The new Italian Cooperation initiative, “Scientific and Technical Support for Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN Countries – 3S” was launched with the first meeting of the Steering Committee at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
The project, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) with an allocation of approximately €3 million, will be implemented by the University of Milan, in collaboration with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies. The initiative is part of the Italy-ASEAN Development Partnership and will last 36 months.
“Food security remains a strategic issue for the planet and for ASEAN Member States. Due to increasing exposure to climate-related risks, ensuring stable, sustainable and resilient food production is an essential goal of Italian cooperation in Southeast Asia” declared the Italian Ambassador to Jakarta, Roberto Colaminè.
By introducing sustainable agriculture and mechanization solutions in the corn, cassava, and sugar supply chains, the project aims to strengthen climate resilience and promote the socioeconomic and environmental sustainability of agriculture in ASEAN countries. The activities will involve approximately one thousand people, including technicians, farmers, officials from ASEAN institutions, and production-chain operators.
“Sustainability and food security are at the heart of this initiative and of the 2030 Agenda, which the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, on its tenth anniversary, is pursuing through scientific research, appropriate policies, and a concrete commitment to supporting the Italy-ASEAN Partnership,” said Margherita Lulli, Head of Development Cooperation at AICS Hanoi.
“The 3S Project is based on a cooperation model based on partnership and co-design, which enhances dialogue between research, institutions, and civil society, promoting shared and sustainable long-term solutions and contributing to food security and climate change resilience” said Professor Riccardo Guidetti, University of Milan, 3S Project Coordinator.