The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (the Ocean Decade) seeks to trigger a revolution in ocean science that will take us from ‘the ocean we have’ to ‘the ocean we want’. To realize the ocean’s potential for sustainably producing aquatic foods, it is necessary to apply scientific knowledge toward innovative solutions and to inform sound decision-making.
This event, “Blue Foods: Science for a Sustainable Future”, will explore how to generate knowledge that provides the basis for innovation and solutions to optimize the role of the ocean in sustainably feeding the world’s population under changing environmental, social and climate conditions to achieve a productive ocean supporting sustainable food supply and a sustainable ocean economy.
To sustainably increase aquatic food production for a growing world population, it is necessary to improve fisheries assessment and management systems in all regions by ensuring that the best available scientific advice is duly considered in decision-making processes.
Science can also support continued growth of aquaculture, particularly through innovative practices which ensure social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Science can also ensure that fisheries and aquaculture contribute more effectively to food security and nutrition, economic growth and jobs, and to enabling women’s empowerment.
This event will introduce the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and its ambitions to support food security, and foster transformative partnerships for a successful implementation. The panel discussion will focus on key science knowledge, capacity gaps and opportunities to achieve sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and inspire solution-oriented actions to support implementation of the Ocean Decade.
Find the full programme and register on the Ocean Decade website.
The report argues that the emphasis on efficiency, which has been driving for a large part the evolution of food systems, needs to be counter-balanced by a greater emphasis on resilience and equity concerns. As illustrated by the pandemic this entails expanding the scope and reach of social safety nets and protection schemes. It also includes assessing and where necessary adjusting supply chains and trade in their capacity to absorb and adapt to a multitude of risks.
