ASTRAL Explores the Ocean's Crucial Role in Addressing Global Food Challenges at the UN Ocean Decade Conference
"An Ocean of Food: Science and Solutions for Ocean-Climate-Food Challenges," a satellite event held during the UN Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona, on April 11th, 2024, at the Barcelona International Convention Centre, aimed to spotlight innovative approaches and scientific advancements addressing the critical nexus between oceans, climate, and food security.
Focused on the Ocean Decade Challenge 3: "Sustainably Feed the Global Population," the event served as a platform to showcase diverse initiatives and solutions from blue food-related projects. It sought to foster a deeper understanding of the ocean's pivotal role in shaping sustainable food systems, in which participants explored the existing knowledge, funding, technology, and implementation gaps that pose challenges to maximising the ocean's potential in ensuring food security for a growing global population. It was also an opportunity to feature the ground-breaking research conducted under the H2020 ASTRAL project, which focuses on integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, which promotes a more sustainable approach for aquaculture production.
The program commenced with welcome and introduction remarks by Dr Natalia Ospina-Alvarez from the AIR Centre, setting the stage for key presentations by Erik Olsen from the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) and Elisa Ravagnan from the Norce Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE). These presentations provided crucial insights into the current landscape of ocean-climate-food challenges and laid the groundwork for further discussions. A panel discussion followed, which facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas among invited experts. This interactive session delved into actionable strategies and collaborative approaches to address the complex interplay between ocean health, climate change, and global food security.
The event concluded with final remarks emphasising the importance of continued collaboration and concerted efforts to harness the full potential of the ocean in building resilient and sustainable food systems. As the world faces escalating food security challenges exacerbated by climate change, events like "An Ocean of Food" serve as catalysts for driving innovative solutions and fostering a more resilient future for all.
