Looking back to Kyoto (June 1976) and the last global conference, the Millennium Conference (February 2000), there was a clear recognition of the importance of networking and related forms of knowledge sharing and learning. This panel reviews examples of knowledge sharing networks using knowledge platforms and different knowledge management activities. It is expected that such networking and wider knowledge sharing activities will intensify and we suggest a number of new future directions drawn from other sectors.

Aquaculture as a household, community and agribusiness-based activity to supply human food and other products and contribute to the alleviation of poverty is explored in this overview. The multiple natures of poverty and the concepts of escaping from and slipping into poverty are explored with reference to aquaculture contexts. Aquaculture as a driver for development is reviewed and found to contribute to poverty alleviation in both transformative and incremental modes and at various scales.

Public and private sectors, including non-governmental agencies are all involved in provision of aquaculture services, although roles and responsibilities differ. Growth in aquaculture over the past 10 years, under the influence of a range of global drivers, has changed not only the nature of services required but also the way in which these services are delivered. In less-developed and newly emerging aquaculture countries, there are still considerable gaps in services, particularly in rural areas.

A global consensus has been reached that climate change is a reality and that it will impact on food production systems, among others, in diverse manifestations. We will in the very foreseeable future move into an era where consumer consciousness will demand that farm foods of every form, when they reach the table, should have a minimal green house gas emission level; the price and demand will be determined by such a factor.

How do we ensure that the benefits from aquaculture growth are pro-poor and gender equitable? In science, some gender-disaggregated statistics are collected by the Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators programme. Akin to farming and fishing, aquaculture is usually assumed to be largely the domain of men. Minimal progress has been made in addressing gender issues in aquaculture, even though some researchers, activists and development agencies are recognising and raising the profile of the issues.

An essential element for the ecosystem approach to aquaculture is the use of virtual technology and decision-support tools, particularly if developing nations are to promote the key elements of aquaculture sustainability. We provide an overview of current and emerging issues and trends related to this topic over the past decade, an assessment of progress with regard to the expectations and commitments expressed in the Bangkok Declaration and conclude with some thoughts for the future.

Recently, on the advice of the members, a Strategy and Outline for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Aquaculture has been developed by FAO. The overall objective of the strategy is to provide a framework for the improvement of knowledge and understanding of aquaculture status and trends as a basis for policy-making and management, and to ensure development that is compatible with good stewardship of resources and the environment.

It has been recognised that farmers’ innovations are crucial in order to achieve cumulative growth, both economically and socially. However, several social, political, economical and environmental factors have hampered farmers’ innovation, such as lack of information on aquaculture, inadequate science and technology policies and lack of governmental support. The panel will assess crucial factors needed to promote, encourage and support farmers’ innovative processesand transform developing countries to innovatoin-driven economies.

Presentation of the summary, conclusions and recommendations of Thematic Session 1: Resources, services and technologies for future aquaculture.

Presentation of the summary, conclusions and recommendations of Thematic Session 2, Sector management and governance issues in aquaculture.

Presentation of the summary, conclusions and recommendations of Thematic Session 4 (Responding to market demands and challenges; making aquaculture a safe and diverse food producing sector for the benefit of world consumers).

Presentation of the summary, conclusions and recommendations of Thematic Session 5 (Improving knowledge, information, research, extension and communication on aquaculture).

Presentation of the summary, conclusions and recommendations of Thematic Session 6 (Enhancing the contribution of aquaculture to poverty alleviation, food security and rural development).

A presentation on the draft Phuket Consensus document as circulated with the conference papers a summary of comments that had been provided by conference participants. The presentation followed by a plenary discussion as the conference participants view the document on screen.