The conclave aims to develop guidelines for climate-resilient fisheries management and formulate strategies for the integration of climate change into international fisheries governance
Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (FAH&D) inaugurated the ‘International Conclave on Mainstreaming Climate Change into International Fisheries Governance and Strengthening of Fisheries Management Measures in the Indo-Pacific Region’. The conclave is being organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, and the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) at Mahabalipuram, Chennai with an aim to develop guidelines for climate resilient fisheries management and formulate strategies for the integration of climate change into international fisheries governance. Department of Fisheries, Secretary, Dr Abhilaksh Likhi and Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Neetu Prasad were also present on the occasion of the inauguration.
While declaring the inauguration of the program Parshottam Rupala said that this program should focus on the key elements of climate change, its impact on fisheries, preparedness of Governments and regional fisheries bodies towards the impact of climate change on fisheries. Rupala urged for inclusive space for all stakeholders based on common responsibilities and common interests and pitches for collaborative global action to address the climate crisis in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. He also urged for strategic interconnection for the common opportunities and common challenges shared by the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and called for the responsibility to face the challenges and threats and resolve the problems together so as to make this region a suitable habitat for all life forms.
FAO representative in India appreciated FAHD for hosting the important international workshop and called for the member countries to keep Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the core while working for the livelihood, nutrition & welfare in the fisheries sector because climate change is an issue here to stay. FAO representative also suggested gender inclusiveness in the sector to achieve nutritional security and blue transformation.
The dignitaries who attended the event were the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative in India, Dr Takayuki Hagiwara, Senior Fisheries Officer, FAO, Dr Piero Mannini and Chair of the Regional Fisheries Bodies Secretariat Network, Dr Darius Campbell and Director, BOBP-IGO, Dr P. Krishnan from the international front and Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR, Dr J.K. Jena, Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board, Dr L. Narasimha Murthy and other Senior Officers of Department of Fisheries, Government of India, State Governments, Universities, Research Institutes etc.
