Agriculture WG discusses sustainable fishing and adaptation to climate change

International food trade and its global security, as well as the challenges and priorities of fisheries and their territories at a global level and aquaculture as a development mechanism are on the agenda of the Agriculture WG meeting in Brasilia. Sustainable agriculture, technological innovation and adaptation to climate change are also among the topics discussed.

"I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that the opportunity we will have over the next two days to specifically discuss issues that are very important for fisheries and aquaculture around the world is also due to the importance of this issue for our country. So I am very optimistic about everything that will be discussed here". With these words, the Brazilian Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, André de Paula, opened the meeting of the Agriculture Working Group in Brasilia, which ends today (12).

The role of aquatic food systems in achieving sustainable development goals is one of the themes of the meeting, which discusses international food trade and its global security, as well as the challenges and priorities of fisheries and their territories at a global level and aquaculture as a development mechanism. Delegates from countries such as South Africa, India, the United Kingdom and international organizations will attend the meeting.

André de Paula also recalled that an international meeting was recently held in Rio Grande do Norte to discuss, among other things, tuna fishing in the Atlantic. The event was attended by representatives from all over the world and demonstrated the importance that Brasil has given to expanding markets and trade relations with other countries.

Fishing: also affected by climate change

The minister took the opportunity to comment on the joint effort with the Chief of Staff's Office and President Lula to help fishermen affected by the floods in Rio Grande do Sul. Many had already been experiencing difficulties due to the floods that occurred in September last year. This is why the ministry has been working on immediate and future actions to rebuild and support the production chain in the state.

For the minister, the issue of climate change is here to stay and the ideal solution is to share management with the Ministry of the Environment. "The fishing we defend is sustainable fishing, it is good practice in the activity and good practice involves this care with solutions that can mitigate problems that from now on it is very clear there will be frequent ones," he stated.

The aim of the Agriculture Working Group is to promote international cooperation to address key issues for world agriculture, such as food security, sustainable agriculture, technological innovation and adaptation to climate change. The next meeting of the WG will take place between September 10 and 13 in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso.

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