Related items
Showing items related by metadata.
-
Book (stand-alone)15 years of Mountain Partnership 2018
Also available in:
No results found.This publication celebrates the work of the Mountain Partnership, the only UN alliance dedicated to improving the lives of mountain communities and their ecosystems, over 15 years. It profiles key players, charts the achievements at global, regional and national level and showcases success stories around the world. The publication also provides recommendations for the way ahead to implement the 2030 Agenda for Mountains. -
Book (stand-alone)Desalination for agricultural development: Addressing opportunities and challenges in the context of climate change and the global agricultural commodity market
Expert consultation workshop report
2025Also available in:
No results found.The integration of desalination into agricultural practices presents a transformative opportunity to address water scarcity in a rapidly changing climate. This guidance document has highlighted the technological advances, agronomic opportunities, economic challenges, environmental impacts and social considerations associated with doing so.Technologically, desalination has evolved significantly, offering viable solutions for both seawater and brackish water, with reverse osmosis leading the way. However, the high costs and energy requirements of desalination remain significant challenges, particularly for widespread agricultural use. Innovations in energy efficiency, brine management, and the potential for resource recovery from brine are promising developments that could lower costs and environmental impacts in the future.Agronomically, desalinated water can support high-value crops, and it has the potential to support food security in regions facing severe water scarcity. However, the unique chemical composition of desalinated water, including low nutrient content and the potential for phytotoxicity, necessitates careful management to avoid adverse effects on soil health and crop productivity. Blending desalinated water with water from other sources and adjusting fertilization practices can mitigate some of these concerns.Economically, the viability of desalination for agriculture depends on the value of the crops being irrigated, the proximity of desalination plants to agricultural lands, and the availability of financing mechanisms. The high cost of desalinated water requires targeted subsidies, public–private partnerships, and innovative financing models to make it accessible and sustainable for farmers, particularly in developing regions. Further research is needed to analyse the costs and benefits of desalination for “strategic” crops in water-scarce areas – such as cereals and animal fodder – which are intended to contribute to food security.Environmental sustainability is a critical consideration, with desalination’s energy intensity and brine disposal posing significant risks. The shift towards renewable energy sources and the development of brine valorization strategies are essential steps towards reducing the environmental footprint of desalination. Moreover, the potential for desalination to contribute to aquifer recharge and prevent overextraction of freshwater resources offers additional environmental benefits. -
Brochure, flyer, fact-sheetEnhancing the engagement of forest-based industries in ecosystem restoration
A Statement from the ACSFI
2023Also available in:
No results found.With this Statement, the Advisory Committee on Sustainable Forest-based Industries (ACSFI), recognizes that forest-based industries can play a unique role in facilitating global efforts towards ecosystem restoration. It therefore calls FAO to identify best practices, including in sustainable finance, for the implementation of ecosystem restoration initiatives by the forest sector and the dissemination of this knowledge globally; and the forest-based industries to promote industry-wide dialogues to recognize ecological restoration as a novel strategic opportunity.
Users also downloaded
Showing related downloaded files
No results found.