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Digital Villages LAC - TCP/RLA/3809

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 12

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Project

Synopsis (short abstract) A diversified economy linked to dynamic markets is needed to meet the No Poverty and Zero Hunger Goals (SDGs 1 and 2). In rural regions, more and more communities are engaged in sustainable tourism and agritourism, moving away from farming activities to generate income. In 2020, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) signed a memorandum of understanding to promote tourism as a mechanism to diversify income. In the same vein, FAO's 1 000 Digital Villages Initiative is attempting to connect 1 000 rural communities through the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) platform. This project sought to implement the 1 000 Digital Villages Initiative in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region through a pilot learning programme, documentation and evidence of the outcome in 20 villages, with a view to scaling it out to at least 100 additional communities in the region. The expansion of the project demands that connections be established to mobilize government, international financial institution (IFI) and private sector resources. As part of this digitalization strategy, it is necessary to enhance digital literacy in order to allow beneficiaries to effectively use the tools therein and to increase the reach of policies and support services. Digital strategies need to be enhanced for the promotion and sale of local services, while a better relationship is required with both the private sector (tourism agencies, private enterprises, innovation) and the public sector. Thanks to this project, governments, IFIs, the private sector and FAO have applied strategies on the use of digital technologies in rural agrifood systems, where other tourism initiatives already existed.

Language English

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