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| Conference on Food Crisis and Climate Change Culminated with a Unity Statement |  |
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| Written by PAN Asia Pacific | |||
| Monday, 05 October 2009 15:15 | |||
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“We are meeting and consolidating our efforts during the inopportune time when the wrath of tropical storm Ketsana hit the Philippines. This is a stark reminder of the impact of climate change,” says Sarojeni V. Rengam, executive director of PAN AP. She adds, “We have been confronting oppressive structures and institutions that started and continue to deepen the food crisis and climate change. Now is the time to heed our advocacies for affordable, local, ecologically produced and safe food as well as an environment that has regenerative ability to ensure the long-term survival of all life forms.” The conference has been the platform for sharpening analysis on pressing global issues of climate change and food crisis. Throughout the event, panel discussions were held to understand the threats and challenges of the food crisis and climate change, and to advance people’s movements, resistance and alternatives. Also, there were parallel workshops where delegates discussed the impacts and responses to the food and climate crisis from various sectors including peasants and livestock keepers, indigenous peoples, agricultural workers, women, fisher folks and consumers. As part of the conference, PAN AP also hosted a “Night of Inspiration” where the efforts of Malaysian heroes and heroines who contributed to social change in their respective communities were acknowledged. The honourees include: Che Ani Mat Zain, a leader from the MADA district who has been fighting for the well-being of farmers and fisher folks for over two decades; Tijah Yok Chopil, an indigenous women’s leader from Perak; Noor Anak Nyawai, an Iban farmer who has been an inspiring leader in his village; Ason Anak Belilie, a traditional farmer and spiritual head in Sarawak who is a strong advocate of traditional practices and livelihoods; and Hj Saidin (posthumous) whose lifework has a lasting impact on fishermen’s groups and grassroots leaders. PAN AP organised the conference with the objective of strengthening people’s movements in asserting and advancing food sovereignty and climate justice in confronting the food crisis and climate change. For more information, please visit the PAN AP website at: www.panap.net, or the official conference blog at: http://beaconference.blogspot.com. Clara Guzman PAN Asia and the Pacific Contact Number: or Email: Website: http://www.panap.net Pesticide Action Network (PAN) is a global network working to eliminate the human and environmental harm caused by pesticides and to promote biodiversity based ecological agriculture. PAN Asia and the Pacific is committed to the empowerment of people especially women, agricultural workers, peasants and indigenous farmers. We are dedicated to protect the safety and health of people, and the environment from pesticide use and genetic engineering. We believe in a people-centered, pro-women development through food sovereignty, ecological agriculture and sustainable lifestyles. Like it? Share it!
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