Agricultural sustainability trip and members’ dinner at COP16
During COP16, the Finance for Biodiversity Foundation organised a couple of informal events aimed at fostering networking and collaboration among its members. These gatherings provided a unique opportunity for participants to connect outside of the formal sessions of the conference, sharing insights and experiences while strengthening relationships within the FfB community.
COP16 Nature Trip: Exploring Sustainable Agricultural Innovation at Agrosavia
On October 25th, Finance for Biodiversity (FfB) Foundation members participated in an enriching Nature Trip organised by the government of Colombia to explore sustainable agricultural practices at Agrosavia’s Research Centre near Cali. This excursion offered a chance to move beyond the conference setting and gain insight into the critical intersection of food production, agriculture, and biodiversity.
Bright and early in the morning, FfB Foundation members and the FfB team began a tour of Agrosavia’s Research Centre in Palmira, an hour outside of Cali. Agrosavia, the Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation, focuses on advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability through collaboration with farmers and institutions, developing and transferring technologies to support resilient agriculture across Colombia. The centre’s Director introduced Agrosavia’s evolving mission, highlighting its new emphasis on balancing producer needs with consumer food security and environmental sustainability.
Participants learned about several innovative projects aimed at sustainable practices:
- Peach Palm Pest Control: Agrosavia researchers presented their work on bio-solutions to combat pest infestations in peach palm crops. By using natural predators, such as flies, instead of pesticides, they aim to foster a more sustainable approach to pest management.
- Sustainable Livestock Breeding: The centre shared insights on preserving livestock genetic diversity while sustaining dairy productivity. This approach addresses genetic erosion concerns while supporting the nutritional demands of the population.
- Circular Cocoa Economy: Agrosavia showcased a circular economy model in cocoa production, where cocoa pulp is used as a substitute for refined sugars in chocolate production. This model supports both crop sustainability and product innovation, exemplified by Copoazú, a potential alternative to cocoa with promising land-use benefits.
The trip concluded with a chocolate tasting, featuring products from Agrosavia’s innovative cocoa model. This visit offered a unique look at Agrosavia’s impactful work in agricultural sustainability and highlighted Colombia’s commitment to aligning food production with biodiversity conservation.
Members Dinner
At COP16, the Finance for Biodiversity Foundation organised an exclusive members’ dinner at Hacienda del Bosque, a beautifully restored 19th-century Colombian estate. Members enjoyed traditional Colombian dishes with a plant-based, sustainable twist, highlighting locally sourced ingredients.
Organising these gatherings offers members an unique opportunity to connect and share insights in a relaxed and welcoming settings. These dinners build bonds within our community, reinforcing our shared commitment to impactfully advance finance and biodiversity goals.
