WWF’s Great Food Puzzle Report: A Guide to Driving Positive Change in Food Systems
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has released a new report to help decision makers drive food systems transformation. The report, titled “Right Innovation, Right Impact, Right Place“, is the second study in WWF’s Great Food Puzzle series, which analyzes place-based food systems solutions.
The world’s food systems are facing a number of challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, and food insecurity. These challenges can only be addressed through a transformation of food systems, which requires new and innovative ways of producing, distributing, and consuming food. Innovation can play a critical role in transforming food systems. It can help to close three critical gaps that can hinder action: the ambition gap, the transformation gap, and the implementation gap.
The ambition gap refers to the difference between countries’ current commitments to sustainable food systems and the level of ambition needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The transformation gap refers to the difference between the current state of food systems and the state needed to achieve the SDGs. The implementation gap refers to the lack of resources and capacity to put into practice the necessary changes to food systems.
Innovations can help to close these gaps by providing new ways to produce, distribute, and consume food. Some promising innovations include:
- Regenerative agriculture practices that improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Sustainable aquaculture that reduces the impact of fish farming on the environment
- Innovative food processing technologies that reduce food waste
- Digital technologies that improve traceability and transparency in food supply chains
- Business models that reward farmers for producing sustainable food
These are just a few examples of the many innovations that have the potential to transform food systems. However, it is important to note that innovation is not a silver bullet. It is just one part of the solution. Other important factors include political will, investment, and public awareness.
A more coordinated approach to innovation is needed, with governments, businesses, and civil society working together. This will require a clear vision for the future of food systems, as well as a commitment to invest in and scale up the most promising innovations.
If you are interested in learning more, head over here, for the full report!