Demystifying the Montpelier Process: A journey into collective action for food systems and biodiversity

Attending the Montpelier Process debrief at CIAT’s Cali campus was my introduction to this transformative initiative. The discussions illuminated not just what the Montpelier Process seeks to achieve, but also how it is reshaping the way we approach complex issues of food, biodiversity, and community resilience. Through powerful speakers and a profound exchange of ideas, the Montpelier Process emerged as a bold, multi-faceted approach to sustainable change, challenging conventional boundaries between science and policy. Here’s a look at what I learned.

What exactly is the Montpelier Process?
The Montpelier Process is a collaborative, community-owned initiative aimed at fostering a collective approach to the food system crisis. This process, according to Patrick Canon, Vice Chair of the CGIAR Systems Board, provides “risky safe spaces” for advancing dialogue and policy impact on a global scale. Rather than proposing isolated solutions, the Montpelier Process acknowledges the paradox at the heart of modern science and environmental activism: we know the urgency of our crises, and yet, worldwide, innovative solutions are underway that often go unrecognized. This initiative seeks to bridge that gap, systematically learning from these scattered successes to drive large-scale impact.

Amanda Harding, Lead Convenor of the Montpelier Process, emphasized the intentionality behind this work. It isn’t a series of isolated events but a comprehensive, carefully structured framework designed to address the “feed, care, protect” nexus. According to Amanda, this framework encapsulates the interconnected challenges of food security, community care, and environmental protection. She stressed that addressing these challenges requires not only comprehensive food system solutions but also deliberate, cohesive messaging that extends across each event and discussion.

Moving beyond “think globally, act locally”
One of the Montpelier Process’s fundamental shifts is moving past the traditional “think globally, act locally” concept. Patrick Canon explained that it’s not about addressing one level and acting on another; instead, it’s about integrating action and thought at every level—local, national, and global—simultaneously. This interconnected approach is vital to achieving meaningful impact on the scale required for true sustainability. Patrick highlighted three pillars essential to the Montpelier Process:
1. Actionable Knowledge: It’s not just about finding solutions; it’s also about understanding barriers and discovering ways to overcome them.
2. Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging all voices—especially those historically left out—is crucial to success.
3. Institutional Support for Collective Intelligence: A framework that allows for shared decisions and coordinated action is essential for achieving sustainable outcomes.

Transforming science into a participant
Fabrice DeClerck, Principal Scientist at the Alliance Bioversity-CIAT, added a thought-provoking perspective on how the Montpelier Process challenges the scientific community. Science, he asserted, has traditionally been comfortable standing at a distance, “behind a podium,” calling attention to crises. The Montpelier Process challenges this stance by inviting science to become an active participant in the food system. This shift represents a deeper goal of the Montpelier Process: transforming science itself to better support global goals.

Juan Carlos, Director General of the Alliance Bioversity & CIAT, underscored the importance of partnerships. Speaking at a reception following the event, he described how the Montpelier Process represents a new moment in time—one where scientists focus not just on increasing yields but on producing multi-benefit solutions that support both human nutrition and environmental health. According to him, the process has gathered an exceptional group of collaborators, including key institutions like the UNFSS hub, OECD, European Commission, and CGIAR. Together, they’re working to unify local, regional, and global efforts, accelerating the momentum needed to implement the solutions society urgently requires.

Amanda Harding’s mention of the “seven connected events” reinforced the intentional design of the Montpelier Process. These events, happening this week, are not standalone sessions; each builds on the last, creating a cumulative effect that extends beyond COP16. Amanda explained that this structure is about fostering a sense of continuity and collective action, making the Montpelier Process an ongoing journey rather than a series of isolated meetings.

As I left the CIAT campus, I felt a new appreciation for the Montpelier Process and its bold approach to fostering change. By uniting science, policy, and community insights across all levels, the Montpelier Process is not just another environmental initiative—it’s a new paradigm for addressing our world’s most pressing challenges. The journey of demystifying the Montpelier Process has only just begun, but the impact of this initiative is already tangible, offering a fresh sense of optimism and collective purpose.