The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Russian Geographical Society will continue to exchange experiences and knowledge in the field of forestry, climate change, preservation of biodiversity and natural resources. The three-year cooperation agreement was signed by the FAO Deputy Director General for Programs Daniel Gustafson and Ilya Gurov, the RGS`s First Deputy Executive Director, at the FAO headquarters in Rome.
The agreement provides for the involvement of volunteers and researchers from Russia in work of the FAO. It is also expected, that the RGS will contribute to the FAO Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) program.
"We hope that this project will attract talented Russian scientists, researchers and young people, who are interested in sharing their views, innovative ideas and research experience in the priority areas of the FAO's activities aimed at accelerating progress in achieving the sustainable development goals,” said Daniel Gustafson. “The project will also provide volunteers and researchers with real opportunities and practical experience through a short introduction to the FAO work.”
“Today’s agreements will give an additional impetus to the cooperation of the Russian Geographical Society with the FAO,” said Ilya Gurov. “The Russian volunteers and young scientists` involvement in the work of the FAO will provide them with new opportunities to prove themselves in the field of environmental preservation, and care for the sustainable development of our planet, since this is the most important task not only of the Geographical Society, but also of the entire UN system. Our country has very talented young people, and I am sure that, with its help we will open new horizons."
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, created in 1945, leading international efforts to combat hunger. The goal of the organization is to ensure food security for all and guarantee regular access of the population to high-quality food. The FAO, with more than 194 member countries, operates in more than 130 countries around the world.