Why establish MEDSEC?
1. Extensive research has shown that there is not such equivalent intiative in the wider Mediterranean basin and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) which are the regions that are challenged the most by Food Security related issues.
2. Food security is one of the emerging global safety issues and one of the major concerns of neighboring to Greece regions including the MENA region.
| “The MENA is the most food import dependent region in the world, importing 50 percent of regional food consumption. The region’s food trade deficit will further rise due to increasing food demand and challenges on the supply side. The MENA population is projected to double by 2050 to reach more than 650 million, unemployment is high and increasing, food demand patterns are rapidly shifting from staples to higher value food products, and agricultural production faces severe natural resource constraints”. (source: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/menastrategy.pdf) |
3. In addition, updated information suggests that volatile economic and political conditions have even pushed the level of emergency of food security in the Gulf Region. UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are all have taken initiatives to address the challenges imposed by different facets of food security.
4. The global prioritization on food security is clearly reflected in the theme of the 2015 Milan EXPO Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.
5. International Organisations such as FAO, WHO, the EU, and the World Bank have all dedicated programmes and units in researching and advocating about the issue of food security. Organisations including the Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice have in the vision and mission references on Food security whilst International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) are dedicated to find solutions to this critical global issue. At the same time, private initiatives including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation join forces with national and international organizations in programmes that address the issue of Food Security.