As defined by the United Nations, Sustainable development refers to "a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". Farmers and their organisations are the custodians of the natural resources. Therefore, they are very much concerned with the sustainability of their activity and therefore are willing to act in a responsible way in order to protect these resources. Farmers are faced with a big challenge that they must overcome: produce more food for a growing population while protecting a deteriorating resource base. However, this responsibility should not be borne by the farmers alone, it must be a shared responsibility, where each of the stakeholders would be involved to protect the future of our planet.

Biodiversity   Climate Change Desertification   Renewable Energies Sustainable Development   Water Forestry     IFAP policy work on bioenergy. 17th WABCG-ISO Informal Consultation, London, UK, 20 November 2006.

UNCBD - UN Convention on Biological Diversity    International conference on Biodiversity   Ecoagriculture partners   CSD - UN Commission on Sustainable Development   UNCCD - UN Convention to Combat Desertification    GTD - Groupe de Travail sur la Désertification UNFCCC - UN Framework Convention on Climate Change   IWMI - International Water Management Institute   3rd World water Forum Dialogue on water food and environment   World water council   Challenge program on water and food   Renewable energy CSFD - Comité scientifique français de la Désertification Nora Ourabah Haddad Senior Policy Officer