The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022: Towards Blue Transformation

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022 is launched at the same time as the Decade of Action, the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. It highlights how these events are being integrated and supported through Blue Transformation, a priority area of FAO's new Strategic Framework 2022-2031.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The 2022 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture, a pivotal publication that aligns with significant United Nations events, including the Decade of Action to deliver the Global Goals, the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, takes center stage. This comprehensive report offers a comprehensive overview of how these and other equally important United Nations initiatives, such as the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA 2022), are being seamlessly integrated and bolstered through Blue Transformation, a key priority area of the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) new Strategic Framework 2022-2031.

Blue Transformation, a concept that emerged during the Thirty-fourth Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries in February 2021, particularly through the Declaration for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, has garnered widespread support among all FAO Members. This Declaration advocates for a dynamic and forward-thinking vision for fisheries and aquaculture in the twenty-first century, recognizing their pivotal role in combating poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.

By leveraging Blue Transformation, the FAO aims to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in food and agriculture. This agenda encompasses a wide range of goals, including ending hunger, achieving food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and protecting the environment. Through the integration of Blue Transformation, the FAO seeks to enhance the sustainability, resilience, and productivity of fisheries and aquaculture, ensuring that they can continue to provide vital food and economic opportunities for communities around the world.

One of the key elements of Blue Transformation is the recognition of the sector's contribution to poverty reduction. Fisheries and aquaculture provide employment and income opportunities for millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. By promoting sustainable practices and improving access to markets, the FAO aims to enhance the livelihoods of those who rely on the sector while also ensuring the long-term viability of fisheries and aquaculture resources.

Another aspect of Blue Transformation is the emphasis on ocean health and conservation. Fisheries and aquaculture play a critical role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems, but they can also contribute to environmental degradation. By implementing sustainable fishing practices and promoting the recovery of marine habitats, the FAO aims to protect the biodiversity and productivity of the oceans, ensuring that they can continue to support the livelihoods of coastal communities and the global economy.

In addition to these overarching goals, Blue Transformation also encompasses a range of specific initiatives and projects aimed at improving the sustainability and resilience of fisheries and aquaculture. These include the development of new technologies and practices, the promotion of sustainable fishing and aquaculture policies and regulations, and the support of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture enterprises.

To achieve these objectives, the FAO is working closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, civil society groups, and the private sector. By fostering partnerships and collaboration, the FAO aims to ensure that the benefits of Blue Transformation are shared equitably and that the sector can continue to contribute to the well-being of people and the planet.

In conclusion, the 2022 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture serves as a powerful testament to the importance of Blue Transformation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By integrating and supporting a range of United Nations events and initiatives, the FAO is working towards a future where fisheries and aquaculture are sustainable, resilient, and productive, contributing to the well-being of people and the planet. As we move forward into the Decade of Action and beyond, it is clear that the FAO will continue to play a critical role in driving progress and achieving a sustainable future for fisheries and aquaculture.

Dimension: 297 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789251363645