Food Security: Conference Explores BSR Preparedness 

Experts focus on the preparedness of the Baltic Sea Region for potential crises impacting food security at a conference co-organised by the CBSS in its capacity as co-lead of PA Secure.

The preparedness of the Baltic Sea Region for potential crises impacting food security was on the agenda at a hybrid conference in Riga, Latvia on 31 May 2024.   

At the conference, titled “Food Security Around the World with Regional, Local, and Individual Relevance”, experts and stakeholders addressed the crucial issue of food security amidst increasing global uncertainties.   

Food security, a key to national resilience, intersects with other challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, conflicts, natural disasters, and political instability.  

The conference highlighted these multifaceted threats and the risks they pose to sustainable living and healthy nutrition, calling for a collective approach to mitigation and preparedness. 

The conference focused on three main areas: 

  1. Planning and strategising: Experts focused on the development of comprehensive plans to strengthen food security, emphasising the need for proactive and coordinated efforts. 
  1. Land use and spatial planning: Sustainable land use practices were examined, highlighting the importance of integrating food security into broader spatial planning initiatives. 
  1. Regional, national and individual preparedness: The discussions stressed the necessity of preparedness at all levels, from regional frameworks to individual actions. 

The conference was organised by the Policy Area Secure of the EUSBSR, or PA Secure, in collaboration with PA Bioeconomy and PA Spatial Planning. All are part of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). The CBSS co-leads PA Secure. The conference was hosted by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia.