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“The future of wildlife in the hands of everyone” is the motto of World Wildlife Day, which is celebrated annually on the 3^rdMarch

The activities of the ELSOFP Central Asia project (Expansion of Kyrgyz, Tajik and Uzbek local smallholder organic agriculture and forest-based food products to EU Markets) are interconnected with agriculture and forestry, with local communities which are close to wildlife and interact with it on daily basis. Any natural territories that surround a person are home to representatives of the animal and plant world. Together with many natural components, such as water, vegetation, landscapes, climatic conditions and much more, it defines the habitual natural habitat of many living organisms.

Agriculture has a significant impact on the natural environment than any other sector of the national economy. Every day human activity expands to new territories that are taken from the wild. Soils and water resources are subject to agrochemical pollution, which also changes the environment and negatively affects the flora and fauna. The loss of habitat and the intensity of farming are some of the real and tangible problems of the wild. Flora and fauna are endangered and require our attention to this problem.

It is important to note that biodiversity for food and agriculture is a key element of its security, sustainable development and the provision of many vital ecosystem services.

 “On this World Wildlife Day, let us remind ourselves of our responsibility to preserve and sustainably use the vast diversity of life on the planet. Let's seek a more caring, thoughtful and sustainable relationship with nature. A world of prosperous biodiversity provides the foundation we need to achieve our sustainable development goals - a world of dignity and opportunity for all people on a healthy planet,” said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

The ELSOFP Central Asia project promotes the sustainable management of natural resources, in particular agricultural, forest and pasture lands, using organic production methods that reduce negative impact on natural biodiversity inclusively, as opposed to intensive agricultural practices. In turn, the economic mechanisms proposed to the parties involved in the project increase the motivation of farmers and forest users, which is also a guarantee of conservation of wildlife.

A responsible farmer and a forest user get double benefit in the form of stability of ecosystem services provided and increase of income, new employment opportunities for his members. The future of nature is truly in the hands of everyone!

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Bishkek, February 14, 2020 - The delegation of the European Union in the Kyrgyz Republic proposed a dialogue to discuss the new EU-UN Initiative aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls. At the EU-KR Gender Workshop 2020, the National Action Plan on Gender Issues for 2018–2020 in Kyrgyzstan was presented.

The reports of leading participants noted that gender equality is a fundamental element in ensuring sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed by the international community include the goal of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, as well as gender goals within other SDGs.

Despite growing urbanization, a significant proportion of the population in the region lives in rural areas. Many women and men living in rural areas may experience more pronounced gender inequality due to:

• Limited access to basic services and employment opportunities in rural areas;
• A higher degree of dependence on agricultural production and a large number of women working as unpaid family workers;
• Higher fertility rates and, consequently, pressure on the provision of basic services, such as education and health;
• Increased temporary burden on women, who usually care for family members.

The ELSOFP project team took an active part in this seminar. As a result, it was noted that the meeting became a plausible platform for discussing many pressing issues on the topic of gender balance, including in the agribusiness system. The changing structure of agricultural production with a growing share of fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, the introduction of new agricultural technologies, the formation of new modern sales chains and value chains also suggests a change in the structure of the agri-food sector.

In particular, the workshop participants noted that employment in organic and forestry in the countries of Central Asia is currently formed on the basis of gender roles. Some types of jobs are still stereotyped as “male” jobs and others as “female” ones. Men are usually associated with capital-intensive activities, as well as activities involving greater involvement in decision-making. Women are usually associated with labor-intensive work, which requires less mobility, less use of technology and less voice in community decision-making. Women usually combine this work with household chores and reproduction and are generally disadvantaged in terms of access and control of agricultural machinery, livestock, fertilizers, and irrigation water. It is a significant problem for women and for rural development in the region, since proportionally more men migrate to urban areas in search of work, while women are often left alone and take over the management of households.

- “In almost all reports, problems of infringement of the rights and interests of women were mentioned. Here we heard for the first time that in the countryside 40 bans are used for girls, “as a traditional upbringing” method. Questions were raised about the ban on a number of hard works, where women should not be involved. To successfully address gender issues in meetings, a balance must be struck between men and women decision makers. Otherwise there will be discussions and no progress”, the ELSOFP project team shared their impressions.

Guaranteeing equal economic opportunities for women and men in rural areas could potentailly stop or slow down migration and contribute to rural development. Creation of the “Association of Women” in rural and forestry sectors was discussed during the forum. ELSOFP is active in promotion of gender rights in agri-food sector. After all, women employed in local agri-food and forestry management systems will receive the opportunity for stable employment and steady income. This is a new quality of women's representation in the labor market, a new status for women, new opportunities for self-development and self-realization.

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February 12-16, the BioFach 2020 International Exhibition of Organic Products was traditionally held at the Nuremberg Exhibition Center, Germany.

BIOFACH 2020 is a place where like-minded people, specialists, practitioners meet, share their experiences, opinions on the development of the industry since 1990.

This year, the BIOFACH 2020 international exhibitions were attended by representatives of the ELSOFP Central Asia (Expansion of Local Smallholder Organic Farming and Forest Products from Central Asia) project team.

Organic is more than just labeling or certification. Organic means quality and production principles, responsible use of natural resources. Participation in BIOFACH 2020 is a great opportunity for specialists from different countries to get acquainted with organic producers and be inspired by the latest industry trends.

Within the framework of the BIOFACH 2020 business program, a number of events were held at which they were discussed, including topical issues of the latest trends in responsible procurement markets and prospects for organic agriculture in the world market.

- “A wide range of certified organic products demonstrates their diversity - from fresh products such as dairy products and cheese, fruits and vegetables, as well as a large assortment of dried fruits, grains and legumes, nuts and pastries, to drinks, snacks and chocolate. More than 3,000 exhibitors from manufacturers and wholesalers to retailers and startups presented their innovative products”- shares impressions from BIOFACH 2020, project team of ELSOFP Central Asia- “The main focus in the exhibition halls was on networks, trade and interaction on topics of interest to industry. In addition to food products, pavilions with innovative technologies and extensive cosmetics products were also presented.”

It was very important for the project team to get acquainted with the competitive advantages of farmers and producers from other countries. Learn about the latest trends in the responsible procurement market in order to understand the quality requirements and which certification schemes are preferred by the European buyer. Participation in BIOFACH 2020 will help determine in which direction it is important for our farmers and forest users to move in order to take their place in the European markets. It will also help to set priorities in terms of compliance with the requirements of procurement organizations from the EU.

The largest fair of organic products brought together not only players in the bio market, but also politicians, scientists, journalists, students, cooks, representatives of non-governmental organizations and others. It serves as a platform for discussing new EU policies in the organic sector, the impact of contaminated water on food production, trade rules, country-specific changes and many other important topics in the organic sector. For manufacturers from Central Asia, this is a great opportunity to demonstrate their products and their uniqueness, develop marketing strategies, find new partners and reach a new level.