The international community is facing a pressing issue regarding how to feed a growing population without harming the planet’s ecosystem. With over 730 million people undernourished globally and 150 million more going hungry in the past year, the need for sustainable food systems is becoming increasingly urgent. Food systems are also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with land-based systems responsible for two-thirds of human-caused emissions.
One potential solution lies in aquatic foods, which have a lower environmental impact compared to land-based animal-sourced foods while providing similar nutritional benefits. Small-scale fisheries already play a significant role in global nutrition, meeting half of the recommended nutrient intake of omega-3 fatty acids for millions of women. Farmed bivalves like oysters and mussels also offer more vitamin B-12 and iron than traditional sources like chicken, using fewer resources.
However, there is a need for more investment and innovation to protect fish stocks and aquatic ecosystems, as a third of global fish stocks are overfished, and climate change is impacting production. The investment gap in African aquaculture alone amounts to $12 billion annually. Addressing this gap is crucial for achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring global progress.
Organizations like WorldFish are working to increase access to fish and aquatic foods, implementing innovations like selective breeding and disease prevention to improve production sustainably. Scaling up these practices could lead to significant gains in food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. By committing to leveraging fish and aquatic foods as the foundation of future food systems, the international community can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
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