NAME: Antonia Miranda G.

Dalglish COURSE: BSIT-2A

The Contemporary World - Food Security

Finland’s Food Security

Finland is helping out other countries to make sure they have enough food and are taking
care of their environment in a good way. They're doing this by supporting farming and helping
small farmers, especially women and young people. They're also making sure the food is safe by
investing in how it's processed. In addition to food, Finland is also helping with clean water and
toilets in places that need it. They're doing this in a way that involves local communities, making
it more effective and sustainable.

When it comes to energy, Finland is supporting clean and sustainable power sources like
solar and bioenergy. They're also working on solutions for safer cooking methods, which is
important for people's health. Finland knows that taking care of nature is crucial for everyone's
well-being. They're helping countries manage their water and land wisely, especially in forests.
By supporting good practices in forestry and making sure everyone benefits fairly, Finland is
contributing to sustainable development.

Lastly, Finland is aware of the challenges caused by climate change, especially for poorer
countries. They are actively involved in projects at different levels, from global policies to local
initiatives, to help communities adapt and deal with the impacts of climate change. Finland's
efforts show a commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives around the world.

Sustainable Development Initiatives in Finland: Policies, Programs, and Impact.

Finland has emerged as a beacon of sustainable development, implementing a

multifaceted approach to address pressing global challenges. At the heart of this commitment are
comprehensive policies and impactful programs designed to enhance food security, ensure
equitable water supply, improve sanitation, promote renewable energy, and manage natural
resources sustainably.

Policies Shaping Progress:

Finland's policies are intricately woven into the fabric of sustainable development,
promoting an environment where individuals can produce or purchase food effectively. These
policies extend to ensuring access to high-quality water supply and facilitating the use of decent
sanitation facilities. Furthermore, the nation is dedicated to spearheading investments in
developing countries, steering them towards sustainable energy solutions and away from fossil
fuels. Finland recognizes that the sustainable management, protection, and control of renewable
natural resources and ecosystems, such as forests and water bodies, form the bedrock of
all-encompassing development.

Water Supply and Sanitation Initiatives:

In practical terms, Finland has undertaken significant programs to bolster rural water
supply and sanitation in collaboration with nations like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nepal. This
includes bilateral efforts to fortify urban water supply and sewerage systems, as witnessed in
Vietnam. In conflict zones such as Gaza, Finland collaborates with international entities like the
World Bank to address water supply and sanitation challenges. Notably, between 2011 and 2015,
Finnish assistance resulted in 2.4 million people gaining access to improved water supply and 2.7
million experiencing enhanced sanitation facilities.

Food Security and Rural Development Programs:

Finland's commitment to food security and rural development is evident in its bilateral
programs in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Ongoing initiatives in Ethiopia, Mozambique, and
Kenya focus on food security and value chains, while land tenure programs receive support in
Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Lao PDR. Recognizing the importance of research, Finland supports
studies on agriculture and food security, particularly in areas such as climate change, soil
preservation, and food safety. Collaborative efforts with research institutions, NGOs, and the
private sector underscore the comprehensive nature of Finland's approach.

Renewable Energy Endeavors:

Energy programs spearheaded by Finland target both rural and urban areas in Southern
Africa, South-East Asia, and South America. A notable example is the success story in Tanzania,
where a project providing solar energy systems to off-grid households has not only created
substantial demand but also resulted in over 50,000 households being connected monthly. Urban
areas, such as Dar Es Salaam, have experienced advancements in their electric grid, thanks to
Finnish technology, providing more reliable and cost-efficient electricity to businesses and
households.

Forest and Carbon Monitoring Initiatives:

Finland's commitment to environmental sustainability extends to supporting forest and
carbon monitoring systems in various countries, including Nepal, Vietnam, Tanzania, Kenya,
Zambia, and Peru. Engaging in participatory, community-based forestry initiatives in Lao PDR,
Finland enables local communities to derive income from timber sales. In Tanzania, farmers and
tree growers' organizations actively participate in value chains through tree planting, contributing
to livelihoods and local industries.
Climate Action Integration:
Climate actions are seamlessly integrated into natural resources projects, especially those
related to water, forestry, and rural development. Finland's significant support for the Green
Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) underscores its commitment to
mitigating climate change impacts. Additionally, the development of meteorological services in
various countries aims to provide high-quality weather and climate services, addressing the
challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events.

