At a UN desertification conference in Mongolia, experts discussed how renewable energy expansion can co-exist with land protection and restoration, showcasing examples such as repurposing degraded mining land in South Africa and combining solar panels with vegetation in China. Renewable energy projects like solar irrigation in India are proving to generate electricity while benefiting agriculture and restoring land. The UN is calling for case studies on successful projects that integrate renewable energy with land, water, biodiversity, and communities to break dependence on fossil fuels while protecting and restoring nature globally. Planning for impactful renewables should consider wider landscape context, biodiversity, and input from local communities to minimize environmental impacts. Discussions are ongoing on how to pursue these goals simultaneously on the same land.
Category: Food, Agriculture, Land & Ocean (FALO)
Cut Emissions:
– Curb Growing Demands
– Restore & Manage Ecosystems
– Shift Agriculture Practices
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Study finds arable crops adapt surprisingly well to agrivoltaic shading
A study by Germany's University of Hohenheim and the Jülich Research Centre found that crops like barley, beans, potatoes, cabbage, and maize can effectively adapt their photosynthesis to altered light conditions caused by photovoltaic modules. The study also showed that agroforestry systems, where trees or shrubs grow alongside crops, can decrease plants' light requirements significantly under partial shade, allowing them to use CO2 more efficiently for photosynthesis. This adaptability could be used to identify and breed crop varieties suitable for agrivoltaic systems. Agrivoltaics can help mitigate heat and drought stress by improving the microclimate, lowering soil temperatures, and helping soil retain moisture for longer periods, making them important for agriculture to adapt to climate change. Yield data varied by location and crop type, with no consistent pattern, but the research provides insights into how crops respond to natural shading, offering fundamental knowledge for sustainable farming solutions.
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16 Agrivoltaic Projects on Local Farms Move Forward in New Jersey
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved 16 agrivoltaic projects, totaling 52.06 MW of clean, renewable energy produced on agricultural land. This is the first round of projects under the Dual-Use Pilot Agrivoltaics program, combining solar power with various agricultural activities to support farmers in making their operations more profitable while adding capacity to the grid. The success of these projects will inform the establishment of a permanent agrivoltaics program in New Jersey, showcasing a promising solution for sustainable energy production and agricultural practices.
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The “Sisterhood” Protecting Indonesia’s Coral Reefs
Coral Catch, an organization in Indonesia, is training women in marine conservation to create economic opportunities and strengthen community ownership of marine ecosystems. Initially met with skepticism, the program has successfully trained 44 women who are now actively involved in conservation work. The training has helped participants secure better jobs in the conservation sector, with some leading shark population surveys and reef research. The organization provides long-term support through a network called "sisterhood," connecting women to jobs, mentoring opportunities, and professional training. This initiative is part of a larger trend in Southeast Asia where women's groups are playing critical roles in conservation efforts. Women-led initiatives such as the Green Belt Movement in Kenya and mentorship networks in Indonesia are empowering women to lead conservation efforts and build sustainable communities. In Southeast Asia, Coral Catch is training local women in marine conservation, with a focus on coral restoration. While these efforts have shown progress in restoring reef habitats, they are not enough to save the world's reefs on their own. The importance of long-term investment in mentorship, support, and education for women conservationists is highlighted, alongside the need for larger efforts to address climate change and other threats to marine ecosystems. The section highlights the importance of projects like Coral Catch in training local communities to protect reefs. Jaafar hopes to replicate the project in Malaysia with sufficient funding. The cost to start is estimated at 50,000 Malaysian ringgit. Alumni of Coral Catch dream of becoming scientific divers and leading conservation projects. The community of women working towards shared goals for the ocean is seen as a great reward.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/saving-indonesias-coral-reefs-by-empowering-women/
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‘To speak of agroecology is to speak of farmers’ autonomy’: Interview with Olga Muthambe
Olga Muthambe, a Mozambican social activist and Executive Director of the NGO Hikone Moçambique, advocates for agroecology as a response to challenges faced by rural women affected by extractive industries and armed conflict. Through her organization, over 1,600 women in Mozambique are participating in agroecological practice programs, empowering them to produce pesticide-free food for consumption and trade, improving food security, and generating income. Agroecology is highlighted as a key solution for sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and promoting farmers' autonomy. The organization focuses on empowering rural women facing social vulnerability and addresses issues such as displacement, expropriation of land, and labor exploitation by extractive industries, ultimately promoting food security and economic autonomy for women in Mozambique.
