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The overarching theme of this Independent Dialogue focused on creating healthier food environments by way of a package of effective and evidenced based policies (including front-of-package labelling, marketing restrictions and taxation of unhealthy foods) to help to address diet-related NCDs, leveraging the opportunity presented by the UN Food Systems Summit and beyond. Some of the key issues raised or emerging from this discussion were the need to identify common ground to improve diets, the importance of identifying the barriers and challenges that need to be addressed in order to pursue a f... Leer másood system transformation, also how policy packages can respond to specific local contexts. Further, the Dialogue emphasised the importance of strengthening appreciation that healthy or unhealthy diets are not a personal choice but rather a consequence of the food environment that needs to be shaped and nurtured with collective and coherent decisions around these policy areas, and how the pandemic has also shown the need to invest more in sustainable food systems and environments. The environment must enable and facilitate healthy choices and it must be coherent also in the sense that marking restrictions, clear information on packaging and taxes of unhealthy products should be jointly promoted, while policies in areas such as trade, urban design and development and education should be complementary and coherent and not undermine the development of sound public health policy. It is important to level the playing field of competition, and incentives the availing of better options, so that unhealthy food steps back and healthy food comes forward. While the agenda influences consumers, producers and retailers, and supporting the environment, but also about changing the economic dynamics and levelling the playing field. It is difficult to prove large impact if the environment is not coherent. The idea behind a coherent policy package is that by implementation of it we are creating a health promoting food environment, and supporting all people’s right to health and food including children and those most vulnerable. Leer menos

The Dialogue encouraged lively engagement, and participants enthusiastically shared ideas about the possible solutions seaweed could bring to achieving SDG2. However, there were some divergent opinions about possible solutions in the seaweed industry and its role in eradicating global hunger. The chat was particularly rich with participants and experts sharing their thoughts on seaweed as a food source. For example, participants proposed that seaweed consumption could reduce the methane footprint contributed by the cattle industry. However, experts cautioned against making overarching statemen... Leer másts about seaweed’s potential contribution to methane reduction. A commercial cultivation process for algae that produce bromo-halogenated chemicals that can reduce methane emissions has not been established yet, and feed products from this algae would only affect cattle raised using artificial feed rather than those raised on pasturelands. There was a divergence of opinions about the time and methods needed for integrating seaweed into the Western diet. Participants were enthusiastic about gradually adding seaweed products into everyday diets, while experts suggested telling the right story about seaweed, learning to cook seaweed properly, and partnering with restaurants. Seaweed may not be able to replace cattle byproducts as a protein source because most cultivated seaweed is low in protein. In Asian seaweed-consuming countries, seaweeds are typically used as condiments or to add minerals to the diet, rather than as sources of protein. One expert warned that seaweed should not be viewed as a panacea to solving global hunger, as Western digestive systems are less equipped to break down polysaccharides of seaweed and therefore nutrients may not become available, at least initially. A team member noted that the East Asian (Japanese) gut microbiome contains a specific bacterium, not found in most Western gut microbiomes, that helps breaks down the polysaccharide in seaweed. Furthermore, other studies have shown that these bacteria do appear in animals when seaweed is incorporated into their diet. Finally, there was discussion around the need to produce more data about responsibly breeding seaweed that will produce the most biomass without sacrificing genetic biodiversity. Experts agreed that research and regulations are needed to maintain natural genetics and ensure local varieties of seaweed stay within the correct region. When local varieties are not sufficient for commercialization and other varieties must be imported, strict quarantine measures must be in place. Leer menos

The need for rapid evolution in seaweed domestication Food insecurity and climate change are growing challenges in the upcoming decades. Seaweed domestication offers a sustainable solution for both. Domestication is a way to increase seaweed production levels to meet both challenges. Every stakeholder along the supply and demand chain can promote the growth of seaweed domestication. Clear regulation is necessary for safe and responsible seaweed production. Rapid evolution is needed to tackle the challenges we are facing. However rapid evolution comes with higher risks, such as genetic or envir... Leer másonmental pollution, biodiversity reduction, or negative unintended social and economic impact. Long-term domesticate-domesticator interaction eventually leads to favorable mutualistic coevolution. There is a tradeoff between rapid growth of seaweed production and transparency with all stakeholders to uphold a high standard during the entire process. Leer menos