Finland's Vision for Sustainable Food Systems: A Nordic Perspective

In the annual Nordic Council of Ministers’ meeting held in June 2021, Finland, alongside
its Nordic counterparts, articulated a clear vision for sustainable food systems. At the forefront of
this vision is a robust commitment to the UN Food Systems Summit, emphasizing the urgency of
addressing global challenges and achieving Agenda 2030 goals. Recognizing the systemic nature
of food-related challenges, Finland underscores the importance of a holistic approach, urging
cooperation at local, national, regional, and global levels. The Nordic countries strongly advocate
for the multilateral system as an effective tool in tackling these challenges, with a keen emphasis
on the three dimensions of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social.

Food, fundamental to life and health, is viewed through a human rights lens by Finland.
The nation emphasizes the principles of equitability and inclusivity in shaping policies for
sustainable food systems. Finland advocates for universal access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious
food, with a particular focus on empowering women and girls and addressing the needs of the
poorest and most vulnerable. Furthermore, the commitment to a just transformation underscores
Finland's determination to leave no one behind, addressing asymmetries in the food system and
amplifying the voices of those with less influence.

Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of Finland's approach, aligning with the

Nordic countries' ambitious commitment to carbon neutrality. The focus extends to innovations
for improved carbon sequestration and storage, sustainable and climate-smart consumption, and
adaptation of agriculture to climate change. Finland recognizes the intricate interlinkages
between climate change and biodiversity and advocates for a holistic ecosystem approach to
production, acknowledging the interconnectedness of food, health, water, soil, forest, and energy.

A significant aspect of Finland's strategy is the reduction of food loss and waste.
Acknowledging that a third of food produced is lost or wasted along the food chain, Finland
actively engages in public-private partnerships, voluntary agreements, monitoring, and the
sharing of innovations to drive behavioral changes. The nation advocates for a circular economy,
emphasizing the upcycling of residues, nutrients, and waste as part of the solution.

Finland is also at the forefront of integrating environmental sustainability into dietary

guidelines. The internationally recognized Nordic nutrition recommendations, set to be updated
in 2022, will incorporate sustainability considerations, marking a pivotal step towards promoting
healthy and sustainable diets.

Education plays a crucial role in Finland's vision, particularly through systematic

nutrition education and nutritionally balanced school meals. Finland views the school meal not
only as a source of essential nutrition but also as a pedagogical tool for imparting knowledge
about sustainable lifestyles and healthy diets. The nation remains committed to supporting global
efforts to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on school-based nutrition education,
emphasizing its importance in a global context.

The One Health approach is integral to Finland's vision, recognizing the inseparable
interlinkages between the health of human beings, animals, plants, and the environment.
International cooperation is emphasized to promote the prudent and responsible use of
antimicrobials and prevent zoonoses. Finland underscores the urgency of healthy diets in the
context of recovering from communicable diseases like COVID-19.

Finland's commitment extends to the preservation of genetic resources for food and
agriculture, highlighting the importance of farmers' access to crop diversity. The Nordic
countries have invested in the storage of agricultural genetic materials in a Nordic Gene Bank,
emphasizing the foundation of genetic diversity for food production.
 In embracing increased production and consumption of safe and healthy aquatic foods,
Finland advocates for a science-based and holistic food chain approach. The nation emphasizes
the importance of transparent science-based advice systems and international cooperation to
ensure healthy oceans and inland waters, combat overfishing, and promote sustainable
management of fisheries and aquaculture.

International trade, connecting national food systems globally, is recognized by Finland

as a crucial player in supporting sustainable development goals. The nation advocates for open,
transparent, and rules-based international trade to contribute positively to a sufficient, safe, and
healthy food supply for all. Trade is seen as having a pivotal role in fostering the green transition
and promoting sustainable and responsible value chains.

