The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently held two guest lectures at the Agricultural University of Tirana (AUT), engaging students in key topics on climate-smart agriculture and plant protection. The lectures provided insights into sustainable farming practices and international biosecurity standards, equipping students as future agricultural professionals with practical knowledge to address climate change and plant health challenges.
Prof. Dr. Nazim Gruda is a sustainable agriculture and horticulture expert with over 40 years of experience in research, policy advising, and capacity-building. During his presentation, Prof. Gruda focused on sustainable practices in greenhouses, taking into account rising temperatures and the impending challenges posed by the scientifically undeniable repercussions of climate change. Farmers today, much like the students present in the room, must confront the phenomenon of solar radiation and its impact on temperature fluctuations, highlighted by the statement that "2024 was announced as the warmest year in global temperature records dating back to 1850." He discussed concrete climate-smart agriculture solutions for greenhouse management, including shading nets, screenhouses, mitigation strategies, osmotic stress, and more.
Dr. Artur Shamilov is a plant health and biosecurity expert with over a decade of experience at the FAO. As an Agricultural Officer, he has contributed to enhancing biosecurity systems, plant health strategies, and pesticide risk reduction programs across Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. The intervention focused on the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), emphasising its mission to protect global plant resources and facilitate safe trade. Dr. Shamilov highlighted the importance of minimising the spread of plant pests and managing their impacts effectively within countries. The IPPC aims to ensure that all countries have the capacity to implement harmonised measures that reduce pest spread, thereby safeguarding food security, trade, economic growth, and the environment. The role of National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) in surveillance, inspection, disinfestation, and issuing phytosanitary certificates to ensure the safe movement of plants and plant products in international trade was also discussed.
The passionate lectures promoted by FAO exemplify a commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and empowering Albania’s youth to become pioneers of sustainable agriculture. By equipping themselves with expertise and innovative solutions, young professionals can contribute to a greener, more resilient agricultural sector in Albania.
This interactive knowledge exchange aligns with FAO’s ongoing initiatives in Albania, including the Farmer Field School approach and demonstration farms under the Business Partnerships & Solutions for SDGs – Phase II project. These efforts aim to promote sustainable agriculture and climate resilience in the country.
As FAO marks its 80th anniversary[1], the organization reaffirms its commitment to academic collaboration, fostering innovation, and mobilizing knowledge to transform agrifood systems for a more sustainable future. Take a look at the planned series of events throughout 2025!
