The Athena team will be working with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) on their NATURE+ initiative. This initiative asks how can we re-imagine, co-create, and implement agrifood systems that employ nature-positive solutions (NPS) and equitably support food and livelihoods on the ground, all while ensuring that agriculture is a net positive contributor to nature.

The Athena team will primarily be supporting the initiative's Work Packages 4 (Recycle) and 5 (Engage). Work Package 4 focuses on work with rural communities, universities and training centers, private-sector actors, and government bodies to ensure that NPS recycling solutions are used more effectively by women- and youth-led SMEs to generate increased resources (both natural and financial) that benefit poor farming households in rural areas and contribute to greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Work Package 5 focuses on fostering an enabling environment around NPS through enhanced social inclusion, capacity development, and policy. This initiative will be implemented in countries such as India, Vietnam, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Colombia.

‍Image Source: Global Water Forum