Uruguay: Thematic Group grows and prepares to work with other partners

The Thematic Group in Uruguay will strengthen its activities with the inclusion of new partners from civil society (Fundación Gastessi Martinicorena, Fundación Niños con Alas, among others) and other UN System agencies such as UNESCO, UNICEF and UNFPA.

The Thematic Group is already preparing an introductory presentation for the new members to join the group during the third quarter of 2005. This introductory presentation will include all the activities of the group as well as a plan of action to implement nine activities in other departments (Artigas, Treinta y Tres, Rocha, Cerro Largo, Rivera y Canelones).

The activities of the Thematic Group are carried-out in the framework of the DERSA Programme (Rural Development and Food Secuirty Programme) using FAO Telefood programmes as a starting point. Last year’s efforts have been aimed at supporting the activities in the Departments of Montevideo, Durazno and Salto.

The activities currently under-way are being carried-out in 4 schools in the suburbs of the Montevideo Department, in which the main initiatives is the implementation of an organic garden in each school, not only to improve food intake at schools but to seek an increased participation of parents and ultimately increase the number of school gardens in the area.

In addition, in the Laureles area of the Tacuarembó Department, a group of apiculture producers is being strengthened. In this case, FAO has granted funds through a Telefood project to buy inputs for the production of honey. The UNDP is financing the social work being carried out by the Latinamerican Center for Human Economy (CLAEH).

In the Salto Department, several Telefood projects are being carried out in areas such as organic gardens, rabbit husbandry and production of medicinal and aromatic plants. These activities are being complemented by other initiatives carried out by other actors such as the Development Office of the Municipality of Durazno as well as UN agencies: UNFPA (women and gender), UNDP (social assistance) and PHO/WHO (health education).

For more information on the activities of the Thematic Group, please contact the FAO representation in Uruguay at: FAO-UY@fao.org