During the visit of a UNIDO delegation to CIHEAM Bari and CIHEAM Tricase on 10-11 June, a Joint Declaration to promote sustainable and resilient agro-ecosystems was signed between the two institutions.

A key component of the agreement is the development of joint technical assistance projects in areas and countries of mutual interest, along with institutional capacity building.

Maurizio Raeli, Director of CIHEAM Bari, said: ‘The collaboration with UNIDO is fully in line with our firm commitment to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Mediterranean and African countries and confirms our Institute's role as a hub for institutional building to strengthen policy makers’ capacities’.

Dejene Tezera, Director of UNIDO's Agribusiness Development Dpt, asserted that:‘Complementarity and synergy will be established to enhance capacity building and training opportunities within UNIDO countries of operation. This collaboration will positively impact the agricultural value chain and support coastal livelihoods, thereby fostering sustainable development and economic growth’.

The delegation was first welcomed at CIHEAM Bari campus. The delegates were briefed on innovation and youth employment, smart agriculture, water management, agro-ecology, crop protection and value chain development. They then travelled to Tricase for a technical focus on CIHEAM Bari's Blue Economy activities, including the sustainable development of coastal communities and areas.

This agreement is an important step in our partnership with UNIDO and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on sustainable development initiatives.