Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity 2024 II Ceremony II Lisbon II 11 July ,2024 II APCNF

Summary

The 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity was awarded to the Andra Prades Community from India, the Egyptian Biodynamic Association, and Professor Ratan Lal from the USA for their groundbreaking contributions to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and ecosystem preservation. Their work in promoting regenerative and biodynamic farming practices offers solutions to global challenges like climate change and food security. The ceremony celebrated their innovative, science-backed efforts, empowering local communities and farmers to create more resilient, sustainable farming systems. The event highlighted how agriculture can be a crucial solution for both food production and environmental protection.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity recognizes contributions in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and ecosystem protection.
• 😀 Winners of the prize include the Andra Prades Community, Natural Farming Movement from India, the Egyptian Biodynamic Association, and Professor Rattan Lal from the USA.
• 😀 The ceremony was attended by António Feijó, President of the Gulbenkian Foundation, and Angela Merkel, who chaired the independent jury.
• 😀 The award highlights the importance of biodynamic, natural, and regenerative farming practices in mitigating climate change.
• 😀 Professor Rattan Lal's work has advanced our understanding of sustainable agriculture and its connection to ecological and human health.
• 😀 The Egyptian Biodynamic Association is helping farmers transition from conventional farming to biodynamic practices, improving resilience in desert regions and along the Nile.
• 😀 The focus of the award is to show how agriculture can be a solution to climate change, offering hope for global food security.
• 😀 The winners are praised for their scientific contributions and practical applications in sustainable agriculture.
• 😀 The Egyptian Biodynamic Association aims to help 4,000 smallholder farmers transition to biodynamic farming over the next year.
• 😀 The Gulbenkian Foundation emphasized that there should be no conflict between feeding the world and protecting the planet, calling for systemic changes in global food systems.
• 😀 The ceremony ended with a call for global collaboration to support the transition to sustainable farming practices and address climate change.

Q & A

Who are the winners of the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity?

The winners of the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity are the Andra Prades Community from India, the Egyptian Biodynamic Association, and Professor Ratan Lal from the USA.

What is the main focus of the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity?

The 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity recognizes the importance of sustainable agricultural solutions, focusing on global food security, climate resilience, and ecosystem protection.

What does the work of the Andra Prades Community focus on?

The Andra Prades Community works on promoting natural farming practices that are regenerative and sustainable, helping to reduce the cost of cultivation and improve resilience while sequestering carbon in soil.

What scientific contributions is Professor Ratan Lal known for?

Professor Ratan Lal is known for pioneering a soil-centric approach to agriculture that balances food production, ecological preservation, and climate change mitigation, focusing on the critical role of soil health in both ecological and human well-being.

What is the role of the Egyptian Biodynamic Association in sustainable farming?

The Egyptian Biodynamic Association helps farmers transition from conventional farming to biodynamic farming, particularly in regions along the Nile and desert areas, aiming to improve rural development and carbon sequestration.

How many smallholder farmers are expected to switch to biodynamic farming in the next year according to the Egyptian Biodynamic Association?

The Egyptian Biodynamic Association plans to help 4,000 smallholder farmers transition to biodynamic farming in the next year.

What is the relationship between food systems and climate change, as discussed in the script?

The script emphasizes that food systems and climate change are deeply interconnected, and a shift in agricultural practices is necessary to mitigate climate change while ensuring global food security.

How do the winners of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity contribute to global food security and climate resilience?

The winners contribute by implementing and promoting sustainable farming practices that enhance food security, increase climate resilience, and preserve ecosystems, with a focus on regenerative agriculture, biodynamic practices, and soil health.

What was the key message shared about agriculture and climate change in the ceremony?

The key message was that sustainable agriculture, when practiced widely, can be part of the solution to climate change by promoting soil health, reducing carbon emissions, and improving the resilience of farming systems to climate impacts.

What role do community leaders, particularly women, play in promoting sustainable agriculture, according to the script?

Community leaders, especially women, are key in promoting sustainable agriculture by leading efforts to transition local farming practices to more sustainable and regenerative methods, supporting both environmental and economic resilience.