News

Policy Framework for Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN

25 May 2022

The guideline development looks at the existing frameworks, among other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) andĀ ASEAN Integrated Food Security (AIFS) Framework and Strategic Plan of Action on Food Security (SPA-FS) 2021-2025 – ASEANĀ for long-term socio-economic recovery strategy post-pandemic.Ā The guideline development started in 2021. It received endorsement from the Senior Officials Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (SOM-AMAF) on 25 May 2022 and will be submitted to the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) in October for further endorsement.

Some 44 AMS representatives attended the workshop, jointly organised by the ASEAN Secretariatā€™s Food, Agriculture and Forestry Division (FAFD) and the GIZ Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains in ASEAN (ASEAN AgriTrade) project.

Dr. Dian Sukmajaya of the FAFD ASEAN Secretariat in his presentation cited the link of the recent guidelines with existing ASEAN policy frameworks, and other relevant guidelines in the FAF sectors, available via the ASEAN and the ASEAN Climate Resilience Network website at this link:Ā Relevant ASEAN Guidelines on Land Use – ASEAN-CRN.

Dr. Dian Sukmajaya of the FAFD, ASEAN Secretariat [GIZ / Diella Dachlan]

ā€œASEAN will continue to explore a partnership with international dialogue partners and private sector engagement for opportunities for implementing the guidelines,ā€ said Dr Sukmajaya.

Mr Errol N. Perera, the lead expert supporting the guideline development, provided an overview of the guidelines, including concepts, sustainability impacts, strategies, and implementation plans to transition to sustainable agriculture. Mr Perera then underscored the importance of harmonising AMS strategies and setting targets.

Ms Pouchamarn Wongsanga, Regional Component Leader, GIZ, moderated the session on recommendations and the way forward. In this session, AMS representatives shared their views and suggestions on priorities and further discussed opportunities to implement the guidelines. The initial feedback is compiled and will be shared for further action. Some AMS requested for more time to review and synthesize the information regarding the implementation of the Guidelines at the regional and national levels i.e. existing available projects, gaps with existing action plans, proposed activities and support needed from development partners.

Mr Errol N. Perera, the lead expert and Ms Pouchamarn Wongsanga, Regional Component Leader, GIZ [GIZ / Diella Dachlan]

The Guidelineā€™s Key Guiding Principles
The ASEAN Regional Guidelines for Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN will provide AMS with guiding principles and strategies for sustainable and circular agriculture. The principles strived to balance the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability, namely

  1. Improving efficiency in the use of our resources
  2. Conserving, protecting and enhancing natural ecosystems
  3. Safeguarding and improving rural livelihoods and social well-being
  4. Strengthening the resilience of people, communities and ecosystems, and
  5. Promoting good governance of both natural and human systems.

The facilitation for the guideline development was initially supported by the ASEAN-German Project, Climate Smart Agriculture (CSLU) project, which ended in December 2021. The support is continued under the Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains in ASEAN (ASEAN AgriTrade) Project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ.

Participants of Workshop on ASEAN Regional Guidelines for Sustainable Agriculture on 2 August 2022. [GIZ / Diella Dachlan]

Contact person
Natasha Angsakulchai
Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains in ASEAN (ASEAN AgriTrade)

Key buzzwords
Sustainable Agriculture, ASEAN, guidelines