Blue foods are among the most traded food commodities worldwide and play a vital role in global food security and nutrition while supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. Approximately 3 billion people rely on blue foods for about 20 percent of their animal protein consumption, and fishing supports the livelihood of 10-12 percent of the global population. The blue economy represents an innovative strategy to balance economic growth, social well-being and environmental protection through ocean resources. It involves using science-backed management methods to ensure sustainable harvests, protect fish stocks and protect marine biodiversity. Sustainable seafood production, rich in vital nutrients such as protein and omega-3 fatty acids, is a key focus of the blue economy. Efficient use water resources It not only meets the nutritional needs of a growing population, but also reduces the negative environmental impact compared to land-based protein sources.
The blue economy represents an innovative strategy to balance economic growth, social well-being and environmental protection through ocean resources.
blue economy concept It focuses on the connection between human activities and the environment, especially in coastal areas. Although humans have relied on and lived in coastal areas for thousands of years, the blue economy represents a contemporary approach that aims to fully integrate ocean resources at all economic levels, from local to national scales. Its aim is to create a conscious and effective sustainable development strategy.
blue economyThis figure, which was initially valued at 1.5 billion US dollars, 2.5-3 trillion US dollars By 2030. There is growing interest in harnessing the potential of the blue economy to reduce poverty in least developed countries and small island developing states, as well as facilitate blue recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. African Union’s 2063 Agenda He sees the blue economy as the next frontier. Evidence shows exponential growth In various maritime sectors, especially the seafood industry, which is the fastest growing segment of the food industry, and coastal tourism, which is the fastest growing sector of tourism.
Blue foods play a very important role in development. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) It is about reducing poverty and eliminating hunger by promoting a sustainable and equitable food system. They not only provide nutritious food rich in micronutrients and animal protein, but also help reduce food intake. infant and maternal mortality rates and supporting cognitive functions (SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being), while also contributing to sustainable food production with minimum greenhouse gas emissions (SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption, SDG 14 – Life Below Water, SDG 15) – Life on Land) and providing livelihoods to small-scale farmers (SDG 1 – No Poverty, Sustainable Development Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, Sustainable Development Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities).
Blue foods play an important role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of reducing poverty and eliminating hunger by promoting a sustainable and equitable food system.
The blue food concept has significant potential to support global food security and sustainability by leveraging food abundance. marine resources. Oceans and aquatic environments offer a wide array of seafood, algae, and other aquatic organisms. Nutritious and sustainable food sources. Harnessing this potential helps diversify the food supply, relieve pressure on traditional land-based agriculture and support a more resilient global food system.
The sustainability of blue food stems from the ability of marine ecosystems to regenerate when managed responsibly. It is also compatible with sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices, promoting biodiversity conservation and minimizing negative impacts. environmental impacts. Recognizing and utilizing the nutritional richness of marine resources, blue food offers a promising path to address food security challenges. long term sustainability targets.
The sustainability of blue food stems from the ability of marine ecosystems to regenerate when managed responsibly. It is also compatible with sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices, promoting biodiversity conservation and minimizing negative environmental impacts.
Blue foods are playing a game critical role It not only provides food and nutrition security to billions of people, but also plays a role in sustaining the livelihoods, economies and cultures of many riparian and coastal communities. Unlike foods derived from land-dwelling animals, blue foods display a remarkable diversity of nutrients, mostly essential micronutrients and fatty acids, and can be produced using more environmentally friendly methods. Figure 1 shows how blue foods play a central role in transforming food systems. Therefore, recognizing the importance of blue foods to food and nutrition security provides a critical rationale for protecting the integrity and diversity of aquatic species and ecosystems.
The Role of Blue Foods in the Global Food System
The potential of blue foods to increase food security and sustainability offers a promising path to address critical global challenges. It requires a holistic approach that integrates environmental, social and economic considerations.
-
To promote sustainable practices by promoting and promoting sustainable fishing, aquaculture and seaweed farming practices to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
-
Investing in research and innovation in blue food production technologies such as aquaponics, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture and sustainable seafood processing to increase productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.
-
Strengthening governance and regulations at local, national and international levels to sustainably manage marine resources, prevent overfishing and address pollution and habitat degradation.
-
Supporting coastal communities, small-scale fishers and aquaculture farmers to improve livelihoods, ensure equitable access to resources and increase resilience to climate change impacts.
-
To promote awareness of and consumption of the nutritional benefits and sustainability of blue foods, to encourage consumption of local and traditional blue foods, and to promote sustainable seafood choices.
As we approach the 2030 deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, by adopting a holistic approach that integrates environmental, social and economic considerations, the potential of blue food to increase food security and sustainability can be realized, contributing to a resilient and thriving world order. food system for present and future generations.
Shoba Suri He is a Senior Fellow of the Observer Research Foundation.
Subhasree Ray Leadership at Reliance Industries Limited is Nutrition and Health (Corporate Health Services).
The views expressed above are those of the author(s). ORF research and analysis is now on Telegram! Click here to access our curated content including blogs, longforms and interviews.