12 March 2012: The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), has highlighted the results of two projects in Uruguay. One promoted organic farming of native species and the other addressed land planning in protected area buffer zones.

The project on “Agroecological design of biodiverse protected areas” was carried out in the buffer zone around the protected area of Quebrada de los Cuervos. Implemented by the NGO Pindó Azul, the project raised local awareness on the importance of preserving native species for the enhancement of sustainable development, and contributed to the protection of plant species, including Arrayán, Caroba, Congorosa, Yerba Mate, Guayabo, Arazá and Pitanaga.

The second project, “Strengthening of recuperation and use of local seeds for food sovereignty,” was implemented across the country by the National Association of Organic Producers of Uruguay (APODU), in partnership with the School of Agronomy at the University of the Republic and the Uruguayan section of Friends of the Earth International. The project supported organic farming of native species to provide the local market, as well as the provision of native seeds to a national seed bank. [GEF Press Release]