Reims, France – A collaborative spirit of sustainability and solidarity was on display in Reims on March 12, 2026, as the association Les Bons Restes hosted an event focused on agroecology and international partnerships. The gathering, attended by approximately forty individuals, highlighted the work of Moroccan organization Terre et Humanisme and served as a fundraiser for ongoing initiatives. The event underscores a growing movement towards localized, sustainable food systems and global cooperation in addressing food security challenges.
The evening centered around a presentation by Raja Jbali of Terre et Humanisme, an organization dedicated to promoting agroecological practices in Morocco. Jbali detailed the challenges and successes of the association, which focuses on training farmers in techniques that prioritize environmental sustainability and social equity. The presentation was part of a “conférence démultipliée,” meaning it was simultaneously broadcast across France, amplifying the reach of Terre et Humanisme’s message. Sarah Martin, a partnership manager with CCFD-Terre Solidaire, facilitated the discussion, further connecting the local event to a broader national network.
Les Bons Restes: A Hub for Sustainable Initiatives
The choice of Les Bons Restes as the venue for this event is significant. According to their Facebook page, Les Bons Restes is a Reims-based association dedicated to raising awareness about sustainable food practices in a festive and engaging manner. Their Facebook page shows a vibrant community actively involved in promoting responsible consumption and reducing food waste. The organization serves as a community space for sharing ideas and strengthening social connections around food. Les Bons Restes’ commitment to a circular economy and community engagement made it an ideal location to host a discussion about international partnerships focused on sustainable agriculture.
Terre et Humanisme: Championing Agroecology in Morocco
Terre et Humanisme, established as a partner of CCFD-Terre Solidaire since 2018, plays a crucial role in advancing agroecological principles in Morocco. CCFD-Terre Solidaire describes the organization’s work as vital in promoting agricultural practices that respect both the environment and the livelihoods of farmers. Agroecology, a holistic approach to agriculture, emphasizes ecological principles, biodiversity, and local knowledge. This contrasts with conventional agricultural methods that often rely heavily on chemical inputs and monoculture farming. Terre et Humanisme’s training programs empower Moroccan farmers to adopt sustainable techniques, enhancing their resilience to climate change and improving food security within their communities.
The organization’s work is particularly important in the context of Morocco’s agricultural landscape, which faces challenges related to water scarcity, soil degradation, and climate variability. By promoting agroecological practices, Terre et Humanisme helps farmers build healthier soils, conserve water resources, and diversify their crops, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and equitable food system. The organization’s focus on farmer-led innovation and knowledge sharing ensures that solutions are tailored to the specific needs and conditions of local communities.
A Solidarity Dinner and Fundraising Effort
Following the presentation and discussion, attendees enjoyed a couscous dinner, a traditional North African dish. This wasn’t merely a meal; it was a “couscous solidaire,” a fundraising initiative designed to support both Les Bons Restes and Terre et Humanisme. With a suggested price of €15 per plate, the dinner generated funds to further the organizations’ respective missions. The event demonstrated a tangible way for community members to contribute to a cause they believe in, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and solidarity.
The event was also part of the CCFD-Terre Solidaire’s annual Lenten campaign, a period of reflection and action focused on social justice and solidarity. The Lenten campaign highlights the work of partner organizations like Terre et Humanisme and encourages individuals to support their efforts through donations and advocacy. By aligning the couscous dinner with the Lenten campaign, Les Bons Restes and CCFD-Terre Solidaire amplified their message and reached a wider audience.
The Role of CCFD-Terre Solidaire
CCFD-Terre Solidaire, a French non-governmental organization, has been a long-standing partner of Terre et Humanisme, providing financial and technical support for its agroecological initiatives. The organization works to combat poverty and inequality through sustainable development projects in various countries, including Morocco. CCFD-Terre Solidaire’s partnership with Terre et Humanisme exemplifies a commitment to supporting grassroots organizations that are working to build more just and sustainable food systems. Their collaborative approach emphasizes local ownership and empowerment, ensuring that solutions are tailored to the specific needs of the communities they serve.
The event in Reims serves as a microcosm of a larger global movement towards food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture. By bringing together local communities, international partners, and a shared commitment to social justice, Les Bons Restes and CCFD-Terre Solidaire are demonstrating the power of collaboration in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today. The success of the “couscous solidaire” highlights the potential for community-based initiatives to generate both financial support and a sense of collective purpose.
Looking ahead, CCFD-Terre Solidaire will continue to support Terre et Humanisme’s work in Morocco, focusing on expanding agroecological training programs and promoting farmer-led innovation. The organization is also committed to advocating for policies that support sustainable agriculture and food security at both the national and international levels. Individuals interested in learning more about CCFD-Terre Solidaire’s work can visit their website at ccfd-terresolidaire.org. Further updates and images from the event can be found on the CCFD Champagne-Ardenne’s social media channels: Facebook and Instagram.
The ongoing partnership between these organizations and the community support demonstrated in Reims offer a hopeful model for building a more sustainable and equitable future for food systems worldwide. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this inspiring event and explore ways to support similar initiatives in their own communities.
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