent of the country as either overweight or obese. The new diet has also eroded the national sovereignty of the islands, with the agricultural economy growing ever more dependent on the United States and other foreign assistance.
Environmental Impact of Imports
Importing processed food in favor of sustainable agriculture in the Marshall Islands has a heavy environmental cost as well. According to a study conducted by the University of California, Santa Barbra, the carbon expelled in the process of preserving, refrigerating, and shipping processed foods negatively impacts CO2 levels.
The Marshall Islands thus have good reason to invest in mitigating both obesity, as it impacts their economy and quality of life, and climate change, as the smaller islands will be hit the hardest by the rising ocean levels and more extreme weather patterns.
Climate change is also speculated to cripple the once prosperous coconut and seafood industries that are valuable to the Marshall Islands’ economy and diet. One of the primary plans to mitigate these effects has been a greater investment in local sustainable agriculture.
International Aid
Fortunately, the FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO), and leaders throughout the Pacific Islands have committed to improving sustainable and local agriculture to fight climate change and spur economic independence and growth. This plan was outlined by Graziano da Silva, Director-General of the FAO, at a high-profile meeting with Pacific Island leaders last November.
“You are suffering from things that you didn’t cause,” da Silva explained, “from things you are not responsible for – the impact of climate change.This is what FAO offers – support so that you can face climate change.”
According to da Silva, obesity also posed a major threat. “It is an epidemic that we need to address. Together with partners such as the WHO, we promote the uptake of healthy, fresh food – fruits, vegetable and fish instead of processed food.”
Those at the meeting went on to reaffirm a commitment to limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a lofty goal that will require much planning and development.
The United Nations
For the U.N., attaining this goal means working to develop sustainable agriculture in the Marshall Islands that incentivizes local redevelopment of the coconut industry, and working with local officials to establish Farmers Markets in cities to promote the distribution of seafood and leafy greens.
It also means utilizing social movements focused on changing diets to decrease reliance on processed foods high in addictive sugar and sodium. The World Summit Report by the U.N. also emphasizes the development of the Marshall Islands’ more rural areas.
“While the Capital has developed at a relatively fast speed, the developments in the Outer Islands have lagged behind,” the report noted, especially the kinds of improvements in infrastructure that would allow rural residents to produce local food and transport it throughout the Islands.
In addition, the U.N. argues that ensuring agricultural development on the rural islands is best achieved by improving the fiscal position and economic management of the central government and to encourage private-sector investment through new policies.
Though the impact may appear small, promoting sustainable local agriculture not only staves off the growing worldwide obesity epidemic by creating healthier diets, but it is also key to capping global temperatures. For these reasons, local agriculture is vital to the continued wellbeing of the Marshall Islands, and all Pacific communities.
At the meeting in Rome, Pacific Island leaders made the necessity clear, issuing a group statement that asked for all nations to “exceed previous commitments and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius pre-industrial levels, to reduce the adverse impacts on food security and nutrition, coastal habitats and the livelihoods of those depending on oceans.”
– Shane Summers
Photo: Flickr
Humanitarian Aid to Mauritius Brings Stability
Mauritius is one of the developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa that over the decades has become a middle-income country providing good health care and education systems, a stable governance, good communications and a functioning infrastructure.
Although poverty in Mauritius is not as severe as in other parts of African, minor poverty does exist in rural parts of the country. In 2006, about 8 percent of the country was under the poverty line and humanitarian aid to Mauritius isn’t much compared to other countries; despite this, there are consistent allies that have helped the country get to its current status.
From 1966 to 2015, the nation received a total of $76.6 million in humanitarian aid that has since been distributed to development projects and various improvements.
Mauritius became a member state of the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD) in 1979. Since their admission into IFAD, $23.1 million has been put into projects and programs to improve the quality of life within Mauritius. IFAD currently works to address rural poverty with a collaborative approach with the government to reduce the frequency of poverty. This approach involves knowledge management and sharing, partnership-building and policy dialogue. Rodrigues Island, an island on Mauritius, receives special attention from IFAD on improving incomes and livelihoods for poor rural areas.
In 2014, Britain gave more than $24 million in humanitarian aid to Mauritius that helped towards the nation’s building of gated communities, shopping centers and an elite boarding school by Wellington College, based in the Berkshire.
