June marks World Environment Day, which this year focuses on restoring land, halting desertification, and strengthening resilience to drought under the theme Our Lands. Our Future.

Latin America and the Caribbean region face significant challenges in this scenario.

Almost four decades ago, environmental considerations were incorporated into the guidelines when it was understood that productive systems should incorporate human welfare, efficient use of resources, sustainable water management, adequate use of chemicals, and promote biodiversity conservation. Then came the declarations and conventions on Biodiversity and Climate Change, which have raised the discussion of these issues to a high political level.

Caring for the environment goes far beyond the declaration of protected areas and conservation of wildlife. It involves the production of healthy and nutritious food, the quality of livelihoods, and harmony with a healthy rural and urban environment.

To advance in this direction, it is essential to understand the interdependence between natural resources and socioeconomic factors, promoting actions to adapt to climate change, and to care for, use, and restore biodiversity to ensure ecosystem services linked to food production, crops, fisheries, aquaculture, livestock, and forestry.

There is no point in restoring if we do not control the degradation of our environment.

We must move from agreement to action to ensure a healthier and more prosperous world for generations to come.

A better environment is key to better production, better nutrition, and a better life, leaving no one behind.