Blue Transformation: strategies and actions for more sustainable agrifood systems in the Mediterranean

FAO

Blue Transformation: strategies and actions for more sustainable agrifood systems in the Mediterranean

Webinar outcomes

Year of publication 2024

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 13 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) During this webinar, organized by the SFS-MED Platform and held on 21 March 2024, stakeholders from across the Mediterranean shared knowledge and concrete experiences about the role of policymaking, research, capacity building, technology and finance in accompanying the Blue Transformation in the Mediterranean region.Panelists and speakers highlighted that the Mediterranean fisheries and aquaculture sectors are crucial for the region's aquatic food systems, supporting food security, enhancing livelihoods and protecting heritage. To this effect, the Blue Transformation outlines a vision to expand aquatic food systems and increase their contribution to nutritious and affordable healthy diets for the most vulnerable, while fostering equitable growth, especially for those communities that depend on fisheries and aquaculture.The discussion was instrumental in demonstrating that concerted efforts in investments, governance, technological innovation, education and knowledge exchange are needed to address a series of intricate challenges and leverage promising opportunities to propel the sustainable growth of fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean.Multistakeholder and community-driven approaches, as well as an enhanced regional cooperation are essential to integrate agrifood and the blue sectors, advancing towards holistic regional development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Language English

Also available in:

French

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Pathways for agrifood systems transformation and regional cooperation in the Mediterranean
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Focusing on the Mediterranean, this executive brief explores unique challenges and opportunities for transforming agrifood systems in this region, emphasizing the need for region-specific strategies. Key challenges include environmental degradation, food security issues, and political fragmentation. However, the region's rich biodiversity, dietary traditions, and strategic location offer significant opportunities for collaborative efforts. The brief underscores the importance of policy coherence, leadership and governance, data analysis, sustainable finance, and collaborative networks for achieving agrifood systems transformation. It highlights the role of the UN Food Systems Summit process in uniting global participants to foster resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems. National Pathways for Food Systems Transformation documents, derived from multi-stakeholder dialogues, are essential for guiding countries in their transformation efforts. The brief also discusses the support needed to enhance policy coherence, leadership capacities, data management, and sustainable finance. Collaborative networks are crucial for shared learning and translating knowledge into impactful actions. The SFS-MED Platform, a multi-stakeholder initiative, is instrumental in facilitating dialogue, knowledge sharing, and regional cooperation, promoting sustainable agrifood systems across the Mediterranean.
Meeting
Blue Transformation: strategies and actions for more sustainable agrifood systems in the Mediterranean - Agenda
Wednesday 20 March 2024.
2024

Also available in:

French
Book (stand-alone)
Pathways for agrifood systems transformation and regional cooperation in the Mediterranean 2024

Also available in:

Arabic
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Sustainable agrifood systems are crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, yet structural inequalities and recent crises underscore the urgent need for transformative change. This report focuses on the Mediterranean region, examining challenges and opportunities for agrifood systems transformation within its unique socio-economic and political context. Drawing on global and regional momentum, the report identifies barriers hindering transformation, proposes policy recommendations, and highlights opportunities for regional cooperation. It leverages insights from the UN Food Systems Summits and a typological approach to categorize countries based on their agrifood systems and economic development status.The analysis reveals diverse challenges but also positive attributes such as dietary traditions and biodiversity. While most initiatives prioritize defining goals and establishing support ecosystems, there's a need for greater policy coherence and governance mechanisms. The report identifies strategies to address these gaps, including providing policy guidance, expanding collaborative networks, enhancing data management, and unlocking sustainable finance.Ultimately, an integrated approach that harmonizes various agrifood systems, aligns with local realities, and strengthens partnerships is essential for transformative change. By leveraging existing initiatives, expanding collaboration, and addressing unique regional challenges, the report charts a united pathway towards sustainable agrifood systems in the Mediterranean, fostering prosperity and resilience.