BIOVISION STRATEGY 2016 - 2020

BIOVISION STRATEGY 2016 - 2020 Executive Summary September 2016

CONTENT 1.

BUSINESS AS USUAL IS NOT AN OPTION

2.

BIOVISION AT A GLANCE

3.

STRATEGIC APPROACH 2016-2020

4. OUTLOOK

1.

BUSINESS AS USUAL IS NOT AN OPTION

Earth has exceeded its load capacity. This is clear from issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, dwindling natural resources and increasing global hunger and poverty. Business as usual is not an option! Against this backdrop, Biovision, the Swiss Foundation for Ecological Development is disseminating knowledge and practical information on ecological methods that will achieve sustainable improvements to living conditions and simultaneously protect the environment. Sustainable development requires long-term thinking and action. Current interests must not be allowed to dominate to the detriment of life-giving natural systems, future generations and those living in poorer parts of the world. The effects of climate change are already being felt by the most vulnerable members of society in disadvantaged areas and despite having derived little benefit from industrialisation, they are still being called upon to pay the price. Middle and upper classes throughout the world must limit their use of resources and adopt sustainable patterns of consumption without delay. This requires appropriate economic concepts and policy frameworks that ensure that production and consumption are compatible with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2.

BIOVISION AT A GLANCE

Biovision is a not-for-profit, non-denominational, politically independent Swiss foundation based in Zürich. Since 1998, it has promoted ecological solutions and innovations as a way of fighting poverty and improving food security in Africa. The Foundation actively promotes ecological development both internationally and in Switzerland. 2.1.

OUR VISION

A world with enough healthy food for all, produced by healthy people in a healthy environment 2.2.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Everyone has the right to healthy, reliable resources such as adequate food, healthy air and safe drinking water. However, people living in poverty are being pushed to the margins because they lack rights, income and political influence. Sustainable agriculture and food systems together with intact ecosystems are crucial if we are to end poverty. Safeguarding livelihoods goes hand in hand with sustainable development. 2.3.

OUR FOCUS

At the grassroots level, Biovision focusses primarily on Sub-Sahara Africa. In many African countries, agriculture remains the most important economic sector and is crucial to economic development. However, food production is not keeping pace with population growth. One-quarter of those affected by food shortages live in Sub-Sahara Africa and more than 40% of populations in these regions suffer from malnutrition and malnourishment. The continent is heavily dependent upon food imports and aid. 2.4.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

•

We campaign for ecological regeneration.

•

We promote sustainable lifestyles.

•

We generate enthusiasm for our objectives.

•

Our action is effective.

•

As a learning organisation, we promote innovation geared to sustainability

www.biovision.ch www.facebook.com/biovision Spenden an: PC 87-193093-4

2.5.

CONTINUITY AND INNOVATION

Since its foundation in 1998, Biovision has carried out sustainable development projects and information programmes in East Africa (primarily in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda). Through good networks and local partnerships we have shown that Biovision projects are effective. Working on that basis, Biovision plans to extend its international cooperation by developing partnerships throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. We promote a holistic approach. This allows us to open up new sources of income for people living in poverty and lacking food security. By incorporating applied research, we can test, develop and disseminate innovative solutions such as biological methods for the environmentally friendly control of pests and pathogens. The tangible success of our projects allows us to raise awareness amongst policymakers for sustainability issues and demonstrate how the implementation of appropriate measures is a worthwhile investment. At the global level, we are campaigning for the development of sustainable parameters and policies. We give a voice to people affected by poverty and encourage dialogue between different stakeholders. As a not-for-profit organisation, Biovision has developed good links, both nationally and globally. The inclusion of beneficiaries is at the heart of our grassroots projects in the field of international development and cooperation. Our action programmes are coordinated with the relevant local and global networks. 2.6.

HOLISTIC APPROACH IN PRACTICE

Biovision development projects are based on the concept of “4H + I”: “4H” stands for the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment and “I” relates to the flow of information between relevant stakeholders. Our core competence is the development and dissemination of practical, reliable know-how. This is crucial in ensuring that development is needs based, sustainable and encourages the self-reliance of participants.

3.

STRATEGIC APPROACH

Our Strategy for 2016-2020 links our three primary areas of action. In the light of the sustainable development goals contained in Agenda 2030, Biovision is focussing on the development of and the transition to sustainable food systems and food security. Our aims together with the planning and resources needed to achieve them are anchored in both our operational structure and our Financial Plan 2016-2020. 3.1.

