WFP and UNEP bolster global food and water security

To combine WFP’s global footprint and operational scale with UNEP’s world-class scientific expertise

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) have signed an agreement to address the devastating impacts of the climate crisis, environmental degradation and biodiversity and ecosystem loss on the food and water security of millions of people around the world.

The agreement, signed in Nairobi by Cindy McCain, WFP’s Executive Director and Inger Andersen, UNEP’s Executive Director, advances collaboration on climate change adaptation, nature-friendly food systems, water resource management and ecosystems restoration. 

Water and food security are inextricably linked. Water quality and quantity, whether too much or too little, affects food production, accessibility, availability and utilisation. Climate extremes such as droughts and floods are increasing in intensity and frequency and accelerating environmental degradation, ecosystem loss and ultimately people’s ability to produce and access sufficient food. 

WFP and UNEP will work with local communities, local and national governments, regional bodies, UN partners and other stakeholders to improve the food, water and environmental security of vulnerable communities by matching data and science with the capacity to restore degraded ecosystems, build and scale actions to adapt to the climate crisis and support sustainable agricultural practices.

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