Creating a market for value-added seaweed products Except for East Asian markets, there are very limited seaweed-based food products in the global market. The seaweed market is restricted by short shelf life, limited consumer awareness, and acceptance. We need to put the effort into marketing seaweed as a safe, nutritious, and delicious food source. We also need to seek out natural and organic preservatives methods to extend shelf life. Seaweed has a high potential for rapid adoption in diets if it is promoted in the right context. Such rapid adoption could significantly increase demand. To in... Leer máscrease consumer acceptance, seaweed should be included in local food, starting with restaurants. The world is craving new, delicious, and sustainable food. Seaweed is a very good contender. A transparent supply chain and market can establish seaweed as a safe, delicious, nutritious, and sustainable food source. Leer menos

Developing new farming technologies Seaweed production Innovations are highly valuable and impactful. Pioneering of new technologies needs open conversation between developers, producers, local ecologists, and the surrounding communities, throughout the development process and beyond. All key stakeholders need to be flexible and adaptive to unexpected change. Due to climate change and the rise in ocean temperature, traditional shallow farming techniques are suffering. Instead, producers are forced to develop new deepwater farming technologies. Transition to deep water farming requires addition... Leer másal capital and labor. There is a need to develop new seaweed farming technologies to be resilient to environmental changes. The goal is to build a model community with better farming practices, by collaborating with local NGOs to analyze human behavior and attitude toward environment-friendly practice. In addition, new farming technologies should encourage, promote and protect women to participate fully in the production chain. Technology should advance equitable livelihoods and promote full and productive employment. Leer menos

Importance of advancing research Climate change poses an imminent challenge to seaweed domestication. Native seaweed that grows naturally is at a higher risk of adverse environmental conditions, diseases, and epiphytes. Production of native seaweed is decreasing due to rapid and unpredictable environmental changes. Currently, there is a lack of research and knowledge of native species. Imported domesticated strains could become invasive and occupy the space of native species. A joint research effort between seaweed producers and academia is needed in improving seaweed biomass yield and climate... Leer más change resilient seaweed strains. Currently, there is an ongoing effort to develop higher-yield seaweed strains while avoiding genetic and environmental pollution and maintaining local ecology. NGOs, government, and industry could support the research effort with additional funding, collaborations, and open science policy. Leer menos

Seaweed’s potential contributions to the achievement of SDG2 There are many avenues for seaweed to contribute to achieving SDG2 beyond direct human consumption. Among them, seaweed beds in marine ecosystems can provide many services including for other fisheries that depend on seaweed production. Seaweed can be used to feed land and ocean animals and participate in the planet’s biodiversity. Seaweed domestication contributes to food safety while combating climate change. It is already an important ingredient in coastal communities' cuisine. Seaweed aquaculture can substitute and supplement... Leer más high emission and high-intensity land-based agriculture. By switching from meat and fish to seaweed, we can reduce the food security pressure faced by the existing food system. It is an untapped resource with high potential. In addition to being a sustainable food source, seaweed cultivation is part of regenerative aquaculture. A transparent and unified seaweed supply chain and the market will promote safe and sustainable domestication, production, and consumption. Government, NGOs, and industries need to actively support the entire seaweed industry supply and demand side. Leer menos

Role of Gender in the seaweed industry The seaweed industry offers new economic opportunities for women especially in developing regions. There will be challenges in opening the pathway for women in the seaweed industry, in particular family and community restrictions. Culture and society norms expect women to stay at home, not in the field. To break down these barriers, as a community we need to encourage women’s participation, demonstrate and show that opening up opportunities for women will increase everyone’s livelihoods. There are opportunities for governing bodies and NGOs to kick st... Leer másart, promote, and empower women in the industry. Leer menos

Evolution of Seaweed Domestication The future of seaweed domestication is an “eco-evolutionary process” via safe and responsible management practice. Domestication is a long and complex process during which domesticators select and modify organisms that can develop well in the domesticator's environment. Domestication can cause a reduction in species genetic diversity and biodiversity when done poorly without holistic ecology, biological and environmental consideration. In addition, when transplanting seaweed into a new region, we are also at risk of importing pests and diseases that could... Leer más spread to native seaweed. Therefore it is important to consider genetic and environmental pollution during the domestication process. Local varieties should be the focus of the local seaweed domestication process, allowing producers to preserve genetic diversity and biodiversity. The “eco-evolutionary process” focuses on best management practices and breeding strategies that maintain the domesticates’ evolutionary potential. The seaweed domestication effort should be led by producers and supported by Government, the local community, and the academic community. Leer menos

