Blue foods (foods from marine, freshwater, or aquaculture systems) play a vital but often overlooked role in global climate and food security policies. This report explores how blue food systems function as Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to simultaneously promote biodiversity conservation, food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
The study uses systems thinking and participatory methods in two communities in Fiji to analyze complex interactions within the system:
- Mangrove oyster farming in Muanaira: Community-led oyster farming supports mangrove ecosystem conservation and provides livelihoods, particularly for women. However, it still faces market barriers and water pollution issues.
- Seagrass restoration in Dawasamu: Restoring seagrass improves habitat for aquatic species. The project's effectiveness depends on managing onshore fishing activities and overfishing.
Key takeaways from the study:
- Double benefits and trade-off management: Blue foods offer multiple synergistic benefits; managing the trade-offs between economic development and ecological sustainability is crucial.
- Integrating local knowledge: NbS projects need to incorporate traditional knowledge, community priorities, and multi-generational participation to ensure effectiveness.
- Policy coordination is needed: There remains a gap between national policy and community implementation. Climate adaptation needs to be integrated into aquaculture strategies.
- Systems thinking: Applying systems thinking helps stakeholders move beyond traditional policy silos to make integrated decisions that maximize both conservation and livelihood development.
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