Mauritius also received $500 million from India in 2017, an amount provided after the two countries decided to reinforce maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. Mauritius Prime Minister Pavind Kumar Jugnauth and India’s Narendra Modi both agreed that the successful management of any and all threats in the Indian Ocean was imperative to secure people of both countries and pursue economic opportunities.
With vigilant eyes focused on the success of Mauritius, humanitarian aid will help in keeping the island safe, modern and prosperous.
– Tara Jackson
Photo: Flickr
Women’s Empowerment in Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe is a very small country comprised of two islands situated off the coast of Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. The nation is one of the poorest African countries with half its population living on less than two dollars a day.
The country acquired its independence from Portugal in 1975, enacted democratic reforms in 1980 and currently has no institutions for higher education; as a result of this environment, women’s empowerment in Sao Tome and Principe took a back seat.
Women in Sao Tome and Principe
Constitutionally, women in Sao Tome and Principe have equal rights in politics, education, business and government positions; but in reality, gender inequality is prominent throughout the nation. Domestic violence and abuse against women is widespread, but since the society is extremely traditional, women are not very vocal about the injustices committed against them.
In June 2003, Sao Tome and Principe gave formal consent to the convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and in February 2010, it also signed the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (The Maputo Protocol). Despite these supposed moves in the right direction, the nation’s government has failed to comply with the details of the protocols.
However, organizations such as The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have taken innovative steps in women’s empowerment in Sao Tome and Principe by engaging women effort in the preservation of bio-diversity. In addition, women have also taken a distinct position in the fish trade of the country.
Empowering Women through Biodiversity
In the district of Lobata, turtle egg collection, turtle meat consumption, turtle shell trading and cutting trees for firewood are all part of the illegal practices that negatively impact Sao Tome and Principe’s biodiversity.
In 2009, the Ministry of Education (under the supervision of Madam Helena Bonfim) engaged women in this region to help in turtle, bird and forest preservation. Three hundred women aged between 15 and 36 were divided in 12 different groups and organized to learn about turtle conservation and other environmental aspects.
UNESCO, along with non-profit government organizations, took the initiative of educating women in this region; in fact, the organization helped the women acquire skills in food processing and other fields like fashion, design and environmental protection.
Empowering Women through Fish Trading
Almost 17 percent of the total population of Sao Tome and Principe is involved in the fish business where women play a unique role — they are involved in many of the main acts of fishing such as:
Fish saleswomen are known as “palayes” in the local language; palayes make up an extremely powerful group of the population, and some of them are even important members of the fisherman association.
The members of the palayes association try to reduce cost of the enterprise by sharing fish-drying sheds and buying salts in bulk for fish processing. Some of the successful palayes even lend money to the fisherman for buying fishing accessories.
Other Business Prospects
The women of Sao Tome also generate income through:
Despite high levels of poverty, illiteracy and gender inequality, women’s empowerment in Sao Tome and Principe is taking progressive steps. The Ministry of Education and organizations like UNESCO are making every effort to support and motivate this extremely important cause of women’s empowerment in Sao Tome and Principe.
– Mahua Mitra
Photo: Flickr
13 Shocking and Important Facts About Poverty in Asia
Asia is the largest continent in the world, covering 17,139,445 square miles with a population of 4,406,273,633 people. Despite widespread economic success, Asia remains the worst continent for global hunger and contains more than half of the world’s poorest people. Below are 13 facts about poverty in Asia that everyone should know.
A reported 75 million people were living below the poverty line of $3.10 in 2017, placing them at high disaster risk. China, Indonesia and the Philippines make up most of East Asia’s urban poor.
About 519.6 million people do not have enough food to eat in Asia, and a prominent 70 percent of the world’s malnourished children live on the eastern continent. Due to lack of proper nutrients, 100 million children in Asia are stunted, 28 percent of the total youth population.
In 2017, Afghanistan had the lowest annual average income in the world at $1,100.
The second biggest cause of death among children under five years old in more than 60 percent of East Asia is diarrhoeal diseases. About two out of every five people in East Asia do not have proper sanitation facilities. Open defecation is still practiced by 130 million people throughout countries in the region.
