30 October 2024.- From 21 to 25 October, CIHEAM Zaragoza hosted the international course "Food sustainability assessment: A methodological approach", which brought together experts from eight Mediterranean countries: Algeria, Egypt, Spain, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, and Türkiye.
The training, held with the technical support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), addressed the need for a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between food systems and sustainability. It also focused on familiarising participants with the latest methodologies and indicators to assess the sustainability of a food system in its three dimensions (environmental, economic, and social) within the context of increasing pressure on food systems.
This initiative attracted participants including public administration officials, technical advisors, researchers, and university professors involved in assessing the sustainability of food systems in the Mediterranean region.
Key indicators and tools to measure sustainability
One of the core themes of the course was the discussion on selecting relevant indicators and using advanced assessment tools. "The course highlighted the need to evaluate sustainability from a holistic perspective and to select indicators based on the objectives being assessed," emphasised Mario Anamaría, administrator of CIHEAM Zaragoza and academic coordinator of the course.
The professionals delved into advanced tools such as life cycle analysis and environmental footprints (water and carbon), as well as participatory methodologies to address conflicts between environmental, social, and economic objectives. The programme also placed special emphasis on the water-energy-food nexus, a crucial approach for managing critical interdependencies in both rural and urban areas.
Transitioning towards a more sustainable, fair and resilient model
As highlighted in the course, the current agri-food systems entail significant hidden costs in health, the environment, and society. Hence, the need for their analysis through true cost accounting (The State of Food and Agriculture 2023. Revealing the true cost of food to transform agrifood systems, FAO).
Otro aspecto central fue la importancia de una buena gobernanza transformar los sistemas alimentarios hacia modelos más sostenibles, justos y resilientes. "Al fortalecer la gobernanza regional y fomentar la equidad social, los países mediterráneos pueden avanzar hacia un desarrollo sostenible que minimice los i
Another key aspect was the importance of good governance in transforming food systems towards more sustainable, fair, and resilient models. "By strengthening regional governance and promoting social equity, Mediterranean countries can move towards sustainable development that minimises environmental impacts, optimises resources, and improves the living conditions of their most vulnerable communities," said Anamaría.
The course provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the latest methodologies to measure sustainability in the Mediterranean region, which faces unique challenges such as water scarcity, soil degradation, and the need to ensure food security in the context of climate change.