Alabaster International recognized for its commitment to climate-resilient agriculture and food security in East Africa
LOS ANGELES (Monday, November 18, 2024) – Alabaster International, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of Indigenous women in East Africa, proudly announces its acceptance into the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) Champion Program. This prestigious designation highlights Alabaster’s commitment to advancing food security and sustainable agricultural practices across East Africa, particularly through promoting “opportunity crops”—nutrient-rich indigenous crops with great potential to improve food and nutrition security in the context of climate change.
“We are deeply honored to be selected as a VACS Champion,” said Shannon Fernando-Rubera, Founder and CEO of Alabaster International. “This opportunity empowers us to collaborate on transformative agricultural solutions, reinforcing the resilience of the communities we serve in East Africa. Our coordination with the U.S. State Department underscores our shared vision for a resilient food system grounded in climate-adapted crops and sustainable soil practices, essential for food security and community well-being.”
The VACS initiative seeks to address urgent global food system challenges by building resilient food systems through the promotion of diverse, nutritious, climate-adapted crops grown in healthy soils. As a VACS Champion, Alabaster International will contribute to this mission by advancing sustainable land use and building demand for opportunity crops like Enset—a drought-resistant plant, indigenous to Ethiopia, vital for food security in East Africa’s climate-challenged regions.
About the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) Program
Launched by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Food Security, the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) program is a global initiative dedicated to resilient food systems. VACS focuses on building supply and demand for climate-adapted, nutrient-rich crops and promotes sustainable land use through opportunity crops, which offer significant potential to improve nutrition security and resilience to climate change.
Through this partnership, Alabaster International aims to leverage VACS resources and research to expand its impact in East Africa, empowering Indigenous women and fostering resilient communities through climate-adaptive agriculture and food security initiatives.
About Alabaster International
Alabaster International is committed to fostering the health and wellness of Indigenous women in East Africa. Through healthcare delivery, entrepreneurship programs, and food security initiatives, Alabaster transforms lives and empowers communities. Founded by board-certified family nurse practitioner Shannon Fernando-Rubera, Alabaster International envisions a world where every woman has the resources and support to thrive.
For more information about Alabaster International, please visit www.alabasterinternational.org.