First Agroecology Europe Forum : 25-27 October 2017, Lyon, France
Fostering synergies between movement, science and practice
Agroecology Europe (www.agroecology-europe.org) is an association which aims to promote agroecology in the farming and food sector and in the wider society. To move forward agroecology, the association will together with other NGOs, organise the first Agroecology Europe Forum, to take place 25-27 October at ISARA, in Lyon (France).
The Forum is open to all kinds of actors and intends to foster interactions between various stakeholders such as scientists, practitioners, social movements, civil society and policy makers, by facilitating knowledge sharing and common action
Duration and Location : 2.5 days (half day on Friday afternoon for farm visits). Location: ISARA, Lyon (France).
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Contacts
For registration and technical questions: Julie Djebrani (conference secretariat): jdjebrani@isara.fr .
For presentations, posters, workshops: Alexander Wezel (Vice-President Agroecology Europe and local organiser): awezel@isara.fr
For membership in Agroecology Europe: Alain Peeters (Secretary Agroecology Europe): alain.peeters@agroecology-europe.org
Aim and Scope of the Forum
The First Agroecology Europe Forum intends to bring together actors from a wide horizon, who want to share their views and knowledge to design the agricultural and food systems of tomorrow. Tackling challenges related to global change, environmental issues, consumer and citizen expectations require new knowledge and progress in agroecology. Therefore, innovation is required to develop integrative approaches which bridge existing gaps, to integrate different forms of knowledge from a broad variety of stakeholders, to create new initiatives, and to formulate policy recommendations for new pathways towards sustainable agricultural and food systems.
The Forum also aims at the creation of an inclusive European community of professionals, practitioners, and more generally societal stakeholders interested in agroecology.
About the Forum
The Agroecology Europe Forum will be very interactive, combining different approaches and types of activities to stimulate discussions. The Forum aims to attract different types of stakeholders from the three main components of agroecology: movement, science, and practice, but also policy makers. The programme will include a World Café, plenary sessions, parallel workshops, and open discussions. Posters will be exhibited during the Forum in an open space in order to facilitate networking among participants.
Programme
Sessions
Forum sessions cover general hot topics related to the promotion of Agroecology as the reference model for future sustainable agricultural and food systems in Europe and elsewhere. These topics reflect the ongoing debate around agroecological science, practice and movements. Sessions are handled by a convenor and will include (i) oral presentations, picking up the diversity of approaches to the theme, and (ii) an open general discussion. Regardless of their background, speakers will refrain from the use of jargon (scientific, technical, political) to ensure maximum sharing of ideas among all participants.
Workshops
Forum workshops – suggested by the participants – cover specific cutting-edge topics aiming at the transfer of the spirit of Agroecology into a future action plan for science, practice and movements. Workshops are handled by a convenor (the proposer) and will include in most cases (i) short oral impulses, but always (ii) ample time for open discussion, (iii) wrap-up with drafting of a participatory action plan. Workshop convenors will ensure maximum engagement of all participants in a collective discussion.
Posters
Propositions of posters can still be sent to Alexander Wezel (awezel@isara.fr) until end of September.
Programme schedule
The Forum programme has been built up in a participatory way, upon the suggestions received by attendants.
This is the almost final programme. Some smaller adjustments might be still be made until beginning of October.
Organizing committee:
For Agroecology Europe: Paolo Bàrberi (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, IT), Stéphane Bellon (INRA SAD, FR), Paola Migliorini (University of Gastronomic Science, IFOAM AgriBioMediterraneo, IT), Alain Peeters (RHEA, BE), Alexander Wezel (ISARA, FR, DE), Sabine Zikeli (University of Hohenheim, DE)
From other NGOs: Janneke Bruil (Cultivate! (offspring of ILEIA), NL), Sarah Schneider (Misereor, DE), Oxfam Solidarité (Stéphane Parmentier, BE), Maria Dolores Raigón, Victor Gonzálvez (SEAE, ES), Stanka Becheva (Friends of the Earth Europe).
The venue of the Forum
The Forum will take place in Lyon, the city of Gastronomy, with its old town centre also recognized under UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. The venue of the Forum is located at ISARA-Lyon, a French “Grande Ecole” (graduate college) specialized in agricultural, food and environmental science. ISARA is offering a wide range of Bachelor and Master level curricula in agriculture, food science, agribusiness and environmental science. At the crossroads of food, agriculture and environmental issues, ISARA also develops research activities and advisory services, mainly in agroecology and sustainable food systems.
Accommodation
Information for some hotels can be downloaded from:
Be aware that Lyon is a very international city with many congresses, conferences, and events as well as quite some tourists. So book early!
Ask for special rates for the Agroecology Forum. We will try to negotiate reduces room rates with some hotels.
For students interested to stay with other students of ISARA please contact Julie Djebrani (conference secretariat): jdjebrani@isara.fr
Funding support for the Forum:
Media Partner : Journal “sustainability”
Journal ‘Sustainability’ : www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability