Seminar on Practical Water-Food-Climate Action Held in Türkiye Ahead of COP31
A two-day regional seminar on practical implementation of water-food-climate linkages ahead of COP31 was held in Izmir, Türkiye, on September 22-23.
Abdulrahman Sadikhli2 min read
A two-day regional seminar on “Towards COP31: Practical Implementation of Water-Food-Climate Linkages” was held in Izmir, Türkiye, on September 22-23.
The event addressed strengthening water-food-climate linkages at the regional level, developing climate-resilient agri-food systems, efficient management of water resources, food security, and aligning national climate strategies and action plans. Particular attention was also given to mobilizing finance and investment, applying technology and innovation, and expanding regional cooperation.
The first day of the seminar focused on integrated resource management, food systems, and financing the water-food-climate nexus. Participants examined linking climate commitments with the development of sustainable food systems, integrating NDCs, NAPs and other national climate strategies into the water-food-climate approach, as well as strengthening links with the COP31 Action Agenda. They also discussed financing climate-resilient agriculture, “green subsidy” instruments, and opportunities for joint action to attract larger-scale investment to the region ahead of COP31.
Leyla Jabbarli-Mitova, deputy chair of the Agricultural Credit and Development Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and coordinator of the Baku Harmony Climate Initiative for Farmers, provided information on measures being implemented in the country to manage water resources, improve the efficiency of irrigation water use in agriculture, and apply digital solutions and artificial intelligence technologies in this area. She also spoke about Azerbaijan’s experience in using innovative technologies to reduce water losses, improve resource planning, and strengthen the resilience of agriculture to climate change.
Leyla Jabbarli-Mitova gave a presentation titled “Azerbaijan’s Agricultural Finance Experience and Financial Mechanisms for Supporting Climate-Resilient Agriculture.” The presentation provided information on subsidy and financial support mechanisms of the Agricultural Credit and Development Agency aimed at developing green and climate-resilient agriculture. It also highlighted new decisions adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture in this area and the implementation of “green subsidy” instruments.
The following day, concrete policy and investment solutions for COP31 were discussed. Countries identified the main challenges hindering the acceleration of integrated action on water-food-climate issues, discussed a regional perspective, and worked on priority measures for the short, medium and long term.
At the end, it was decided to develop 5–7 common regional policy priorities in the water-food-climate area, an initial Regional Water-Food-Climate Solutions and Investment Portfolio, a package of solutions to be presented within the framework of COP31, as well as a Regional Roadmap covering future cooperation and technical support areas.