Representing two-thirds of the poor due to discrimination in education and employment, women make up a significant amount of the people in poverty in Asia.
With the decline of rice sales in some economies, such as in Cambodia, Myanmar and Lao PDR, nations will have to shift their focus of economic growth in order to continuously reduce poverty in their countries.
With education unaffordable and families trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty, child labor is prominent in Asia. Children experience excessively long hours and are placed in harm’s way doing hazardous work.
Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, extreme temperatures, storms, wildfires and droughts affect agriculture in Asia. According to World Vision, Asia Pacific is the most disaster-prone region in the world.
In 2015, over 60 percent of Asian Pacific countries scored below 50 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. This indicates a serious corruption problem. Poverty, corruption and development are interrelated issues.
Offering a means of generating more income, organic farming presents opportunity, but for those who can afford it. For small farmers, certification is costly and is not in the name or control of the farmer who is paying for the form. This diminishes potential commitment or interest in organic farming.
In many regions across Asia, up to 90 percent of poor people live in rural areas. Poor rural households usually have larger families who are underemployed and are less educated. Access to credit and technology is limited.
In Vietnam, ethnic groups make up around 12 million of the 90 million population but account for over two-fifths of the country’s poverty. These inequalities fuel poverty in Asia.
Many students attending primary school in South Asia are taught on rote bases. This leads to many weakened skills such as problem solving, writing grammatically correct sentences and measuring. In 2014, studies showed that “one quarter to one third of those who graduate from primary school lack basic numeracy and literacy skills that would enable them to further their education.”
Through these important facts about poverty in Asia, it becomes clear that, within the continent of Asia, every country is experiencing its own levels of poverty. With hope, the strides achieved through economic achievement will start to create a positive impact on residents, reducing poverty in Asia until it is nonexistent.
– Tara Jackson
Photo: Flickr
Locals and Returnees Rebuilding Somalia After Years of War
Beginning in the late 1980s with resistance to the military government, armed conflict and social disorganization have marked the lives of nearly two generations of Somalis. Because of the ongoing conflict, thousands of Somalis left their homeland due to the fighting and settled in expatriate communities around the globe. In recent years, however, a fragile stability has returned that sees locals and returnees rebuilding Somalia together.
While this remains good news, the return of Somali nationals who were raised or spent upwards of two decades abroad has generated new conflicts. Local Somalis often have a perception that they are entitled to more rights in their native land than those who have spent their lives abroad. Returning nationals often feel that their education and experience position them better to contribute to future peace and stability for Somalia. These preconceptions fuel disagreements regarding prime positions in government and other employment conflicts.
There is a significant culture gap between returnees and local Somalis, but efforts have begun recently to bridge this gap in the name of improving their war-torn country. A symposium was held in June 2017 to bring these groups together and foster an ongoing dialogue about incorporating all Somalis in the nation’s future. These new efforts hope to see locals and returnees rebuilding Somalia together.
One local participant explained, “It was an important workshop in that it brought together diaspora returnees and the locals. The engagements were amicable as the diaspora returnees and their local counterparts held discussions so as to get to understand each other.”
Returnees are a big part of rebuilding Somalia. One United Nations program in recent years has arranged for dozens of short-term positions in Somalia for expatriates with expert qualifications. Some returnees are keenly conscious of the problems incurred by bringing in outsiders. One American returnee who hosted a legal summit with Somali experts and politicians in 2015 was proud to have completed the project with a minimum of international interference.
Vocational and education programs that support returnees are opening opportunities for Somalis no matter their personal history. The U.N. High Commission for Refugees reported in December 2017 on a program in Mogadishu that is providing training through the country’s Returnee Support Center. Their training programs are increasing the quality of life in the Somali capital for both returning nationals and those who stayed through the wars.
Regional organizations are supporting efforts to integrate the diverse Somali population as well. AMISOM, the African Union Mission in Somalia, is participating in the talks to unite local and returning populations, and has endorsed their continuing work.
“One of the reasons AMISOM is supporting this great initiative is because cooperation and partnership between Somali Diaspora Returnees and Homeland community is critical for the stability and long-term development of Somalia,” said Dr. Walters Samah, AMISOM Political Officer to ReliefWeb.
