International Sustainable Development Goals Day on 25 September: Donau Soja guarantees sustainable production, supports responsible consumption and CO2 reduction
Vienna. On 25 September, the world will celebrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Flag Day. The Donau Soja Organisation contributes to all 17 goals but focuses in particular on goals 12 (responsible consumption and production), 13 (climate action) and 17 (partnership for the goals). “Our vision is a safe and sustainable protein supply for Europe with an increased self-sufficiency rate of around 50%. To realise this vision we support our members and partners to increase sustainable soya production in Europe for Europe. Thus we bolster the building of stable non-GM, deforestation and conversion free supply chains for farmers and companies across Europe”, says Susanne Fromwald, Secretary General of Donau Soja.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
With initiatives such as the Donau Soja Protein Strategy for Europe and the promotion of the Donau Soja/Europe Soya Standard, the organisation empowers companies and farmers to adopt sustainable practices. By inspiring farmers on best practices and encouraging companies to invest in converting products and brands to certified Donau Soja, the organisation plays a key role in reducing negative environmental impact. As of today, almost 10% of the total volume of European soya is Donau Soja/Europe Soya certified. In order to transform value chains, Donau Soja organises events, creates dialogue platforms, provides best practice manuals and shows ways of integrated pest, fertiliser and waste management.
Goal 13: Climate Action
The Donau Soja standards ensure deforestation- and conversion-free cultivation, which protects forests and other valuable ecosystems that store CO2 and provide habitats for biodiversity. By promoting legume cultivation, which naturally reduces the need for nitrogen fertilisers, Donau Soja helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improves crop rotation in a cereal-dominated European agricultural system. This improves soil health. Through farmer exchange and networking programmes and the Donau Soja Farmers Handbooks, the organisation equips farmers with climate-smart practices. Donau Soja also raises awareness on the better environmental footprint of certified soya, encourages companies to take climate action by sourcing certified, responsibly produced soybeans and soya meal to reduce deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions especially in overseas countries with precious and vulnerable ecosystems. Lifecycle assessments help companies to improve their footprint.
Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals
Donau Soja is at the forefront of transforming the soya sector in Europe by addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges. As a non-profit, member-driven organisation, Donau Soja mobilises knowledge, financial resources, and technology to promote sustainable soya production in Europe. Through strategic partnerships e.g. with the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Donau Soja supports countries like Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ukraine and Moldova by helping to build up domestic value chains in Europe. Donau Soja also spearheads initiatives like the Protein Partnership Programme in these countries, providing exchanges and certification for farmers while fostering collaboration with key stakeholders to champion sustainable, non-GM soybeans across the agricultural sector.
Download the Donau Soja SDG Report with numerous examples.
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Enquiries, interviews and pictures
Franko Petri
Head of Communications Donau Soja
Ph: +43-664-88961298
Email: petri@donausoja.org or press@donausoja.org
Website: www.donausoja.org
