COP30: Nordic declaration addresses the role of food systems and bioeconomy to counter climate change

COP30: Nordic declaration addresses the role of food systems and bioeconomy to counter climate change

On the opening day of COP30 in Belém, the Nordic Ministers for Fisheries, Aquaculture, Agriculture, Food, and Forestry present a ministerial declaration that underlines the potential of food systems and bioeconomy to address climate change through both mitigation and adaptation.

The launch will take place at the Nordic Pavilion at COP30 at reception with Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr. Jacob Jensen and Ambassador for Climate and Environment to Finland, Soili Kangaskorpi, attending.

The declaration emphasizes the need for resilient, economically viable, and sustainable supply chains in our food systems supported by circular bioeconomy solutions. The declaration was adopted under the Finnish chairmanship of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

This is the first time the Nordic Countries have adopted a declaration on food and bioeconomy addressing climate change in relations to the UNFCCC climate conference.

"This Nordic statement on bioeconomy and food systems underscores the urgency of action and highlights the innovative solutions which the circular and sustainable bioeconomy offers for climate challenges. Finland is pleased to have led this process and to have secured a strong, unified declaration from the Nordic countries", says Sari Essayah, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

The declaration also highlights the importance of international cooperation, science-based and inclusive policymaking, and partnerships across sectors and communities.

"In the Nordics, we have improved agricultural effectiveness, boosting yields while simultaneously reducing inputs and pollution. We have a long way to go, but we also have lessons learned to share at COP30. We look forward to engage and gain new insights that can further strengthen multilateral efforts", says Karen Ellemann.

Three key elements in the declaration:

1. The ministers stress urgent action to both mitigate and adapt to climate change, ensuring resilient, secure, and competitive food systems that can withstand global challenges and safeguard future food security.

2. An innovative, circular, and sustainable bioeconomy has the potential to drive the green transition, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and support local livelihoods.

3. The Nordic countries are committed to strong multilateral collaboration, science-based and inclusive policymaking, and partnerships across governments, academia, civil society, and Indigenous Peoples.

Read the declaration here

The reception Bioeconomy and Food Systems Reception take place at 6-7 pm in the Nordic Pavilion, Blue Zone, D148, Belém, Brazil.

The reception is organized by Nordic Council of Ministers, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries of Denmark, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries of Norway, Food Nation, United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub, Global Action Network: Sustainable Food from the Ocean and Inland Waters for Food Security and Nutrition.