Bilim Alliance Agroecology Forum

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The Third Bilim Alliance Agroecology Forum took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 23 to 27 June 2026. It was hosted by the Agroecology School of Zher Ana Astana. The Forum brought together civil society organisations, farmers, researchers, public institutions and international partners from 17 countries. They represented Eastern and Central Europe, the Western Balkans, the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The Forum strengthened regional cooperation on agroecology, agrobiodiversity and resilient rural development. Participants exchanged practical knowledge, visited family farms and adopted the Astana Declaration.

Strengthening Agroecology Across Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, the South Caucasus and Central Asia

The opening session reflected the growing recognition of agroecology at both national and regional levels. The Forum welcomed representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Kazakhstan. Representatives of the Land Quality Assessment and Monitoring Department (Astana Branch) of the GIPROzem State Enterprise, the Regional Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Akmola Region and the Industrial Trade Union of Agricultural Workers also participated. Their presence highlighted the importance of cooperation between civil society, public institutions and international organisations. Together, they support sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation and resilient rural development across the region.

The Forum focused on strengthening resilient food systems through agroecology, biodiversity conservation and community-based rural development.

Knowledge Exchange and Field Visits

During three thematic days, participants exchanged practical experiences on agrobiodiversity, seed stewardship, agroecology schools, climate-resilient farming, livestock systems, ecotourism, local food systems, organisational development and digital tools. Special attention was given to women and young people in the agroecological transition. Participants also discussed the conservation of local genetic resources, farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange and the diversification of rural livelihoods. Field visits to family farms of the Zher Ana Astana Agroecology School showcased successful agroecological practices and Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage, with a special focus on yurts. They also provided opportunities to discuss practical solutions directly with farmers and local craftspeople.

Agrobiodiversity, Seed Systems and International Cooperation

The programme also highlighted the links between agroecology, biodiversity conservation and international policy frameworks. Sessions covered the Three Rio Conventions, community control over digital tools and farmers’ data, and local marketing strategies. Participants also discussed the financial sustainability of civil society organisations and the development of agroecological education through farmer-led learning networks. Seed exchange activities highlighted participatory plant breeding, local varieties and community seed systems. These discussions reinforced the Alliance’s commitment to protecting agricultural biodiversity.

General Assembly and the Astana Declaration

On 27 June, the Bilim Alliance General Assembly reviewed the Alliance’s governance and future priorities. Members approved the minutes of the previous General Assembly. They also welcomed new members, elected the Co-Chairs and confirmed the continuation of the Secretariat. Discussions focused on future forums, communication, visibility and the network’s financial sustainability. During the Assembly, members adopted the Astana Declaration. It reaffirmed their shared commitment to agroecology as a pathway to resilient food systems, biodiversity conservation, farmer-led innovation, local food systems and stronger regional cooperation.

The outcomes of the Forum included:

The adoption of the Astana Declaration. It reaffirmed the Alliance’s shared vision for agroecology and regional cooperation across the region.
The re-election of the Co-Chairs, Gordana Djuric (Alica Foundation) and Mariam Jorjadze (Elkana), and the confirmation of the Secretariat. Gabriella Boldog (Schola Campesina) will continue to provide technical coordination and Secretariat support, ensuring continuity in the Alliance’s governance.
Strengthened cooperation on agrobiodiversity conservation, farmer-managed seed systems and participatory approaches to crop genetic diversity.
Increased collaboration among members on agroecological education through Agroecology Schools, farmer-to-farmer learning and youth engagement.
A reinforced commitment to supporting women farmers, community-led initiatives and locally adapted solutions for climate resilience.
Stronger exchange of practical experiences on sustainable livestock systems, ecotourism, local markets and diversified rural livelihoods.
Continued cooperation on biodiversity conservation, territorial approaches and the implementation of international frameworks supporting farmers’ rights and agroecology.
Agreement to further develop the Alliance’s visibility, communication and digital knowledge-sharing tools while preparing future joint activities and regional events.
Agreement to further strengthen the Alliance’s communication, visibility and digital knowledge-sharing tools. A key priority is to showcase the work, experience and initiatives of member organisations through the BILIM Alliance website. This initiative is already underway.

Participating Organisations

Zher Ana Astana, Schola Campesina, Agency of Development Initiatives (ADI) Foundation, Alica Foundation, Elkana, Silk Road Delicious, Ltd., KP ADRI / Ukrainian Rural Development Network, Agro-Perma Lab, Ekoder, ANRD / COSPE, Okvir života, Grădina Moldovei, Cosmic Gardeners, CENESTA, Tomiris, RUSHNOI, HANA, FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, FAO Kazakhstan, Land Quality Assessment and Monitoring Department (Astana Branch) of the GIPROzem State Enterprise, Regional Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Akmola Region, Industrial Trade Union of Agricultural Workers.