On September 29, 2020 The First Ever “International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW)” was observed. It was observed to promote and implement global efforts to resolve the issue of food wastage, and to take steps towards Zero Hunger and address the problem of climate change through Sustainable food habits.
i.The Theme for International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2020 is “Stop food loss and waste. For the People. For the Planet”.
ii.It is observed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Background:
On 19th December 2019, The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated 29th September as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.
Key Points:
i.According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), one third of all food produced in the world goes to waste, which is equal to 1.3 billion tons of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, seafood and grains. This would be enough to feed every undernourished person on the planet.
Reducing Food wastage – key to climate solution:
i.According to study by Project Drawdown, Food Loss and Waste generates 8% of Global Green House Gas Emissions (GHG).
ii.Reducing Food Loss and waste will
- Increase food availability to vulnerable people,
- Reduce GreenHouse Gas Emissions (GHG),
- Reduce pressure on land and water resources and
- Increase productivity and economic growth.
About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
Director-General – Qu Dongyu
Headquarters – Rome, Italy
