One of the largest gatherings of agroforestry researchers and advocates has begun in Bohol, the Philippines.
From 19 to 21 March 2014 at the Bohol Plaza Resort in Dauis, hundreds of experts will discuss, "Agroforestry: Greening and feeding the nations in the 21st century”.
For the Philippines, agroforestry is in the ascendant as more and more decision-makers realise its many proven benefits. It is one of the few agricultural systems that can improve farmers' incomes while providing substantial environmental benefits. Governments are seeing that it can help alleviate the country’s environmental and agricultural woes
Agroforestry has been touted by many as the future of global land use and a key to creating a sustainable food supply and environment. Put simply, agroforestry is trees integrated with livestock and annual crops. Typically, agroforestry systems not only increase farm productivity and farmers’ incomes but protect soils and store carbon.
In this context, the delegates will discuss, 1) environmental rehabilitation and climate-change adaptation through agroforestry;2) ensuring food security through agroforestry; and 3) improving the science and practice of agroforestry.
Dr Ravi Prabhu, who is the World Agroforestry Centre's global Deputy Director General of Research, will dset the pace in his keynote address to the congress, explaining his vision of how agroforestry can green and feed the world without causing more harm to our already-stress environment.
The Philippines' own Dr Rodel D. Lasco, who is the coordinator of the World Agroforestry Centre's Philippines office and an author with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, will explain how farmers can use agroforestry to help them adapt to climate change.
There will be many other presenters, representing the scientific community, government units and local, national and international research and development agencies. The Philippine Agroforestry Education and Research Network (PAFERN)will hold its seventh general assembly at the congress.
The congress is jointly organized by PAFERN, University of the Philippines Los BañosInstitute of Agroforestry and Bohol Island State University. The World Agroforestry Centre Philippines is one of the sponsors.
