FAO.org

Aquaculture plays a crucial role in meeting the growing global demand for aquatic food while addressing food security and environmental challenges. Ensuring sustainable development of aquaculture requires effective management strategies; one such approach gaining traction is the implementation of aquaculture co-management systems, as outlined in the newly released FAO Guidebook for developing aquaculture co-management systems. The Guidebook provides a roadmap for governments, NGOs, and private sector actors to establish and enhance aquaculture co-management systems. By defining key characteristics, goals, and good practices, the Guidebook aims to improve environmental, social, and economic outcomes in aquaculture.

Aquaculture co-management refers to a collaborative approach to decision-making and resource management in the aquaculture sector. Through sharing responsibilities, rights and benefits among stakeholders, including government agencies, producers and other relevant actors, co-management aims to address shared risks and resources in aquaculture production by promoting inclusive and participatory processes.

The definition of aquaculture co-management includes the implementation of methods and actions to farm aquatic products respecting sustainable production. In fact, aquaculture co-management seeks to improve the sustainability, efficiency and resilience of aquaculture operations by promoting stakeholder engagement, adaptive management practices and knowledge sharing.

“Aquaculture co-management involves collaborative decision-making among stakeholders to address shared risks and resources in aquaculture production, and gives voice to all, including small scale farmers. Collaborative approaches have been successful in fisheries, enhancing trust, knowledge sharing, and decision-making processes” comments KwangSuk Oh, Team Leader of National Planning and Development Support of the FAO Fishery and Aquaculture Division. “Aquaculture co-management is essential in achieving sustainable and responsible aquaculture practices and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda”, he observes.

The Guidebook for developing aquaculture co-management systems also emphasizes the challenges and possibilities in collaborative aquaculture management that extends beyond individual farms. By tackling concerns like disease control, resource allocation, and environmental impacts, co-management approaches can improve the long-term viability of aquaculture. For co-management projects to succeed, it is crucial to involve a range of stakeholders and establish a collaborative communication process.

Effective implementation of aquaculture co-management requires a systematic approach that includes key steps for establishing collaborative frameworks and monitoring progress. By drawing on lessons from fisheries co-management, the Guidebook provides a framework for implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of co-management systems. This adaptive approach aims to foster inclusive, legitimate, and innovative aquaculture practices that contribute to sustainable aquatic food systems.

Through the implementation of aquaculture co-management systems, stakeholders can work together to manage shared risks and resources, ultimately contributing to the long-term success of aquaculture and the resilience of aquatic food systems, thus contributing to their Blue Transformation.