BIOVISION’S STRATEGIC AREAS OF ACTION

Holistic approach to rural development in Africa By extending the application of agro-ecological approaches and holistic innovations, we are supporting small-scale farmers and family businesses in Africa. We are campaigning for improvements in living conditions and food security in poverty-stricken rural areas as well as the maintenance of intact ecosystems.Weltweite Mitgestaltung nachhaltigkeitsorientierter Rahmenbedingungen Global intervention in favour of policy frameworks geared to sustainability By lobbying policymakers and cooperating and exchanging information with international, national and regional players in the field of sustainability, we are promoting the implementation of Agenda 2030. We are developing and disseminating the transformative knowledge required for sustainable land use and improvements in food security. Responsibility for the implementation of Agenda 2030 in Switzerland As a knowledgeable, campaign-oriented pioneer of change, Biovision is calling for and facilitating innovative forms of dialogue and communication in the area of sustainable agriculture and food systems. To achieve this, we interact with players from politics, science, the private sector, civil society and through international cooperation.


3.2.

BIOVISION’S PRIMARY THEMES

The Biovision Strategy for 2016-2020 accords with the United Nations Agenda 2030 (sustainability agenda). This Agenda is seeking global, sustainable development and provides a frame of reference for the next 15 years. Through its strategic alliances, Biovision is contributing to the implementation of Agenda 2030 both internationally and nationally. Mindful of the interdependence of the 17 sustainable development goals in the Agenda, Biovision is involved in specific projects designed to achieve them. As a “pioneer of change”, we are calling in general for systematic thinking, planning and action. In our action programmes, we are focussing on five of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, see www.biovision.ch/agenda2030), with Goal 2 (zero hunger) taking central stage in our grassroots projects. Biovision is directly supporting the following five global Sustainable Development Goals in Agenda 2030:

Goal 1: No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Goal 2: Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

Goal 3: Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production Ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns production patterns

Goal 15: Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

BIOVIOSION’S ORGANISATIONAL AIMS •

Regional presence and partnership

We will expand our regional presence and partnerships in Africa •

Pioneer of change

We will act as a “pioneer of change” and link our local projects to our advocacy work. •

Specialist expertise


We will expand our specialist knowledge on a continuous basis and ensure the transfer of knowledge and knowledge management both internally and within networks. For that purpose, we will build on cooperation with competent partners. •

Impact and accountability

We will produce regular documentation on the impact of our programmes. For this purpose, we shall use cross-cutting outcome monitoring in order to evaluate whether objectives have been achieved, whether contributions to the implementation of SDGs are effective and also to demonstrate the results of a holistic approach. • Independence We will remain independent thanks to our solid donor base and diversified funding streams. 3.4.

BIOVISION’S CROSS-CUTTING THEMES

Biovision has three cross-cutting themes that run in conjunction with its strategic aims: ▷▷

Participation: Sustainable development requires broad participation, including the active involvement of the relevant stakeholders. Participants can develop their capacity for self-reliance and the ability to act in solidarity with others if they are part of the development process, involved in the design of all project phases and can communicate their interests and requirements

▷▷

Gender equality: The equal participation of both men and women in development and change processes is crucial. All Biovision projects reflect gender-specific requirements, skills and opportunities. Issues such as the position of women, the impact of population growth on health and the use of resources are decisive elements in the formulation of sustainable policies and programmes.

▷▷

Value chains and income generation: Product marketing and access to markets are important components of sustainable food systems. With access to markets, investment funds and expertise, small family farms can develop their economic potential. In addition, the farmers must be part of the process to add value to products and policies must be geared to sustainability.

4. Outlook Biovision is working to change the course of agriculture and food systems in favour of a sustainable use of natural resources. To that end, we are launching specific development projects with a holistic, ecological approach. In addition, our communications are targeted at various specific groups and different levels. The publication of ground-breaking research, e.g. the World Agriculture Report (IAASTD 2008) and the development of possible new approaches to food systems are still required. We shall draw the attention of the public and policymakers to the urgency of Agenda 2030 and at the same time demonstrate appropriate actions and solutions. This will help to create the required framework for achieving the UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Biovision has years of experience in implementing sustainable development projects in Sub-Sahara Africa. We have the expertise to bring about a change in favour of sustainability (“Changing course in global agriculture”). On that basis, we shall continue our targeted approach of providing relevant examples and guidance on the reorientation of agricultural policies so that they accord with the SDGs and the development of sustainable systems. As a “pioneer of change”, Biovision will make an active and targeted contribution in Switzerland, the project regions and internationally.
