The AL-INVEST Verde programme participated in the Conference of the Parties on Biodiversity -COP16-which was held in Cali, Colombia, from 21 October to 1 November. The programme, which promotes sustainability and green transition in Latin America, organised three events on coffee, cocoa and beef cattle.
In the sessions, organised by together with the Delegation of the European Union to Colombiarepresentatives of the institutions and organisations with which AL-INVEST Verde develops actions and projects took part. Specialists from all over the Latin American region shared initiatives to promote sustainable production in the food supply chains. coffee, cocoa and livestock The project also includes proposals to reduce the environmental footprint and improve the competitiveness of local producers.
"At AL-INVEST Verde we firmly believe that the private sector plays a key role in the transition to a green economy. Through strategic partnerships and sustainable practices in the agriculture and livestock sector, we are demonstrating that it is possible to improve competitiveness and sustainability at the same time. This approach allows us to have a positive impact on both the environment and the value chains," said Frank Summa, Director of the Component 1 of the programme - which supports the private sector.
For his part, Emilio Calvo, Director of the Component 2 -focused on public policy advocacy - emphasised the key role of institutions in driving policies that promote sustainability and the protection of biodiversity. "At AL-INVEST Verde, we work with the public sector to support Latin American countries in complying with the European Union's European Union Regulation on Deforestation and Forest Degradation Free Products (EUDR). This promotes traceability throughout the value chain and complies with the due diligence process, with more sustainable practices that protect forests and natural resources, which are essential for the region's economy".
The events organised were a valuable opportunity to make visible the work that AL-INVEST Verde is developing for the transition towards sustainable production, essential for the future of the region and with a particular emphasis on the protection of intellectual property.
EUIPO, in the framework of the Component 3 of the IPR programme, led key discussions focusing on harnessing the potential of IPRs for the benefit of the Geographical Indications (GIs) to valorise sustainable production chainswith a special focus on coffee and cocoa. A highlight was the session on sustainable coffee production, where industry experts discussed how intellectual property (IP) rights, such as GIs, can enhance the value of coffee while preserving ecosystems. The role of IP in supporting sustainable and deforestation-free coffee and cocoa production took centre stage during the side events.
COP16
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the governing body of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an international treaty adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Its main objective is to setting an agenda to conserve biological diversity. This year, the 16th edition of the biannual Biodiversity Conference was held in Cali, with the aim of taking decisive action for the protection of biodiversity.
AL-INVEST Verde remains committed to sustainability and will continue to organise activities that promote economic development that respects the environment, protects forests and strengthens the resilience of local communities.
About AL-INVEST Verde
AL-INVEST Verde is a European Union programme whose main objective is to promote sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America by supporting the transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy. It is implemented through three components that promote the sustainable development of the private sector, the implementation of public policies and the protection of intellectual property rights.
VIDEOS - SIDE EVENTS
PHOTOS
