Tanzania & Aquatic Foods: UN Ocean Conference Highlights
Tanzania champions aquatic food systems as a key strategy at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, emphasizing their vital role in enduring advancement.Shaaban Ali Othman highlighted the nation’s commitment to responsible ocean resource utilization and integrating the blue economy into its national strategy, especially in the face of climate change.zanzibar is actively expanding seaweed farming, focusing on women’s empowerment and infrastructural investments to curtail post-harvest losses. Discussions at the conference underscored the imperative of prioritizing aquatic foods for improved nutrition and reduced climate risks. Discover the innovative approaches that Tanzania and global stakeholders are undertaking to ensure food security and environmental health,as detailed by News Directory 3.Explore how these strategic initiatives are shaping the future of aquatic resource management. Discover what’s next in sustainable ocean practices.
Tanzania Champions Aquatic Foods at UN Ocean Conference
NICE, france—With the deadline for the Sustainable Growth Goals looming, the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, focused on innovative solutions to combat hunger, safeguard oceans, and enhance climate resilience. Tanzania is promoting aquatic food systems as vital for economic progress, health, and ecological balance.
Shaaban Ali Othman, Zanzibar’s Minister for Blue Economy and Fisheries, emphasized Tanzania’s commitment to utilizing ocean resources sustainably. He co-chaired a panel on the role of sustainable food from the ocean in fighting poverty and ensuring food security.
“Our survival is intimately tied to the ocean,” othman said, advocating for a shift in how the world views aquatic food systems. He stressed that Tanzania integrates the blue economy into its national development strategy, especially as climate change impacts traditional agriculture.
Zanzibar is expanding seaweed farming, especially among women, to boost nutrition and gender equality. Investments in cold storage aim to cut post-harvest losses.
Jörn Schmidt, Science Director for Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems at WorldFish, urged countries to prioritize aquatic foods, saying they can together reduce poverty, hunger, and climate risk. He advocated for increased aquatic food consumption to improve nutrition, low-impact production systems, and secure tenure for small-scale fishers.
According to Barange, global fish production reached 189 million tons in 2023, providing about 21 kilograms of aquatic animal protein per person. Though, nearly 15% was lost due to poor handling.
othman highlighted the need to address inequality, particularly for women and youth. Tanzania is piloting aquatic food training centers to equip youth with climate-smart aquaculture skills.
Rhea Moss-Christian,Executive Director of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission,noted tuna fisheries’ economic importance for small island nations,funding schools and hospitals.
Dr. Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted of CGIAR promoted seaweed as a sustainable superfood, urging investment to scale innovations and integrate aquatic foods into public programs.
Ciyong Zou, of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, cited case studies from Cambodia and Sudan where investments in processing and training improved incomes and nutrition. UNIDO plans to expand support to 10 more coastal nations by 2030.
Othman called for democratizing data access and empowering communities. A women-led seaweed cooperative in Kisiwa Panza, Pemba, has begun exporting to Europe with support from NGOs and the government.
Othman concluded, “In 2030, we’ll be asked what we did with these six remaining harvests. Let’s ensure our answer is-we used them to feed people, protect our planet, and leave no one behind.”