What's Happening?
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has initiated a consultancy aimed at enhancing institutional and policy capacities for integrated food systems in the Yaque del Sur basin, Dominican Republic. This initiative is part of the SDG Fund Joint
Programme, which seeks to transform agri-food systems in the region. The consultancy will focus on aligning food systems with biodiversity, climate, and development frameworks, and will produce analytical assessments, policy recommendations, and governance tools. The goal is to support evidence-based decision-making and policy coherence, ultimately leading to sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems.
Why It's Important?
This consultancy is significant as it addresses the critical need for integrated approaches to food systems, climate, and biodiversity. By strengthening policy coherence and governance, the initiative aims to enhance food security and environmental sustainability in the Dominican Republic. The outcomes could serve as a model for other regions, promoting cross-sectoral coordination and aligning national strategies with global sustainability goals. This effort supports the broader objectives of the United Nations to achieve sustainable development and combat climate change.
What's Next?
The consultancy will deliver strategic outputs required to implement the program's objectives, including a comprehensive diagnostic assessment of policy integration and a roadmap for interministerial coordination. The establishment of a Food Systems Policy Lab will facilitate ongoing dialogue and capacity-building among stakeholders. These efforts are expected to lay the groundwork for future programmatic phases and sustained cross-sectoral collaboration.
