WorldFish @ COP29

Aquatic Foods for Climate Solutions: A Just and Profitable Investment

For COP29, countries will convene in Baku, Azerbaijan, November 11–22, 2024, to negotiate and collectively step up their commitment, so that their next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) due 2025 can help us limit the global temperature increase to below 1.5°C. For many developing nations, where aquatic foods are essential to both the nutrition and livelihoods of coastal communities, integrating fisheries and aquaculture into climate strategies offers a path to both climate adaptation and sustainable economic growth in the regions hardest hit by climate change.

Why Aquatic Foods Need Climate Action

3.3 billion people currently rely on aquatic foods for essential nutrition.
600 million people are supported by aquatic food-related livelihoods, mainly in low- and middle-income countries.
Aquatic foods produce a fraction of the carbon emissions compared to land-based agriculture.
Fisheries and aquaculture face multiple climate hazards – such as shifting fish stocks, ocean acidification, stronger storms, and erratic rainfall – which will be felt hardest in countries that rely on aquatic foods the most.
Global demand for fish and seafood is expected to double by 2050.
$4 billion per year is needed by 2030 to support climate-resilient aquatic food systems.
Current climate finance allocations for aquatic food systems fall far short of what’s required.

Climate Financing Must be Just

People who rely on aquatic food systems for nutrition and livelihoods are among the most vulnerable in the world. They will be hit hardest by climate change, yet have contributed least to the problem. Ensuring these communities receive adequate support is essential to building resilience and securing a sustainable future for all – equitably and inclusively.

Despite their potential for climate action, aquatic food systems receive only a fraction of the climate finance they need.

As climate risks escalate, aquatic food systems require at least $4 billion annually by 2030 to build resilience and support long-term sustainability.

"Without increased investment, we risk losing not only a critical source of nutritious food and jobs, but also a powerful solution to climate change."

Add Aquatic Foods and Fisheries to Climate Agenda

At COP29, WorldFish is calling for urgent action to:

Incorporate aquatic foods into national climate action plans, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), to unlock essential financing and resources that can put countries’ food systems on a low-emissions pathway while boosting food and nutrition security.

With the release of new guidelines, now is the time to make aquatic foods central to climate strategies for a resilient future.

Scale up locally led, climate-smart adaptation initiatives by empowering communities with proven tools, digital innovations, and nature-based solutions. These initiatives—such as Climate Information Services (CIS), aquaculture diversification and early warning systems—enable small-scale fishers and fish farmers to prepare for shocks, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and invest in long-term climate-adaptative practices. Co-developed by WorldFish and tested across 27 countries, these approaches are transformative for food systems and economies worldwide. (see WorldFish’s Digital Innovations Catalog).

Invest in and partner for South-South collaboration, vital to accelerate country-led climate action for transforming food systems. Mutual learning and transfer of knowledge and appropriate technologies can fuel rapid adaptation and scaling out of locally tested technologies and practices (see a new 7-year initiative of WorldFish).

Explore WorldFish's events and engagements at COP29

At COP29, we’ll be in dialogue with governments, donors, partners, and civil society organizations, sharing our insights and support to advance climate action for aquatic foods. Through our participation in multiple events, we will be highlighting the essential role of aquatic food systems in addressing climate challenges and bring together partners to drive meaningful action toward sustainable, resilient, and nutri-sensitive food systems that support both people and the planet for shared prosperity.

Join us

Meet WorldFish's Climate Team at COP29

Essam Yassin Mohammed
Director General,
WorldFish