Authored by FER, edited by RFF
The Foundation for Sustainable Development [Fundacja EkoRozwoju in Polish (FER)] is a non-governmental organization based in Wrocław, Poland, that has been working for the benefit of people and nature since 1991.
To realise its goals, FER leverages cross-cutting education which combines diverse disciplines of knowledge: from nature and environmental education, through global and civic education, to anti-discrimination and intercultural education. These areas are united by the desire to involve citizens in caring for the common good and the urgent need for peaceful intergroup cooperation. The core of FER’s educational activities is the EcoCentre Wrocław, a model hub for environmental education and the current headquarters of FER, which began operating in 2013.
FER: Safeguarding the environment and charting paths in food policy
In the area of food sovereignty, FER takes a holistic view, including environmental issues (such as how production affects the environment), social relations (such as access to food), and public policies (such as who decides what and how we eat). The NGO also focuses on working with local communities to solve and prevent difficulties that arise at the interface between human activity and the environment. Furthermore, it supports food communities: collaboration between local farmers and consumers. Fundacja EkoRozwoju strongly supports the transformation of the food system toward a low-carbon, circular, and plant-based diet. Fundacja EkoRozwoju’s work extends beyond Poland, gaining strength and efficiency from collaboration with many partners and networks across Europe.
FER’s key activities include:
· Αdvocacy at a local and national level· as a part of a network
· Boosting and activation of urban dwellers to set up open social gardens
· Dissemination among citizens about the roles and impact of urban agriculture on social cohesion and environmental sustainability
· Education for professionals and pupils on diverse topics such as climate change, conscious consumerism, food sovereignty, building food communities, etc.
FER’s Urban Agriculture-related activities
FER has been organising events and supporting local initiatives for the establishment of community gardens or the management of common areas. It has also participated in the H2020 project “FoodShift” which has set the stage for integrating urban farming into the municipal agenda. Currently, efforts are underway to establish an urban farm initiated by the municipality to provide food for crèches and preschools. The project has also increased citizens’ awareness and readiness to start small plots and gardens.
