Last month, thousands descended on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Nice, France, for the third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC3). SFP joined in the celebrations of progress, debates on controversial issues, and solution-building for the next phase of ocean and fisheries management.
UNOC3 was a lot. A lot of people who care about the oceans. A lot of time and money spent. A lot of commitments made. And a lot of walking around in work suits in 85°F/29°C heat while tourists sipped Aperol Spritzes in their bathing suits!
Commitments made at the conference by governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and others are important and noticed. They are needed to motivate progress toward the ambitious targets that have been set through the Sustainable Development Goals, UN Development Program’s Ocean Promise, 30×30 Initiative, and the Global Biodiversity Framework – all with an eye toward 2030.
However, while commitments are needed, implementation is more important.
SFP is an implementer. We went to UNOC3 with the explicit purpose of finding collaborators and supporters to scale our impact, to make sure our contribution to achieving international goals is as big as possible. Coming out of the conference, we are better connected with NGOs, private-sector solution providers, UN and government agencies, and funders to strengthen our work with the seafood industry in the years to come. From targeted meetings to random encounters, it was one-on-one time with others that was most productive to build a growing coalition.
SFP turns 20 years old next year. We have tons of virtual folders full of lessons learned (from successes and failures) that we are rolling into the next chapter of the organization. This is a big deal. We have ambitions and plans to shift how fisheries are managed globally over the next 20 years and beyond. The seafood industry (fishers and the catch sector in particular) need to be at the forefront of that transition. Lots of innovation by the industry and movement in this direction is already happening. SFP can’t wait to share our goals and exchange ideas with you over the coming months as we write this new chapter.
Stay tuned for SFP 2.0!
