COP30 – Joint statement from the Nordic Ministers for Fisheries, Aquaculture, Agriculture, Food and Forestry

We, the Nordic Ministers for Fisheries, Aquaculture, Agriculture, Food and Forestry recognize the importance of food systems for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

 We stress the need for action, including adaptation measures against the unprecedented adverse climate impacts that are increasingly threatening the resilience and competitiveness of the supply chains worldwide. We need to adjust for a changing climate, at the same time as we need to increase food production. 

Economic viability in the food supply chains, along with climate measures is a prerequisite to ensure food security and strengthened resilience in the global food supply chains. Climate change mitigation and adaptation are important for the resilience of our societies, as well as for sustainable and just food systems. We are working to strengthen the resilience of our food systems, as stated in our joint Nordic Karlstad declaration for resilience and preparedness. 

In the Nordic countries, we recognize the potential of an innovative, circular, and sustainable bioeconomy in addressing the climate challenge and in supporting the food systems transformation. Bio-based solutions is an important part of a fossil fuelfree society, complementing technological advancements that contribute to this goal. We have a long history of improving agriculture effectiveness, increasing yields while reducing input and pollution by precision farming, good agricultural practices, breeding, preservation of seeds in our joint gene bank NordGen and research. A sustainable and competitive bioeconomy also boosts local and regional livelihoods as well as security of supply, giving communities means to adapt to changing climate.

We underline the importance of maintaining a strong multilateral cooperation. International co-operation needs to be maintained and strengthened to deal with complex challenges from global to local level recognising the interdependency between climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss. We will contribute to the international cooperation by supporting networks and cross-border capacity for preparedness, dialogue, and exchange of experiences. 

The Nordic Council of Ministers will participate at COP30 to cooperate and contribute to increased ambitions. We will showcase examples of climate action within food systems and the bioeconomy that contribute to the welfare of our societies and minimizes negative climate impacts. This includes fostering enhancement of carbon sinks and positive effects on biodiversity, nutrition and food security.

Science-based policies, equality and inclusive policy-making processes is key to successful, just and sustainable solutions. We support climate solutions and actions that include public-private partnerships and emphasise the importance of partnerships with academia, civil society, businesses, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples to achieve innovation and competitiveness. 

We are committed to the implementation of Agenda 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. At COP30, we will enter dialogues and share our experiences of efforts towards a resilient, healthy, sustainable, and competitive food system and bioeconomy. From land, sea, ocean, and forests to the welfare of the whole society. We emphasize the remarkable potential of sustainable bioeconomy in addressing the climate challenge.