The initiative “Scientific and Technical Support for Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN Countries – 3S”, promoted by Italian Cooperation to strengthen food security and the resilience of agricultural systems in Southeast Asia, is moving into an increasingly operational phase. During the second meeting of the Project Steering Committee, held at the University of Milan on the 9th of November, the results of recent technical field missions were presented, helping to identify operational priorities in Vietnam, Laos and Indonesia.
The University of Milan (UNIMI) leads the consortium responsible for implementing the project, which also includes the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa and the Alliance of Bioversity International-CIAT. The initiative is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and is implemented within the framework of the Italy–ASEAN Development Partnership.
The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of Italy to Jakarta, Roberto Colaminè, the Head of Development Cooperation at AICS Hanoi, Margherita Lulli and Professor Riccardo Guidetti of the University of Milan.
“The 3S project extends far beyond mere technical cooperation; rather, it is tangible proof of the enduring spirit of friendship and cooperation binding Italy and ASEAN. Most importantly it is a recognition of the centrality of ASEAN in this area of the world. By establishing a network of scientific exchange and by sharing technological know-how, Italy contributes to achieving sustainable development and food security in the region” stated the Ambassador of Italy to Jakarta, Roberto Colaminè.
During its first year of implementation, the 3S project launched an assessment of local territories and needs, with the aim of identifying practical solutions to the challenges posed by climate change and increasing pressures on agricultural systems. Key areas of intervention include the protection and enhancement of agricultural biodiversity, including through the establishment of seed banks for strategic crops such as maize and cassava, as well as the promotion of sustainable agricultural mechanization solutions tailored to the geographical characteristics of local territories and the needs of rural communities. In this context, the 3S project also recently participated in EIMA International, the international agricultural machinery exhibition held in Bologna.
“The 3S project invests in research, innovation and collaboration among academia, scientific institutions and farming communities to build more resilient agroforestry systems, while safeguarding food security and the livelihoods of rural communities in a context marked by growing economic, climatic and phytosanitary pressures,” said Margherita Lulli, Head of the AICS Office in Hanoi.
The initiative has also established partnership agreements with three national scientific research institutions: the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) in Vietnam, the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) in Laos, and the Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN) in Indonesia. These partnerships aim to translate research into concrete and sustainable solutions capable of responding to the specific needs of ASEAN countries and territories.
“The challenge is not simply to transfer technologies, but to jointly develop solutions with our partners in ASEAN countries that are genuinely suited to different local contexts. Cooperation with research institutions in Vietnam, Laos and Indonesia will enable us to integrate research, training and field-based experimentation, while promoting agricultural biodiversity and sustainable mechanization to strengthen the resilience of agricultural value chains” said Professor Riccardo Guidetti of the University of Milan, Coordinator of the 3S project.