In a landmark initiative to promote sustainable agricultural practices, ASEAN member states, in collaboration with key international organizations, have officially launched the ASEAN Guidelines for Agroecology Transitions. These guidelines serve as a strategic framework to foster sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems across the region.
A Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future
Led by the Lao Department of Agricultural Land Management under the Lao-facilitated Initiative on Agroecology for ASEAN (LICA), the guidelines were developed through a multi-stakeholder approach. Key partners include the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), working in close coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat’s Food, Agriculture and Forestry Division.
This milestone was further supported by the Agence Française de Développement through the Agroecology and Safe Food System Transitions project, co-funded by the European Union and the French Facility for Global Environment. The project is jointly led by CIRAD and GRET, a French international development NGO.
Endorsement and Strategic Focus Areas
The guidelines received formal endorsement at the 45th ASEAN Agriculture and Forestry Senior Officials Meeting in Malaysia and were officially adopted during the 46th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting.
To drive meaningful agroecological transformation, the guidelines focus on seven key areas:
- Strategic Planning – Establishing national and regional frameworks for sustainable agriculture.
- Farmer Engagement – Empowering farmers with knowledge and resources for agroecology.
- Sustainable Value Chains – Encouraging environmentally friendly and economically viable food systems.
- Knowledge Sharing – Facilitating best practices and lessons learned across member states.
- Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration – Strengthening partnerships between governments, private sectors, and civil society.
- Research and Innovation – Driving scientific advancements to support agroecological practices.
- Financing Solutions – Developing investment mechanisms to scale up agroecology initiatives.
ASEAN’s Vision for a Resilient Agricultural Sector
The ASEAN Secretariat emphasized the transformative potential of these guidelines, stating, “This initiative represents a significant step in ASEAN’s commitment to sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems. By embedding agroecology into national strategies, member states can align with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.”
As part of this initiative, a digital media hub will be established to provide stakeholders with ongoing access to resources, collaboration opportunities, and best practices, further accelerating ASEAN’s agroecological transition.
The guidelines will also shape future regional policies, including the Action Plan for Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN (2025-2030). With support from global organizations such as FAO and CIRAD, this initiative is expected to enhance biodiversity protection, promote climate-resilient farming systems, and drive sustainable agricultural development across the region.
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