The National Consultation Meeting on March 15, 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, gathered stakeholders from government, development agencies, civil society, and the private sector to promote agroecology within ASEAN. Led by the Department of Agricultural Land Management (DALaM) and the French Development Agency (AFD), the meeting highlighted the need for cohesive policies, financing, and partnerships to support sustainable agricultural practices. Stakeholders emphasized aligning agroecology with ASEAN’s existing frameworks, such as the Guidelines on Sustainable Agriculture, and shared insights into the challenges and opportunities of adopting agroecology, including infrastructure, technical knowledge, and market access.
Presentations from government and ASEAN representatives introduced the ASEAN Policy Guidelines on Agroecology Transition, which aim to connect regional policies with local practices. Group discussions proposed key actions, including planning for agroecology, financing initiatives, building local capacity, and creating pilot projects. The consultation concluded with recommendations to strengthen multi-stakeholder engagement and align local efforts with ASEAN’s regional goals, laying a foundation for a sustainable agroecology transition.
For a detailed summary, you can download the full report here