Seventeenth Round of Informal Consultations of States Parties (ICSP-17)

Mr Chairman, distinguished delegates, colleagues,

Climate change is and will increasingly impact food security. In a context of 735 million undernourished people in the world, aquatic food provides an overlooked opportunity to supply crucial climate solutions while reducing hunger and poverty. Hundreds of millions of people depend on aquatic food as a critical source of protein and vital micronutrients, and for most this is irreplaceable by land-based food sources.

However, climate change is modifying the distribution and productivity of marine and freshwater species, causing unequal consequences across geographical regions, and complicating fisheries management.

Regional fishery management organizations and regional fishery advisory bodies, collectively referred to as regional fishery bodies (RFBs), are increasingly aware of the climate challenges. However, many organizations have difficulty in engaging in the topic of climate change despite the existence of good science.

In this context, in line with the request from the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI), which is the decision-making body governing issues on aquatic food, FAO is supporting RFBs in climate resilient fisheries management, including the convening of two regional FAO workshops.

The work on RFBs and climate change is expected to build on and add to FAO’s existing portfolio of normative and field activities. These include the FAO Adaptation Toolbox, guidance on adaptive fisheries management, and a field programme of adaptation projects in more than 20 countries.

Cooperation is also essential for adapting fisheries to climate change and is at the heart of the UN Fish Stocks Agreement. FAO is actively fostering regional cooperation and coordination among RFBs, including through the Regional Fishery Body Secretariats’ Network (RSN). FAO is also collaborating with partners in global climate fora and is developing a guide to empower aquatic food stakeholders with insights into climate negotiations.

Thank you very much for your attention.