The Mediterranean in Dialogue
Contribution to the CIHEAM Ministerial Meeting on Regional Food Sovereignty
Birgu (Malta), July 12, 2024
Mr. Anton Refalo, the Maltese Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights.
The CIHEAM Governing Board met for the 155th time on July 11 and 12, 2024, in Birgu, Malta. The first day was particularly highlighted by the presence of Mr. Anton Refalo, the Maltese Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights. Mr. Refalo emphasized the growing importance of the relationship between CIHEAM and Malta, recalling that the first initiatives for cooperation and training of agricultural and rural communities took place in this country. On the morning of 12 July, a high-level debate entitled "Mediterranean Approach to Food Sovereignty: Concerns and Impacts on Sustainable Food Systems" was held. Organised in conjunction with the 155th Governing Board meeting, this event served as a prelude to the 12th CIHEAM Ministerial Meeting scheduled for 25 October in Rabat, Morocco.
This debate laid the foundations for an informed discussion in preparation for the Ministerial Meeting to be held in Rabat, where recommendations will be proposed to support the green and blue transitions necessary for more sustainable and resilient agricultural and food systems, based on a better understanding of the needs of Mediterranean countries faced with simultaneous crises. It drew on the outcomes of an extraordinary meeting of the CIHEAM Governing Board organised by videoconference at the end of May, during which discussions were held to define the most urgent priority challenges to be addressed during the ministerial meeting. "The preparation of this ministerial meeting is essential to ensure coherence in addressing the region's pressing issues and implementing effective concerted solutions," stated Mrs Frida Krifca, President of the CIHEAM.
The involvement of CIHEAM partners and other stakeholders played a crucial role in enriching this debate. By integrating diverse perspectives and ideas, the CIHEAM ensured that the discussions were rooted in national and global experiences and best practices that could inspire strategic thinking across the region and be replicated.
Moderated by Justin Zahra, former Maltese Delegate to the CIHEAM Governing Board and Senior Director of the European Agricultural Programme at the Environmental Defense Fund Europe, the debate featured a diverse range of speakers including Maurizio Martina, Deputy Director-General of the FAO and former Italian Minister of Agriculture, Abderraouf Laajimi, Deputy Executive Director of the International Olive Council (IOC), Maha Al Zubi, Regional Researcher at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and James Acidri-Global, Head of Humanitarian Food Security and Livelihoods at Save the Children International. Delegations from the 13 CIHEAM Member States, as well as partner organisations such as the OECD, also participated in the debate.
Collaborative efforts for food security in the Mediterranean
The debate focused on collaborative efforts for food security in the Mediterranean, exploring joint efforts and shared responsibilities among Mediterranean countries to ensure equitable access to nutritious food, promote climate-smart and resilient local food production, and support small-scale farmers, while taking account of the interdependance of social, economic, and environmental factors.
The discussions also highlighted how the Mediterranean countries can collaborate and demonstrate their solidarity in tackling challenges related to food sovereignty and sustainable food systems. Lastly, the debate addressed environmental concerns associated with current food production and distribution systems in the Mediterranean and assessed how cooperation approaches can contribute to more environmentally responsible and sustainable food systems.
Results of the survey proposed to the public
This high-level gathering was a unique opportunity to bring together diverse perspectives and prepare the ground for a high-level debate to encourage concrete actions at the coming ministerial meeting in Rabat. "Regional collaboration and solidarity are essential to address the challenges of food sovereignty and sustainable food systems in the Mediterranean region," stated Mr Redouane Arrach, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests of Morocco and Delegate of Morocco to CIHEAM. "This debate was an opportunity to bring together diverse perspectives and pave the way for concrete political action at our next ministerial meeting in Rabat."
Results of the survey proposed to the public
VIDEO OF THE DEBATE AVAILABLE ON THE CIHEAM YOUTUBE CHANNEL