Innovating for equity in nature-based climate solutions in aquaculture food systems in Asia-Pacific

 

Aquaculture has the potential to be an effective climate solution that addresses environmental and social challenges, such as pollution, inequality, and nutritional and livelihood security. It is critical that the development of aquaculture as a nature-based climate solution (NbCS) is responsive and empowering for women and historically marginalized groups and enhances their full access to equal opportunities and equitable outcomes. However, these solutions may inadvertently worsen inequities or fail to meet the needs of those relying the most on aquaculture. Understanding the divergent perspectives on what an aquacultural NbCS entails, whose knowledge and needs count, and which solutions to prioritize, requires the use of approaches that account for the lived experiences of all relevant actors.

This initiative includes two components. The first component will apply a transdisciplinary approach to identify the diverse perspectives on nature-based climate challenges and solutions in aquaculture, with a focus on country-specific analysis in Thailand and Cambodia. This will strengthen uptake and use of current research, contributing to more inclusive, equitable and effective technologies, practices and policies in the sector. The second component will support capacity building and peer-to-peer learning.

This project is part of the Nature-based Climate Solutions in Aquacultural Food Systems in Asia-Pacific initiative (AQUADAPT), which is co-funded by Global Affairs Canada and IDRC. AQUADAPT is a four-year, CAD23-million initiative aimed at driving research-action toward inclusive nature-based solutions and at better understanding how such solutions can contribute to climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation and food security across the Asia-Pacific region.