Farming Biodiversity Initiatives

The Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Initiative is a multi-year program funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the World Bank. The initiative seeks to transform global food systems by promoting sustainable production landscapes and deforestation-free value chains for major commodities such as cocoa, coffee, livestock, palm oil, soy, as well as staple crops including rice, corn, and wheat. As part of this broad framework, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) plays a key role by leading the country-level implementation of 10 of the 27 FOLUR projects, contributing technical expertise and policy support to drive sustainability in agriculture and land use practices.

FAO’s engagement in the FOLUR Initiative encompasses the development of knowledge-based tools and the implementation of integrated landscape planning strategies aimed at improving resource management and reducing environmental degradation. Through its participation, FAO promotes collaborative efforts among governments, development partners, and the private sector to align national agricultural practices with international sustainability standards and climate objectives. This work is designed to support evidence-based decision-making and to foster resilient food systems that contribute to both environmental restoration and long-term socio-economic well-being.

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