In essence, Finland's vision for sustainable food systems reflects a comprehensive and
interconnected approach, emphasizing environmental sustainability, equity, education, and
international cooperation. The nation's commitment aligns with the broader Nordic perspective,
creating a foundation for meaningful contributions to global efforts in achieving sustainable food
systems.
 Assessment and Recommendations for Enhancing
Food Security in the Philippines

Contextual Analysis:
The Nordic approach to sustainable food systems, as outlined by Finland and its
counterparts, provides a robust framework centered on holistic, inclusive, and
environmentally sustainable strategies. To apply these principles to the context of the
Philippines, where hunger persists in rural areas and depressed communities, a nuanced
understanding of local challenges and resources is crucial.

Multilateral Collaboration for Holistic Solutions:

To mitigate hunger in the Philippines, the Nordic approach's emphasis on multilateral
collaboration serves as a valuable guide. Local, national, and international stakeholders,
including government bodies, NGOs, and community leaders, should forge partnerships
to jointly address systemic challenges. By fostering collaboration, the Philippines can
leverage resources effectively, implement joint initiatives, and enhance the impact of
hunger mitigation strategies in rural areas.

Human Rights and Equity:

The Nordic emphasis on a human rights approach to sustainable food systems holds
critical implications for the Philippines. Ensuring equitable access to sufficient, safe, and
nutritious food must be a guiding principle in policy formulation. Tailored initiatives
should prioritize marginalized communities, addressing the specific needs of the poorest
and most vulnerable populations to create an inclusive and equitable food distribution
system.

Environmental Sustainability in Agriculture:

Environmental sustainability is paramount in the Nordic strategy and holds relevance for
the Philippines' agricultural landscape. Encouraging local farmers to adopt sustainable
and climate-smart practices can enhance resilience in rural communities. Initiatives
addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation, coupled with conservation efforts,
can contribute to both environmental sustainability and improved food security.

Reducing Food Loss and Waste through Partnerships:

Drawing from the Nordic focus on reducing food loss and waste, the Philippines should
establish public-private partnerships and voluntary agreements with key stakeholders
along the food supply chain. Implementing robust monitoring systems, sharing best
practices, and embracing circular economy principles will be instrumental in reducing
food loss and waste, thereby benefiting both producers and consumers in depressed
communities.

Nutritional Guidance and Education Programs:

In line with the Nordic approach, the Philippines should update nutritional guidelines to
incorporate sustainability considerations. Simultaneously, investing in nutrition education
programs, particularly in schools, can promote healthier diets. Prioritizing locally
available and culturally relevant nutritious foods will contribute to long-term
improvements in the dietary habits of communities facing hunger.

One Health Approach for Integrated Health Strategies:

Adopting the Nordic One Health approach can significantly enhance the Philippines' food
safety and health strategies. Integrating efforts across human health, animal health, and
the environment will be crucial to prevent zoonoses, promote responsible antimicrobial
use, and create a more resilient and sustainable food system.

Preservation of Genetic Resources and Local Agriculture:

Inspired by the Nordic commitment to genetic resource preservation, the Philippines
should prioritize safeguarding indigenous crop varieties. Supporting local farmers in seed
security and investing in local gene banks can ensure the preservation of genetic
diversity, promoting more resilient and adaptive agricultural practices.

Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Practices:

Learning from the Nordic strategy, the Philippines should focus on sustainable fisheries
and aquaculture practices. Implementing science-based advice systems, combating illegal
fishing, and promoting responsible aquaculture will contribute not only to healthier
oceans but also to improved food security in communities relying on aquatic resources.

Sustainable Trade for Global Contribution:

Recognizing the role of international trade, the Philippines should actively engage in
open, transparent, and rules-based trade practices. Prioritizing sustainable and responsible
value chains will not only enhance the country's food supply but also contribute to global
efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals.
Resources:
Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. "Title of the Document." Ministry for Foreign
Affairs of Finland,
https://um.fi/documents/35732/48132/food_security_and_natural_resources__including_access_t
o_water_and/dd7430a1-a30e-1f8c-129f-cd9c8e5e9c91?t=1525690524377

National pathways – Finland Towards Sustainable Food Systems,

https://summitdialogues.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/National-pathways-Finland-summary-f
inal.docx