Despite the fragility of the current situation, Somalia’s prospects have been improving for years. With luck and dedication, this trajectory will continue with locals and returnees rebuilding Somalia together for a better future.
– Paul Robertson
Photo: Flickr
Sustainable Agriculture in Jordan Requires Water Conservation
Because of its semi-arid landscape, Jordan’s GDP makeup consists of industrial works such as mining and manufacturing. There is a severe lack of natural resources and agricultural, especially because the nation has the second least water per capita in the world. However, because of projects in intelligent and sustainable agriculture in Jordan, the country is still growing and improving livelihood for all its citizens.
A main focus for sustainable agriculture in Jordan is utilizing water effectively to generate income and food. For example, over the past several years, the Near East Foundation (NEF) has focused on fish farming. Instead of attempting to plant, grow and risk wasting water in arid plains, NEF uses reservoirs that both irrigate plant foods and double as fishponds. Through technical support, promoting local fish feed and other programs, NEF has helped produce 400 tons of tilapia a year in Jordan so farmers can supplement between traditional growing seasons.
Alternatively, some programs focus on cleaning the already existing water. Royal HaskoningDHV, an NGO from the Netherlands, recently won a contract to help restore the Lower Jordan River. In the past 60 years, the ecology of the river has changed drastically, with waste and saline water degrading the natural ecosystem. With an investment of $4.58 billion, Royal HaskoningDHV’s “master plan” will be positively impacting the river until 2050.
Even in the desert, farming continues, such as on the Rum Farm in South Jordan where 720 km of desert mountains and caverns reside. Through ancient and modern sustainable techniques, this farm has been able to cultivate a 2,000-hectare farm in an area where the monthly rainfall is five millimeters. Established in 1986, a key geographical aspect underground, a natural aquifer, allows for this farm to have abundant agriculture as farmers pull water from below. With pivoting water mechanisms, and modern polyplastic tunnels to store water, the farm employs 300 to 600 workers each season and produces thousands of tons of foodstuffs.
While it may not be the main economic power in the country, sustainable agriculture in Jordan has been able to flourish even under intense environmental pressures. With continued growth and support from projects similar to the aforementioned, they will be able to sustain an agricultural sector that defines itself by innovation and stability.
– Nick McGuire
Photo: Flickr
Addressing the Need for Sustainable Agriculture in Fiji
Sustainable farming practices, rather than aggravating the various effects of climate change, make way for more environmentally friendly practices that increase food security and improve livelihoods. One project that is currently active in Fiji is the Climate Change Adaptation through Sustainable Agricultural Project, which has been funded by the Pacific American Climate Fund and implemented by the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development. This project focuses specifically on incorporating traditional farming practices, and 200 farmers from eight communities have been selected to become involved in this initiative.
Another project implemented by the Organic Matters Foundation, in partnership with a nongovernmental organization called Tei Tei Taveuni, has sought for the implementation of chemical-free farming practices, a more sustainable alternative to chemical-laden cultivation. 160 farmers attended lessons on soil biology and learned about the benefits of switching to organic farming. Instead of using chemicals to fertilize their crops, farmers in this project have started to use locally sourced materials such as seaweed and corals. The transfer and exchange of knowledge was an important aspect within this project, and the knowledge regarding the benefits of chemical free farming has spread to other areas in Fiji.
Recognizing the important role that agriculture plays in Fiji’s economy, the Ministry of Agriculture in Fiji, with assistance from the Food and Agriculture of the United Nations, created and published the Fiji 2020 Agriculture Sector Policy Agenda. The aim of this policy is to evolve and modernize Fiji’s agricultural sector in a holistic and inclusive approach, with a focus on sustainability. This policy pursues the use of “climate-smart agriculture” as a new way of increasing production, as well as heightening resilience through the use of sustainable agriculture in Fiji. In order to address national and global obstacles in relation to food security and climate change, a new framework must be set, which is argued and outlined in this policy.
As the effects of climate change heighten, adaptive sustainable agriculture in Fiji has been recognized as a crucial measure by various actors, including farmers and their communities, various local and national nongovernmental organizations and the Fiji government. Many understand the importance of the close connections between agriculture, the economy, food security and livelihoods of communities, and its awareness is spreading throughout the country. In addition to the projects mentioned, various other actions are being undertaken that focus on modernizing agricultural practices, which create more resilience for farmers and their communities and contribute further to sustainable agriculture in Fiji.
