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![Artisanal small gold miners at work in Kenya. Photo credit: UNEP Artisanal small gold miners at work in Kenya](/sites/default/files/styles/listing_image_290x218/public/UNEP_Kenya_ASGM.jpg?h=e7ded9ed&itok=NSipbzMN)
Second phase of planetGOLD doubles countries addressing mercury in ASGM
Since 2019, the Global Environment Facility-funded planetGOLD program has supported countries in addressing mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Now, the program is set to expand, adding 15 additional countries: Bolivia, Ghana, Honduras, Madagascar,…
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![Madagascar is the world’s leading producer of vanilla. Fanamby has initiated a programme for the crop which aims to support farmers in producing good-quality vanilla with sure access to international markets, but without it being their only source of revenue. This programme also aims to promote gender equality by involving the leadership of strong women producers. Photo: Pierre-Yves Babelon/Shutterstock. A malagasy farmer and son in their plantation of vanilla near Sambava, east of Madagascar. Photo: Pierre-Yves Babelon/Shutterstock.](/sites/default/files/styles/listing_image_290x218/public/shutterstock_malagasy_vanilla_farmer.jpg?h=e85f6c07&itok=uhZA9pQb)
Conserving nature boosts farmer incomes and cuts poverty
Local communities need to be engaged when it comes to using their natural resources sustainably
Madagascar, island of a thousand wonders, is well known for its many endemic species of plants and animals. With more than 13 million hectares (more than 50,000 sq miles) of forest, it is home to more…
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![By emphasizing the critical need for integrating environmental management in the transformation of smallholder agriculture, the GEF Food Security program is creating opportunities for farmers to meet growing demand for food while protecting the important services provided by nature. Photo: Andrzej Kubik/Shutterstock. Masai shepherdess brings early morning herd of goats on pasture in Kenya. Photo: Andrzej Kubik/Shutterstock.](/sites/default/files/styles/listing_image_290x218/public/IFADBlog_870.jpg?h=e85f6c07&itok=11gvbr3_)
How can we feed the world and keep the planet healthy? We start by making smallholder farming more sustainable
People are already consuming at a rate faster than the planet can replenish. Yet the world’s population is expected to grow from 7 billion to 9 billion by 2050. This will considerably increase demand for energy, transport, buildings and food.
Agricultural production will need to increase to meet…