FAO, World Bank Promote Blue Economy for Sustainable Fisheries

FAO and the World Bank hosted the webinar, Promoting the Blue Economy for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture in Latin America and the Caribbean, to discuss strategies for ocean sustainability and economic development in the region.

The event highlighted projects in Argentina, Belize, and Chile that work with local communities to manage and govern marine and coastal ecosystems sustainably. These initiatives apply an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries, balancing conservation with resource use.

According to the latest State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report, global fisheries and aquaculture production reached 223.2Mt in 2022, a 4.4% increase from 2020. Latin America and the Caribbean accounted for 17.7Mt, representing 8% of the global total. Given the region's role in global seafood production, FAO supports projects aligned with its Blue Transformation initiative. This comprehensive approach seeks to expand aquatic food systems while promoting sustainability, nutrition, environmental conservation, and improved livelihoods.

The World Bank emphasized the importance of the Blue Economy in ensuring the sustainable use of ocean resources while driving economic growth, job creation, and improved living conditions. This approach prioritizes efficient resource management through innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

The webinar is part of a series of discussions planned for 2025-2026 under the Blue Transformation agenda. It also serves as a preparatory dialogue for the XIX Meeting of the Commission on Small-Scale, Artisanal Fisheries, and Aquaculture in Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPESAALC), scheduled for June 2025.