– Miho Kitamura
Photo: Flickr
What Has the UN Done?
UNICEF
UNICEF is an agency that was created by the United Nations that stands for the United Nations International Children’s Fund. UNICEF protects the rights of children throughout the world and works towards increasing their standard of living. UNICEF works in 190 countries.
UNAIDS
The United Nations has been highly successful in the global battle against HIV/AIDS. They raise awareness, funds and create programs for prevention and treatment. The most recent UNAIDS update states that it plans to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
World Food Programme
The United Nations’ World Food Programme is one of the most successful agencies created by the U.N. thus far. The U.N. World Food Programme feeds 104 million people across 80 countries every year, focusing on war zones, natural disaster areas, health emergencies and poor countries.
UNHCR
Another success of the United Nations is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, founded in 1949. The leaders of the UNHCR work with refugees and ensure that governments take responsibility in regards to refugees. UNHCR has received two Nobel Peace Prizes for work done in Europe and worldwide assistance to refugees.
Peacekeeping Missions
The United Nations has 16 peacekeeping missions underway across the world. The purpose is to encourage peaceful relations between countries. The peacekeeping missions have saved many lives and are one of the most successful projects the U.N. has undertaken throughout history.
Among the accomplishments of the United Nations, it is clear how important they are and what a large impact they have made throughout the world. In addition to these five accomplishments are countless others that are just as crucial to the groundbreaking aid they have provided. The question “What has the U.N. done?” starts with these five important things and continues with many other forms of aid.
– Chloe Turner
Photo: Flickr
Sustainable Agriculture in Peru for the Matsés People
Who are the Matsés? The Matsés are an indigenous group that occupies riverbank areas in the Amazon rainforest. There are only about 2,200 Matsés in these areas. According to Survival, a non-governmental organization committed to the rights of indigenous people, the Matsés live off the land by farming, hunting and fishing.
Farming is an important aspect of Matsés culture. The Permaculture Research Institute explains that slash and burn techniques are common agricultural practices that the Matsés use in order to farm. Although this practice is traditional for the Matsés, it does raise some ecological issues, as it is not a sustainable agricultural method.
The slash and burn technique, which is a method of clearing forests and then burning the vegetation, leads to disastrous environmental concerns. The Ecologic Development Fund explains that this method and deforestation contributes to climate change, habitat loss and ultimately nutrient-depleted soil.
This does not only affect the environment, but also the health of the Matsés people. The John A. Dutton E-Education Institute explains that soil that is low in nutrients will result in poor nutrient levels in crops, as these plants will only be supplied with the nutrients that are leftover from previous seasons. This ultimately means that the Matsés people are likely not getting adequate nutrition from the food they are producing.
Luckily, there is hope that these issues will improve as sustainable agriculture in Peru spreads.
William Park from the Permaculture Research Institute explains permaculture, which is a sustainable agriculture technique that was introduced to the Matsés, as “consciously designed landscapes which mimic the patterns and relationships found in nature, while yielding an abundance of food, fiber and energy (shelter, medicine) for the provision of local needs.”
The Permaculture Research Institute and the Acaté Amazon Conservation started a permaculture farm where David Fleck, the field coordinator, has focused on integrating sustainable farm practices into the lives of the Matsés. This method will not only yield more nutritious food but also reduce deforestation in the area.
Luckily, these methods have proved successful, as they do increase crop yields. The Permaculture Research Institute says this has helped the Matsés people to embrace these changes. They are confident that the Matsés will continue with these sustainability practices and that these methods will spread throughout the region to grow sustainable agriculture in Peru.
What does this mean for the future of the Matsés people and the Amazon? These new techniques show promise in providing adequate amounts of food that are fully nutritious. This should ensure that the Matsés live healthier lives. Furthermore, these practices enable the Matsés people to become better educated on the richness and importance of the Amazon. The Matsés Project is committed to educating the Matsés so they can preserve their culture and be able to better defend their land from companies trying to exploit their home.
– Mary McCarthy
Photo: Flickr