Safe and responsible seaweed domestication could lead the path in restoring ocean diversity and sustainably feeding the world. There are many avenues for seaweed to contribute to achieving SDG2 beyond direct human consumption. Seaweed is part of the global ecosystem. It can be used to feed land and ocean animals and participate in the planet’s biodiversity. Seaweed can boost nature-positive food production, advance equitable livelihoods and promote social, gender, and economic equality. Growing seaweed has high potential to help combat climate change. It is a nutritious food source, high in ... Leer máscarbohydrates, necessary minerals, and vitamins. Over 20% of all aquaculture production is seaweed. The seaweed domestication process should be “eco-evolutionary,” using integrated knowledge of ecology and genetics to promote sustainable seaweed production. The future of seaweed domestication should be based on sustainable management practices. Management practices remove competitors and modify species' environments, which maintains the species' evolutionary potential without reducing genetic diversity. Long-term domesticate-domesticator interaction eventually leads to mutualistic coevolution. There is research and development on improving seaweed biomass yield by selective breeding and non-genetic morphology modification. Current research is focused on improving seaweed light harvesting by optimizing the morphogenesis and physiology of the plant. For communities impacted by overfishing, seaweed production could be an alternative. Current seaweed harvesting and cultivation methods are very labor-intensive, inefficient, and low-tech. There is a need for innovative solutions to pull the industry “out of the Stone Age”. Seaweed farming creates jobs for coastal communities, particularly women, advancing social, gender, and economic equality. A transparent seaweed production industry will protect the producer, consumer, and the environment. Climate change poses a growing challenge to native seaweed domestication. High water temperature promotes the growth of diseases and epiphytes. New strains were imported from the Philippines to maintain the seaweed industry in Tanzania. There is limited research on native seaweed strains in Tanzania and the environmental impact of imported strains. There is a lack of seaweed food products in Western markets. The seaweed food market is limited by low shelf-life, low consumer awareness, and acceptance. There is a need to streamline the supply and demand side of seaweed as a sustainable food source. Seaweed domestication needs clear guidelines to avoid genetic and environmental pollution while providing safe, socially, and economically responsible opportunities for the communities. Leer menos

The event focused on seaweed domestication, with attention to its potential to contribute to achieving the SDGs, especially its contributions to SDG2. Drawing on presentations by leading researchers and practitioners, the event demonstrated the significant potential of seaweed to contribute positively to the food system, as well as the multitude of open questions and the broad research agenda that remains.

