Forum of the Bilim Alliance on Agroecology in Eastern Europe and West-Central Asia – Astana 2026
The third Forum of the Bilim Alliance on Agroecology in Eastern Europe and West-Central Asia was hosted by the Agroecology School of Zher Ana Astana and took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 23 to 27 June 2026. The Forum brought together representatives of civil society organizations, farmers’ organizations, researchers, agroecology practitioners, public institutions and international organizations from across Eastern and Central Europe, the Western Balkans, the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Participants represented a broad range of grassroots organizations, research institutions and partner organizations working together to advance agroecology, biodiversity conservation and resilient rural development across the region.
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, alongside 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. Their participation underlined the importance of cooperation between civil society, public institutions and international organizations in advancing sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation and resilient rural development in the region.
The Forum focused on strengthening resilient food systems through agroecology, biodiversity conservation and community-based rural development. Throughout three thematic days, participants exchanged practical experiences on agrobiodiversity, seed stewardship, agroecological schools, climate-resilient farming, livestock systems, ecotourism, local food systems, sustainable organizational development and digital tools. Special attention was given to the role of women and young people in agroecological transition, the conservation of local genetic resources, farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange and the diversification of rural livelihoods. Field visits to family farms belonging to the Zher Ana Astana Agroecology School provided opportunities to observe successful agroecological practices, national heritage with special focus on yurts and discuss practical solutions directly with farmers and craftsmen.
The programme also highlighted the importance of connecting agroecology with biodiversity conservation and international policy frameworks. Sessions addressed the Three Rio Conventions, community control over digital tools and farmers’ data, local marketing strategies, financial sustainability of civil society organizations and the development of agroecological education through farmer-led learning networks. Seed exchange activities and discussions on participatory plant breeding, local varieties and community seed systems further reinforced the Alliance’s commitment to protecting agricultural biodiversity.
On 27 June, the General Assembly of the Bilim Alliance reviewed the Alliance’s governance and future priorities. Members approved the previous General Assembly minutes, welcomed new members, elected the new Co-Chairs and confirmed the continuation of the Secretariat. Discussions also focused on the future direction of the Alliance, including future forums, communication and visibility, and the financial sustainability of the network. During the Assembly, members adopted the Astana Declaration, reaffirming their shared commitment to agroecology as a pathway towards resilient food systems, biodiversity conservation, farmer-led innovation, local food systems and stronger cooperation across the region.
The outcomes of the Forum included:
- The adoption of the Astana Declaration, reaffirming the Alliance’s common vision for agroecology in Eastern and Central Europe, the Western Balkans, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
- The re-election of the Co-Chairs, Gordana Djuric (Alica Foundation) and Mariam Jorjadze (Elkana), and the confirmation of the Secretariat, with technical coordination and support provided by Gabriella Boldog (Schola Campesina), ensuring the continuity of 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. A particular priority will be to increase the visibility of our member organizations through the BILIM Alliance website by presenting their work, experiences and initiatives more prominently. This work is already underway.
