Santiago, January 11, (RHC), -- The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Friday spoke highly of Latin America's agri-environmental policies in its report, and sorted out challenges facing sustainable development in the region.

The report, released by the FAO's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, said policies of agriforestry systems, efficient use of water and organic farming are successful in reducing the negative impact by agricultural practice on environment.

The document also analyzed challenges, such as climate change, soil erosion, the loss of biodiversity, desertification and economic instability, in hampering reconciliation of food production and environmental protection as the regional governments strive to eradicate poverty.

The report highlighted the development of a growing number of initiatives to include environmental criteria in agriculture and land policies in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Nicaragua, which have reduced the impact of agriculture activity on environment.