FAO.org

Seogwipo City, the Republic of Korea
26-27 November 2024

Aquaculture is one the fastest growing sectors and plays a vital role in meeting the world's increasing demand for aquatic foods. As sustainable food production becomes increasingly critical, the aquaculture sector is beginning to embrace co-management practices. This approach brings together authorities, producers, civil society, and local communities to tackle issues like disease outbreaks, climate change, and environmental degradation. Co-management fosters collaboration, dialogue, and shared problem-solving to overcome these challenges.

In 2022, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) launched the Aquaculture Co-Management (ACM) project with the goal of producing essential knowledge products and developing a framework for applying co-management in aquaculture. The ACM project aims to align aquaculture practices with relevant aspects of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the FAO Blue Transformation Roadmap. In 2024, the project released the FAO Guidebook for developing aquaculture co-management systems. The Guidebook has been developed by consulting stakeholders and provides a roadmap for governments, NGOs, and private sector actors to establish and enhance aquaculture co-management systems. By defining key characteristics, goals, and good practices, the Guidebook aims to improve environmental, social, and economic outcomes in aquaculture.

The results of the project will be presented during the hybrid Validation Workshop on the Development of the Aquaculture Co-management System for Sustainable Aquaculture, to be held in Seogwipo City, the Republic of Korea, from 26 to 27 November 2024. The workshop co-organized by FAO and KMI will showcase key aquaculture co-management knowledge products, facilitate the exchange of experiences among stakeholders and discuss challenges and opportunities in aquaculture co-management.  

By fostering collaboration and cooperation, co-management initiatives promote environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability in line with the FAO Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture, which were developed in consultation with Member States and were adopted by the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in July 2024

"The key benefits of aquaculture co-management are clear. First, there's enhanced stakeholder engagement. By involving everyone in the decision-making process, we ensure all voices are heard, leading to more informed and effective solutions. Second, we see more sustainable practices. Co-management frameworks prioritize environmentally friendly techniques, like integrated multi-trophic aquaculture and responsible feed sourcing, which benefit both the environment and local communities”, says KwangSuk Oh, FAO Team Leader and Lead Technical Officer of the ACM project. “Moreover, there's increased transparency and accountability. With multiple stakeholders involved, co-management enhances transparency and encourages self-policing among farmers and communities.” he concludes.

However, the journey towards effective co-management is not without its challenges. Conflicting stakeholder interests, limited resources, and institutional barriers can hinder progress. To overcome these obstacles, it is essential to build trust, foster inclusive participation, and promote transparent communication among all stakeholders.

As we move forward, the aquaculture sector should embrace co-management as a vital strategy for sustainable development. By aligning the interests of diverse stakeholders, we can drive the implementation of practices that not only ensure the long-term viability of aquaculture but also contribute to the wellbeing of our planet and of present and future generations.

For virtual participation please contact: [email protected]

Resources

Publication: https://doi.org/10.4060/cd1410en

Video: https://youtu.be/rtjd6QK8cfU

Social media animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8IHq9rrf6g

Story: Aquaculture co-management: a tool to enable inclusive, efficient and resilient aquatic food systems

More about GSA:

COFI 36 adopts Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture

Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA)