Side event at the Global Supply Chain Forum
Background
The energy transition of fishing fleets is a critical and urgent global issue as nations commit to net-zero targets and climate action. The fishing sector’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the industry lacks comprehensive global targets and guidelines for this energy shift. Fishing vessels contribute between 0.1 per cent and 0.5 per cent of global carbon emissions, representing about 4 per cent of carbon emissions from globalfood production. Vulnerability is particularly evident in developing countries where small-scale, artisanal fishers, as well as women workers, face increasing challenges due to variable fossil fuel prices and the impacts of climate change on fish stocks.
This event aims to provide a first mapping of the main challenges and opportunities of the energy transition of fishing vessels for developing countries. It will launch the recent UNCTAD report titled “Energy Transition of Fishing Fleets: Opportunities and Challenges for Developing Countries”. The report emphasizes the critical role the fishing sector plays in ensuring food security and livelihoods. It provides a set of key economic, technological, trade, environmental, and social considerations to support a just energy transition for fishing fleets, particularly in developing countries.
Date: Wednesday, 22 May 2024
Time: 11:30 AM
Venue: Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre
Outcome: The expected outcome of this event is to define the preliminary elements of a roadmap for a global GHG emission target for the fisheries sector. This will help mainstream mitigation and adaptation actions as well as a just energy transition, particularly for small-scale fisheries.
Audience: The audience will be all global, regional and national public and private actors interested in decarbonizing the fisheries and seafood value chain from sea to fork.
Partners: UNCTAD, FAO, OECS, Barbados Fisheries Division, University of West Indies
Background documentation: Energy transition of fishing fleets: Opportunities and challenges for developing countries | UNCTAD
Contact:
David Vivas Eugui, Chief of Section, a.i. [email protected]