Shanghai, July 1st (Reporter Xu Jing) The Third High-Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation in the Asia and Pacific Region, jointly hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Asia-Pacific Aquaculture Center Network (NACA), and Shanghai Ocean University, opened at Shanghai Ocean University on July 1st. The meeting aims to promote the sustainable intensification and large-scale development of aquaculture, deeply aligning with the core strategy of FAO's 'Blue Transformation Roadmap 2022-2030'.

The scene of the meeting. Photo by Shanghai Ocean University

As the absolute core of global aquaculture, the Asia-Pacific region contributes more than 90% of the global output, providing livelihoods for millions of practitioners, and its development is crucial for global food safety. However, challenges such as water and land resource scarcity, environmental pressure, the impact of climate change, generational replacement, and global changes are becoming increasingly prominent, and the transformation and upgrading of regional aquaculture is imminent.

On that day, more than 60 senior representatives from various countries in the Asia-Pacific region discussed in-depth around three core goals. First, share the results of regional transformation assessment, innovative cases, and investment demonstration; second, discuss the investment and partnership priority actions required for large-scale impact, in-depth analysis of investment needs and cooperation opportunities, and clarify the next steps of action; third, expand and establish new types of partnerships, strengthen regional cooperation in aquaculture transformation. During the meeting, several potential cooperation projects and partnerships emerged, opening up new paths for regional cooperation.

The meeting achieved a series of important results, comprehensively sorted out the contents and achievements of the meeting, and provided clear guidance for subsequent work; the participating representatives jointly issued a statement, expressing the firm determination and common commitment of all parties to the transformation of the aquaculture industry. In addition, the FAO and NACA proposed a conceptual framework for the key issues of the meeting, laying a foundation for the formulation of future relevant policies and the implementation of projects.

Wan Rong, the President of Shanghai Ocean University, stated that the university will continue to give full play to its disciplinary advantages, strengthen cooperation and exchanges with all parties, and jointly contribute to the sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific aquaculture industry. Wan Rong hopes to expand the radius of the university's scientific and technological services to the Asia-Pacific region in the future.

The Deputy Director of the Fishery and Fishery Administration Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sun Haowen, pointed out that the Asia-Pacific region is an important engine for the global aquaculture industry. The Chinese government has always adhered to the development path of aquaculture with 'culture as the mainstay' and promoted the high-quality and rapid development of the aquaculture industry. Currently, the global political and economic environment is complex, and the sustainable development of the fishery industry is facing new complex situations. He put forward three proposals: adhere to innovation-driven development, enhance the level of modernization; adhere to the blue transformation, promote sustainable development; adhere to mutual benefit and reciprocity, expand trade and investment.