By Abdullahi Lukman
As the global climate crisis intensifies, experts have called for urgent action to reduce food and water waste, highlighting their significant role in exacerbating environmental challenges.
During the Zero Waste Forum held in Istanbul on November 28, leaders from around the world discussed the critical link between waste reduction and climate resilience, stressing the importance of curbing food loss and conserving water to protect the planet.
The forum, held under the patronage of Türkiye’s First Lady, Emine Erdoğan, focused on practical strategies to reduce both food and water waste, offering a timely platform for governments and organizations to address these interconnected issues as Türkiye prepares to host the 2026 Conference of the Parties (COP) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Globally, one-third of all food produced is either lost or wasted, a phenomenon that contributes to 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The environmental toll is compounded by the significant waste of water and resources—agriculture accounts for 78 percent of the world’s freshwater, but up to 40 percent of this water is lost due to inefficient irrigation systems.
Experts argue that reducing food waste offers one of the most effective and immediate solutions to easing pressure on water resources while also mitigating climate change.
According to a recent FAO report, regions like Central Asia and the Caucasus, where agriculture heavily relies on irrigation, have seen a 10-50 percent decline in water availability over the past two decades.
In some areas, poor water infrastructure causes water losses of 30-60 percent. Climate-related events, such as floods and droughts, cause USD 14 billion in economic losses every year, further straining these vulnerable regions.
At the forum’s High-level Ministerial Panel on Agriculture and Forestry, experts discussed how targeted, data-driven actions could help address these challenges.
Viorel Gutu, FAO Assistant Director-General, stressed the importance of tools like the FAO Food Loss App (FLAPP) and OPTIWASTE, which collect real-time data on food losses from farmers, restaurants, and public institutions.
These tools help pinpoint loss hotspots and improve resource allocation for greater impact.
However, the forum also emphasized that data alone is not enough. Effective policy implementation and sector-wide collaboration are critical to creating lasting change.
In Türkiye, the “Save Your Food” movement, launched in partnership with the FAO, has mobilized local governments, food businesses, and consumers to take collective action against food waste.
Georgia has also introduced new legislation on food waste reduction, alongside pilot programs for food donation networks in Tbilisi and Tskaltubo, with support from the FAO.
Across the region, several initiatives are already proving effective in reducing waste. Strengthened cold chains are helping keep food fresh during transportation and storage, while modernized post-harvest handling, better packaging, and sustainable procurement practices are contributing to efficiency improvements.
Public awareness campaigns are also playing a key role, empowering households to adopt better practices, reinforcing progress made along the food supply chain.
Gutu emphasized that investment in these solutions is essential for scaling successful models.
Accessible financial mechanisms and partnerships between governments, businesses, academia, and civil society are needed to sustain long-term change.
The overarching message from the forum was one of optimism: While the challenges are great, the tools and knowledge to reduce food and water waste already exist.
What is needed now, experts say, is large-scale action—backed by evidence, supported by policy, and driven by cooperation across sectors.
As global food systems continue to face mounting pressures, experts believe that reducing food and water waste will be a crucial step in combating the climate crisis and building a more sustainable future.