The recent UN Summit of the Future highlighted the urgent need to feed a growing global population sustainably. With over 730 million people worldwide undernourished and food systems responsible for a significant portion of human-caused emissions, the spotlight is on aquatic foods as a more environmentally friendly and nutritious option. While fish and other aquatic foods already play a key role in global nutrition, protecting and maintaining fish stocks and ecosystems is crucial for sustainable production.
There is a significant investment gap in research and development for aquatic food systems, particularly in African aquaculture. Closing this gap is essential for meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Organizations like WorldFish have seen success in increasing access to fish and aquatic foods in countries like East Timor and India, leading to improved nutrition among children. Innovations in selective breeding and disease management have increased production efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Scaling up these innovations globally could significantly increase food and nutrition security while reducing emissions. Research suggests that sustainable management of the fishing and aquaculture sector could increase production sixfold, helping to prevent millions of micronutrient deficiencies by 2030. Embracing fish and aquatic foods as the cornerstone of future food systems is essential for meeting the nutritional needs of the global population in a sustainable way. The time to act is now, with a new Pact for the Future needed to prioritize the role of aquatic foods in ensuring a healthy and sustainable food supply.
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