I am writing on behalf of Aquatic Life Institute, an organization committed to the welfare and conservation of aquatic animals globally. We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the draft guidance on strengthening science-policy interfaces (SPIs) for agrifood systems, a crucial initiative for advancing sustainable development goals.
One of the greatest challenges in advancing SPIs for agrifood systems, especially concerning aquatic life, is integrating specialized environmental and welfare considerations into broader agrifood policies. These often overlooked aspects are critical for the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and global biodiversity. The FAO guidance could further help by incorporating specific examples and protocols on how to integrate such niche but critical issues into national policy frameworks. A practical enhancement would be to include a toolkit or checklist that policymakers can use to ensure these considerations are not omitted.
While the draft guidance adeptly covers the governance and co-production of SPIs, it may benefit from a more pronounced focus on the ecological impacts of agrifood systems, particularly in aquatic environments. These systems often experience significant, unique challenges, such as overfishing and habitat destruction, which necessitate tailored policy responses. Furthermore, the current draft could expand its sections on cross-scale interactions to explore more deeply the dynamics between local, national, and international policy frameworks, which are often pivotal in managing aquatic resources sustainably.
Additionally, the guidance would be enriched by referencing more diverse sources, including interdisciplinary studies that explore the intersection of aquatic animal welfare and sustainable fishing practices. Including insights from fields such as marine biology, environmental science, and socio-economic research will provide a holistic view and strengthen the science-policy nexus.
We look forward to seeing these elements reflected in the final version of the guidance, contributing to more effective and inclusive SPIs worldwide. Thank you for considering our input.
Ms. Giulia Malerbi