Expo 2020 Dubai: We must not leave anyone behind

The Human and Planet Program at Expo 2020 Dubai organized dialogue sessions within the activities of the Climate and Biodiversity Week held by the international event, to discuss climate and biodiversity in mountain communities, with the aim of leaving no one behind in the development path.

The panel discussions brought together a selection of decision-makers, scientists and mountain lovers, in addition to the private sector, to discuss one of the most important environmental issues, which are those related to preserving mountain communities and securing livelihoods in them, in addition to discussing the work of leaders, experts and communities in harmony in order to achieve sustainable development for the regions. mountain range and give it the ability to adapt to climate change.

 Mountaineer, photographer, and Ambassador of the Mountain Partnership Initiative Jake Norton said: “I feel proud that Expo 2020 Dubai chose the topic of mountain protection to be presented in this huge global gathering, to gain more importance on the table of pressing global issues. It is very important to educate everyone about the importance of mountain communities, and that they are one of the The most important sources of water and renewable energy, what happens in the mountains infiltrates us automatically and affects our lives, even if we are far from them.” 

 “Conserving the mountain environment plays an important role in achieving the sustainability we are looking for, so we must listen to the voices of the mountain people,” he added. Those interested in these issues also have the right to participate in global talks dealing with climate change and biodiversity. If we do not pay attention to this fact, it will result in devastating effects for the planet, from the drying up of fresh water and mountain rivers, and other natural disasters that we are trying hard to avoid.”

 He pointed out that mountains are considered one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth; Climate change negatively affects mountain ecosystems, livelihoods and cultures around the world. The concern stems from the fact that life may not be possible in the mountains, which are an indispensable source of water, renewable energy, timber and biodiversity. Mountain people face increasing levels of poverty and malnutrition, and as climate change is reshaping the agricultural practices that mountain people depend on, this affects the economies of these communities and their livelihood options.

 For her part, Anita Paul, Director of the Himalayas Development Foundation, said that focusing on the issue of climate change and biodiversity at Expo 2020 Dubai is an important opportunity. "Dialogue and exchange of ideas is the way to reach the solutions that we aspire to find and implement on the ground," she said. Devoting time and effort to organizing such discussions, which some may consider traditional, is a step forward in the direction of protecting indigenous peoples and achieving sustainability.”

 For his part, Maurizio Martina, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Special Adviser to the Director-General, said: “Today we face the threat of an increase in the rate of famine worldwide. Therefore, the organization is focusing on this issue, in addition to the issue of malnutrition. Also, today we are fighting the situation of food waste, which is a dangerous situation that must be addressed. The world's confrontation with the Corona pandemic has led to an increase in the rates of famine, which has made the matter worse; Therefore, all this affected the most vulnerable environments, including mountainous areas.” 

 He added, “We are currently working on cooperating with governments to design school feeding programs, in addition to sustainable rural development programmes. We are also integrating public-private partnerships in order to serve the mountain ecosystem and address the vulnerabilities of its inhabitants. The Food and Agriculture Organization and the Mountain Partnership are committed to promoting activities and investments in this regard.”

 For his part, Paulo de Croce, Secretary-General of Slofood International, said: “Preserving the local food culture is at the core of our goals, and preserving the local food biodiversity is one of the pillars we are working to consolidate.

One of the most important solutions that help us achieve our goals is to spread environmental and food culture to be passed on from one generation to the next. Without preserving local biodiversity and spreading knowledge, we will create weak communities that are unable to confront climate change and its impact on food.”

 Mario Cerruti, Head of Corporate Relations and Sustainability and Secretary of the Lavazza Foundation, said: “The challenge for us is to encourage diversity, not only in livelihoods, but also in agriculture. We encourage diversification in crops, given the severity of malnutrition in mountainous areas.

Many traditional agricultural crops are already disappearing;

So, diversity in crops will enhance nutrition.”