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The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and magnified the vulnerabilities of food systems. At the same time, it catalyzed innovative interventions (e-commerce and digitization of the value chain) to supply food to consumers. Mobilizing investments in transforming food systems towards sustainable and nature positive production systems is key to ensuring the success of green and resilient recovery. Moreover, initiatives to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic must take these innovative approaches into consideration to help deliver on the SDGs, particularly SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (good heal... Leer másth and wellbeing), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate change action), SDG 14 (life below water), and SDG15 (life on land). Mongolia needs to focus on the whole livestock sector value chain to penetrate the global meat market. Also emphasized was the need for improving rangeland and pastureland management and utilization as well as the adoption of the “One Health” approach that recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. ADB, EIB, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) have initiated a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach in Mongolia to promote green growth, including the livestock sector. Under this approach, a total of $750 million will be invested in the country to: (i) provide small investments for better rangeland and grazeland management; (ii) improve cooperative management through the infusion of additional working capital and provision of needed infrastructure; (iii) provide financial intermediaries with low interest loans for herders; and (iv) provide guarantees and grants to the private sector with the agreement that they will buy from herders who have committed to better rangeland management. It is worth highlighting that these recommendations have big potential for replication in member countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program as their food systems are also dominated by livestock consumption. ADB and OIE agreed to partner on: (i) promoting animal health; (ii) supporting the safe trade of animals and animal products relating to standards and regulations; and (iii) instituting appropriate policies and regulations utilizing the One Health approach in developing Asian countries, including Mongolia. The upcoming country partnership strategy of ADB for Mongolia revolves around sustainable and inclusive recovery with three strategic priorities: (i) inclusive social development (social protection, health, and education); (ii) climate resilient infrastructure; and (iii) building strength and resilience of the rural economy. Specific focus will be given to the transformation of food systems by promoting an integrated approach for development, a notable departure from the rural–[urban dichotomous development paradigm. Also, export promotion (including livestock) and trade linkages will be given importance in the partnership strategy. In making plant-based proteins affordable, the proposed approach is to look at production and consumption together and address the issue of “feed–food competition” through increased livestock production while simultaneously looking for alternative potential crops for feed. Complementary to this, postharvest losses of vegetables have to be reduced and the nutritious value of food has to be retained from field to market by setting up an effective production and marketing system. Collection centers around production areas in the cold chain and other agri-logistics must be developed in the hinterlands. Some of these centers can work as terminal markets while others can specialize and serve the function of an assembly market depending on the need of the locality. These centers will also require organized transport to carry goods from farms. These centers should also provide spaces for sorting, cleaning, grading, packaging, and storage in consideration of the strong seasonal nature and diverse quality of production. The role of vegetable cultivation between two harvests of main cereal crops in a rice-based system was also identified as an effective way to increase the availability of plant-based protein. The importance of developing new vegetable varieties that are resistant to abiotic and biotic constraints, and rich in protein was emphasized. ADB has partnered with the World Vegetable Center to facilitate policy and institutional support in this regard with the view of strengthening collaboration in the coming days. ADB is working with partners in developing the INCFF to scale up much-needed investments in transforming food systems. The focus of this new facility will include: (i) leveraging private sector participation for enhanced ecosystem services; (ii) linking investments to agricultural insurance products to help farmers manage risks; and (iii) using the platform to help minimize food losses and food waste. ADB, EIB, and GCF have confirmed to work together to set up the INCFF to support green agri-business platform while the International Fund for Agricultural Development and FAO can potentially join this important endeavor later after further discussions. This dialogue brought together a number of development organizations and created an opportunity to kickstart an innovative financing platform to transform our food system for a green and resilient recovery, and future. Leer menos

The dialogue explored Action Track 3: Boost nature-positive production, instrumental to Action Track 1: Ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all. The dialogue discussed how demographic and economic transitions have shifted toward increased meat consumption globally, but at a faster rate in Asia, led by the People's Republic of China. Meat production and consumption are associated with several diet-related and zoonotic diseases as well as greenhouse gas emissions and increased use of land and water. This has intensified the feed–food competition that has made the production of crops ... Leer másrequired to feed the growing world population more difficult. The discussions were divided into two sessions and highlighted the need for a new strategy involving responsible production with reduced environmental footprint and healthy consumption that balances between animal and plant-based food. The first session used Mongolia as a lens, a vegetable-importing and meat-exporting country, where the traditional seminomadic pastoral livestock sector accounts for about 90% of agricultural production and employs 1 in 4 Mongolians. Ongoing and planned activities of development organizations to promote the responsible production of livestock and vegetables were discussed. The keynote presentation by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided the country context and a summary of ongoing initiatives promoting green agriculture and resilient recovery from the impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Succeeding discussions from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Wageningen University and Research, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and World Vegetable Center focused on the following aspects: (i) key government initiatives required to support the transition towards obtaining protein from more diverse and resource-efficient sources; (ii) keeping vegetables safe for consumption; (iii) strengthening regional collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region to promote animal health; (iv) priority investment areas to retain the freshness and nutritious value of vegetables in the transition from field to plate; and (v) the main lessons learned from pilot interventions in Mongolia to build green livestock and how to scale up the industry. The second session discussed how to transform agricultural value chains into sustainable and productive ones while delivering nutritious food. The keynote presentation laid the importance of food system transformation to build back better, barriers in scaling up food system transformation with sustainable financing as the biggest challenge, and efforts by ADB and partners to address the financing gap through the establishment of an Innovative Natural Capital Financing Facility (INCFF). Discussions by Mastercard, International Fund for Agricultural Development, ADB, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) followed the keynote presentation. The key areas of discussions include: (i) building farmer networks as an agricultural e-market place to digitize supply chains to convert smaller holders in Asia into agents for digital agriculture; (ii) promotion of an integrated, inclusive, and green recovery, deviating from the rural–urban dichotomous development paradigm; (iii) identification of initiatives of development organizations, like ADB, to increase private investments to build green livestock; (iv) sharing of experiences in promoting “nutrition-sensitive” agriculture in other areas in Asia; and (v) establishment of a natural capital financing facility for biodiversity conservation and nature-based solution to promote balanced diet. Leer menos