The current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030 and 9.8 billion in 2050, an upward trend that is expected to continue for some time, even as birth rates decline. This future population requires an increase in food production by 60–70 percent from current levels to meet projected demand in 2050 and fish and other aquatic animals and plants are a key part of future food and nutrition supply. There are many challenges to developing and sustainable aquatic food systems capable of meeting future needs.

‘Blue Transformation’ is a vision for FAO’s work on aquatic food systems for fish and other aquatic foods to help achieve the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The aspiration is the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Specific objectives of the High-Level Meeting are to:
● Engage senior policy makers and business leaders in the process of defining regional targets, action areas and initiatives for aquaculture transformation in the region by 2030.
● Identify strategies and mechanisms to stimulate innovation and investment, and enhance collaboration in the defined action areas.
● Recommend follow up actions and commit to put aquaculture transformation in the region as a main contribution to the global targets.

For more information, please contact:
● Tipparat Pongthanapanich, FAORAP
● Derun Yuan, NACA