Knowledge brokering for nature-based solutions in aquaculture and transformation in Asia-Pacific: Support to the Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub

7 August 2024 | 9113 views | Emerging Global Issues, Food Security, Safety and Certification, Gender, Genetics and Biodiversity, Health and Biosecurity, Livelihoods, gender and social issues, Environment and Sustainability, Philippines, Thailand, Governance and Policy

This project contributes to NACA's recent work with the FAO on aquaculture transformation. The aim is to create more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems through innovation, investment, and partnerships.

FAO and NACA published a white paper on aquaculture transformation, developed through extensive consultations, that provides a vision for transforming Asia-Pacific aquaculture by 2030.

NACA is developing an Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub (AIIH) to help realise this vision in the region, providing a facility that will bring together innovators, startups, and investors to accelerate transformation.

The project will contribute to developing National Innovation and Investment Plans for Thailand, The Philippines, and Fiji and the development of the hub. This will involve a baseline assessment of industry structure, performance, policies, innovation and investment activities, status, and needs. This scoping study will address challenges including climate change, disease prevention and management, environmental sustainability, gender equality and social inclusion, and resource utilisation and management.

The project is part of a wider AQUADAPT initiative, a four-year partnership running from 2023-2027, funded by Canada's International Development Research Centre. AQUADAPT addresses the intertwined challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity through applied research on nature-based solutions in aquaculture in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region. AQUADAPT emphasises Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, ensuring that nature-based solutions are inclusive of all genders and marginalised groups.

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Projects

NACA implements collaborative development assistance projects on issues of regional interest. Individual projects draw heavily on the personnel and facilities of participating centres in member states. Projects are essentially implemented by participating centres with the Secretariat acting as a coordinating body. NACA supports technical exchange, capacity building, institutional strengthening and policies for sustainable aquaculture development. Network partners include research centres, member governments, farmer associations, development agencies and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

In this collection

AQUADAPT: Nature-based solutions in Fiji

The project evaluated the effectiveness of various types of nature-based solution (NbS) in Fiji that contribute to climate change resilience by enabling off-grid farm operations and reducing reliance on costly fossil fuels. Aquaculture enterprises were assessed for this project based on the NbS they utilised and the potential benefits they offer in mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing production systems in Fiji. Four enterprises were selected, and their descriptions are provided within.

AQUADAPT: Nature-based solutions in Thailand

The project evaluated the effectiveness of various types of nature-based solution (NbS) in Thailand that contribute to climate change resilience by enabling off-grid farm operations and reducing reliance on costly fossil fuels. Aquaculture enterprises were assessed for this project based on the NbS they utilised and the potential benefits they offer in mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing production systems in Thailand. Three enterprises / innovations were selected and are described within.

AQUADAPT: Nature-based solutions in Philippines

The project conducted a preliminary survey of the effectiveness of various types of nature-based solution (NbS) in use in the Philippines that contribute to climate change resilience by enabling off-grid farm operations and reducing reliance on costly fossil fuels, renewable materials and improved designs that enhance efficiency. Aquaculture enterprises were assessed for this project based on the NbS they utilised and the potential benefits they offer in mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing production systems.

Based on BFAR Regional Field Office Submissions, 50 aquaculture innovations nationwide have been identified to date. The list will be extended and screened as further regions report, in cooperation with the BFAR National Research Centers.

Revolutionising Aquaculture in Fiji through Innovation

Presentation on opportunities to transform Fijian aquaculture: Challenges, innovative technologies, and nature-based solutions, by Chinthaka Hewavitharane (Pacific Community), Tekata Taoisi and Prashneel Chandra (Ministry of Fisheries, Fiji). Presented at the Inception Workshop for the project "Knowledge brokering for nature-based solutions in aquaculture transformation in Asia-Pacific: Support to the Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub", 4-5 June 2024, Bangkok.

Innovative Aquaculture & Nature-based Climate Solutions in Aquaculture: The Philippines

Presentation on opportunities to transform aquaculture in the Philippines: Challenges, innovations and nature-based solutions by Wilfredo Cruz and Sammy Malvas, Bureau of Fisheries and Agricultural Resources, Department of Agriculture, The Philippines. Presented at the Inception Workshop for the project "Knowledge brokering for nature-based solutions in aquaculture transformation in Asia-Pacific: Support to the Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub", 4-5 June 2024, Bangkok.