Advancing the circularity of a resilient and low-carbon agro-industry, including sugar cane and other crops
ABOUT THE RESOLUTION
At the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) of the United Nations Environment Programme, held in 2024, a resolution was adopted on the ‘circularity of a resilient, low-carbon sugar cane agro-industry’ (UNEP/EA.6/Res.1).
Recognising the potential of the agro-industry, while also noting ‘that the sugar cane agro-industry is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and faces challenges in meeting the increase in the global demand for food’, the resolution encourages countries with a sugar cane agro-industry to ‘integrate low-carbon, climate-resilient circular economy approaches’ into national strategies.
The resolution also requested the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP) to ‘collect information and conduct further analysis on circular economy approaches in the agro-industry of sugar cane, among other crops’.
the agro-industry of sugar cane, among other crops and forests, when sustainably produced and managed, while avoiding potential harmful effects on the environment, can be a source of food, raw materials, biomaterials and bioenergy, thereby providing opportunities for climate mitigation action, biodiversity protection and reduction of pollution
UNEA/EA.6/Res.1
WEBINAR SERIES: ADVANCING THE TRANSITION TO A POLLUTION-FREE AGRIFOOD INDUSTRY THROUGH CIRCULAR, REGENERATIVE, AND BIOECONOMY APPROACHES
To advance the transition to a pollution-free agrifood industry, the UN Environment Programme, in collaboration with the One Planet Network, the International Ecosystem Management Partnership, and the GEF Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management (FARM) programme organised a series of webinars to share knowledge and practical examples on how circular, regenerative and bioeconomy approaches can be applied in the agrifood industry. These discussions were hosted by the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP) and supported advancing sustainable consumption, reducing the use of harmful agrochemicals and pesticides, and promoting the efficient and circular use of biological resources. The series also emphasised the importance of an inclusive and just transition which prioritises social equity and inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind in the shift towards circularity.
ORGANISING PARTNERS
Explore the links below to view webinar recordings and related resources:
INITIATIVES AND CASE STUDIES ON ADVANCING CIRCULARITY IN THE AGRO-INDUSTRY
Roadmap developed by CIRAD aimed at supporting the agroecological transition and the multifunctionality of sugarcane.
Five-year project in Brazil funded by the GEF through UNDP to increase the supply of low-GHG electricity through the generation of bioelectricity from straw.
The Guitang Group operates one of China's largest sugar refineries and has established an eco-industrial chain that integrates production with waste utilisation, creating closed-loop resource cycles.
Project started by the Balbo Group in Brazil in 1987. Its main objective is a sustainable system of sugarcane production, which seeks to manifest all of this crop's ecological and conservation potential.
UNALA: Association of Latin American Sugar Producers 2025
Environmental profile of sweet sorghum bioethanol in the province of Tucuman (Argentina)
Life-cycle Assessment of Sugarcane-Based Ethanol Production in Tucuman, Argentina
Empowering 1 Million Farmers to Transition to Safe Agriculture Practices: The Case of India
RELATED PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES
Follow our activities
Regular reports on the implementation of activities undertaken within the mandate of UNEA resolution 6.1 can be found on the UNEP Monitoring & Reporting Portal