PROAmazonía was selected along with 12 other international proposals 

The Comprehensive Amazon Program for Forest Conservation and Sustainable Production (PROAmazonía) is an initiative of the Ministries of Environment and Water and Agriculture and Livestock of Ecuador; it was highlighted among more than 600 projects from 114 countries in ‘Cultivate’, a call by the Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Singapore.

‘Cultivate’ aims to promote initiatives in sustainable agriculture that provide technological solutions. It was felt that Ecuador’s proposal contributes to this objective by incorporating traceability systems into the productive chain of beef cattle. In this way, compliance with certifications and safety, innocuousness and quality are ensured.

With this recognition, PROAmazonía will have access to tutorials by corporate and technological leaders and contact networks of authorities, representative stakeholders and potential clients, and in November of this year, it will submit its final proposal to compete with proposals from other countries for funds to implement pilot projects.

Currently, under the leadership of MAG’s Undersecretariat for Livestock Production and in coordination with UNDP, PROAmazonía is working with a Canadian company, Convergence.tech, on the development of the traceability pilot project. The following have been defined in this initial stage: the work route, and the deadlines and objectives of the traceability pilot programs that are to be implemented in the Amazon Region.

The implementation of these systems in the Amazon will foster a better understanding of the meat and milk marketing chains; link and identify all stakeholders; certify producers and ensure product safety; provide opportunities to open markets; and identify and create a convenient legal framework for industry and consumers (meat classification law).

About ‘Cultivate.’

‘Cultivate’ is a UNDP initiative supported by the Government of Singapore that seeks to explore opportunities in urban agriculture, climate resilience and livestock, and address key challenges facing developing countries.

The world will have to feed 9 billion people by 2050, and meeting that demand will require a 70% increase in food production. The effects of climate change are putting increasing pressure on diminishing resources, increasing the vulnerability of the agricultural sector.

Agriculture accounts for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions and 68% of global freshwater withdrawals and consumption

In order todeal with these challenges, existing patterns of production and consumption must be transformed to achieve responsible and sustainable use of resources. ‘Cultivate’ offers a unique opportunity to work in a number of emerging markets with immense potential alongside local innovators, technology experts and corporate and financial mentors, and co-design solutions with farmers and policy makers.

PROAmazonía is an initiative of the Ministry of Environment and Water (MAAE), the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Fund (GEF).

Authors: Juan Francisco Bermeo and Paúl Ochoa

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