Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Abstract

Aquatic genetic resources for food and agriculture (AqGR) underpin the productivity and sustainability of world aquaculture and capture fisheries, and the essential services provided by aquatic ecosystems in marine, brackish and freshwaters. AqGR allow organisms to grow, to adapt to natural and human-induced impacts such as those due to the climate crisis, to resist diseases and parasites, and to continue to evolve. Growth in sustainable aquaculture will ensure that future increases in demand for aquatic food can be adequately met. In addition, the effective and sustainable utilization of aquatic diversity in aquaculture can make an important contribution towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 2, 13 and 14. We need to ensure that there is increased available information on the role of aquatic diversity in relation to building sustainable livelihoods and achieving biodiversity targets, and on the status and trends in their conservation, sustainable use and development. In this regard, FAO’s global assessment on The State of the World’s Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (2019) represents an important landmark in enhancing global understanding of the status of AqGR and the role that they play in aquaculture sustainability. The Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture responds to the needs and challenges identified in the global assessment and represents international consensus based upon extensive consultation. This comprehensive Global Plan of Action aims to optimize the contribution of AqGR to food security and alleviation of poverty, at local, national and international scales. It recognizes that the aquaculture sector is at a relatively initial stage in its development and lags behind terrestrial farming systems in terms of its sustainable use and development of genetic resources. It also recognizes and reflects the distinctive properties and characteristics of AqGR. Political will is now required to identify and carry out actions under 21 agreed strategic priorities and to mobilize the significant levels of resources needed to implement the Global Plan of Action, in order to deliver key advances in the management of AqGR. Effective implementation will further require regional and international cooperation between relevant stakeholders, including international organizations, the scientific community, donors, civil society organizations and the private sector. The global information system for AqGR will strengthen the required knowledge base for effective implementation, and countries are invited to utilize this tool to characterize, catalogue and monitor their AqGR. This Global Plan of Action provides an important opportunity to strengthen the conservation, sustainable use and development of AqGR, and unlock the full potential of these resources for the benefit of present and future generations.