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How women farmers are helping elephants and forests in a Sumatran national park
Women farmers in the buffer zone of Tesso Nilo National Park in Sumatra are working to protect the park by planting citrus trees to deter elephants from destroying their crops. The Batang Nilo Women's Forest Farmer Group, Perbani, also empowers its members through gender equality classes and a savings-and-loans scheme. The group was granted Wanawiyata Widyakarya status for their successful conservation efforts. Perbani's efforts have been recognized by the government, earning them Wanawiyata Widyakarya status for their successful conservation initiatives. Despite challenges like illegal logging and land disputes, Perbani members remain committed to restoring the forest and sustaining ecosystems. The importance of empowering local groups and making big fundamental changes, such as securing women's land rights and ensuring gender equality in decision-making processes, is highlighted.
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Environmental News Network – Could Hawaiʻi’s Eucalyptus Forests Become a New Source of Building Materials?
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers are exploring the potential of Hawaiʻi-grown eucalyptus as a sustainable source of lumber for construction. The project aims to reduce the state's reliance on imported building materials and promote healthier forests. The research received a grant to establish engineering standards for eucalyptus use in structural applications. If successful, this initiative could benefit Hawaiʻi's forestry and wood products industries, while also reducing shipping costs, carbon emissions, and wildfire risks associated with importing lumber.
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Verra’s Rice Cultivation and Landfill Gas Methodologies Receive ICVCM Approval
Two Verra methodologies have been approved by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market, recognizing high-integrity carbon credits from improved water and crop management in rice paddies and from landfill gas capture projects. Both methodologies address methane emissions, with one focusing on adjusting water levels in flooded rice fields and the other on capturing and utilizing landfill gas. These solutions enable smallholder farmers in Asia to access carbon finance for transitioning to lower-emitting practices, while also enhancing food security and addressing greenhouse gas emissions from rice farming and landfills. Aligned with Core Carbon Principles, these methodologies aim to increase integrity in carbon credit projects.
https://verra.org/verras-rice-cultivation-and-landfill-gas-methodologies-receive-icvcm-approval/
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CMI Update July 2026
Carbon Leader has launched a new capital allocation and risk engine for emissions-exposed organizations, while CEFC, Aviva Investors, and Gresham House have invested in a $142 million project for sustainable forestry in Tasmania. NRM Regions Australia is hiring a Strategic Engagement Lead, and ALFA NT has secured a landmark ACCU supply deal with NAB for Indigenous savanna burning projects. These developments highlight the growing focus on climate solutions, with investments in sustainable practices and partnerships for emissions reduction projects.
https://carbonmarketinstitute.org/2026/08/10/cmi-update-july-2026/
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Philippines plans green energy auction for agrivoltaics, aquavoltaics
The Philippines is gearing up for its 9th green energy auction (GEA-9) focusing on agrisolar and aquasolar projects to maximize land and water resources while supporting food security and rural livelihoods. The Department of Energy is facilitating innovative projects that combine clean power generation with sustainable farming and fishing practices. As part of a larger plan to auction 25 GW of renewables by 2035, upcoming auctions will target rooftop solar, ground-mounted solar, floating solar, and off-grid areas served by the National Power Corporation. The country saw 899 MW of solar installed in 2025, bringing the total solar capacity to 3,892 MW.