Food systems play a vital role in human life, providing nutrition, food security and livelihoods to people across the globe. The people reliant on food systems are facing a threat due to the influence of climate change on agriculture, aquatic farming, and the dual role of existing food systems in contributing to climate change. In light of this situation, there is a definite requirement to transform food systems, making them stronger, ecologically sustainable, and environmentally friendly. By enhancing the resilience of food systems, we can safeguard human health and well-being, assist individuals in adapting to the consequences of climate change, and ensure their economic stability. In recent years, due to growing concerns about the environmental impact of animal agriculture, as well as health and ethical concerns, plant-based and alternative protein options have become increasingly popular. 

With the need for scaling up ethical and sustainable and climate-friendly food options, SLYCAN Trust's food systems programme is focusing on identifying approaches which will address this need. SLYCAN Trust's food systems programme is conducting research identifying  and promoting alternative plant-based protein sources that are accessible in Sri Lanka and contribute to developing livelihoods and economic empowerment through plant-based entrepreneurship. Furthermore, this research aims to identify alternative plant-based protein options, including those which are forest based, in Sri Lanka, create awareness of alternative protein options among key stakeholders and the general public and support livelihoods, building on entrepreneurship focused on plant-based alternative protein options in the country. 

As part of its ongoing efforts, SLYCAN Trust is organising a Research Dialogue on Innovative and Climate-friendly Food Systems on 01st November 2023. The Research Dialogue  will revolve around the theme of Innovative and Climate-friendly Food Systems. The overarching goal of this event is to equip researchers, educators, and consumers with well-founded knowledge and resources. These tools will enable them to make well-informed choices, thereby fostering the expansion of plant-based food alternatives.

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Themes and Keywords

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Climate-smart plant-based agriculture

food security, climate risk management, precision agriculture, innovative agriculture, sustainable food systems

Plant-based entrepreneurship in food systems

plant-based food, alternative proteins, agri-food industry, entrepreneurial livelihoods, social entrepreneurship 

Plant-based food choices & benefits of sustainable lifestyles

plant-based diet, nutrition, consumer perception, meat substitution, healthy lifestyle

Partnerships for just transition in plant-based food systems

food policy, institutional work, scaling-up, food system transitions, policy development

Climate risk management in food systems 

climate change adaptation, food security, crop insurance, financial security, disaster risk reduction

Youth engagement in climate-friendly food systems

youth succession, collective action, civic engagement, climate change, innovation

• To provide a platform to disseminate new knowledge on climate-friendly, innovative technologies in the plant-based food systems, acquired through research conducted by the academic community, students, independent researchers and institutions

• To create collaborative links among academics, professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders in the food sector, aiming at a discussion on applications of climate-friendly food systems and long term partnerships.

• To engage participants in discussions and workshops aimed at identifying strategies to enhance the resilience of food systems through the incorporation of plant-based solutions, thus contributing to long-term resilience in food systems.

• To empower researchers, trainers and consumers, with evidence-based insights and tools to make informed decisions that support the scaling of plant-based food options, driving positive change in food consumption patterns.
• To generate multi-stakeholder driven approaches for innovative and climate-friendly food systems solutions through partnerships and multi-actor engagement.

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