A high-level discussion on aquatic food systems and their contribution to global food and nutrition security

Time: 22:30 - 00:00 (UTC+8)

Date: Wednesday, 29 July 2020

Watch the recording:

COVID-19 has exacerbated efforts to improve food and nutrition security around the world, demonstrating our food systems are not prepared to withstand shocks. As research agendas pivot to COVID-19 response, recovery and resilience; our challenge is not to restore the old food systems but to transform them to do better for people and planet.

Aquatic foods must be part of this solution. They are highly regenerative and naturally rich in the micronutrients that humans need. Despite their importance, aquatic food systems are frequently overlooked in important policy and investment decisions due to the critical gaps in knowledge needed to address the complex challenges set out in the 2030 global sustainable development agenda, made now even more urgent by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This discussion forum, hosted by WorldFish, sought to build a concerted, science-based approach to ensure aquatic foods are an integral part of the response and recovery to COVID-19 and the transformation of global food systems towards healthier and sustainable diets.

Opening remarks: Gareth Johnstone, Director General, WorldFish

Panelists:

  • Manuel Barange, Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and Resources Division, FAO
  • Robert Bertram, Chief Scientist, Bureau for Resilience and Food Security, USAID
  • Jim Leape, William and Eva Price Senior Fellow, Co-Director, Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment
  • Gina Kennedy, Director of Food Systems, USAID Advancing Nutrition
  • Belinda Richardson, Program Officer, Agricultural Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Johan Swinnen, Director General, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Closing remarks: Shakuntala Thilsted, Research Program Lead in Value Chains and Nutrition, WorldFish

Moderated by: Tana Lala-Pritchard, Director of Communications and Marketing, WorldFish

Want to know more about the discussion? Explore below our pick of publications and reports on Aquatic Foods: