1. World Health Organization
18 February 2019
Decade of Action on Nutrition Ambitions and Action in Nutrition, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Dr Nata Menabde
Executive Director
WHO Office at the UN
Main ideas:
Burden of diseases, see nutrition-related and fish-specific
Fish, in particular, play larger role in healthy of populations
How fish play a role, generally
However, this vital source of nutrients is at risk due to unsustainable fishing practices
The ICN2 addressed this and set forth resolutions in Framework for Action
UN Decade of Action calls upon countries to address these issues head-on with action networks
That is what’s being done today, with creation of action network

2. Malnutrition in all its forms
WHO, 2017:

3. Burden of Disease Attributable to Main Risk Factors (2013)

4. Burden of Disease Attributable to Main Risk Factors (2010)
Source : Lancet Dec, 2012

5. Role of fish in human nutrition
World Health Organization
Role of fish in human nutrition
18 February 2019
a source of proteins and healthy fats
a unique source of essential nutrients, including long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (essential for optimal brain development), iodine, vitamin D, and calcium.
fatty fish high in omega-3s and small fish eaten whole containing nutrients in the skin and bones clearly illustrate seafood’s irreplaceable nutritional value.
Fish plays an important role in fighting hunger and malnutrition.
Some fish and seafood can provide rich sources of iron. Clams, oysters and fish contain high amounts of heme iron.
Other food system issues:
Fish is very perishable, susceptible to high post-harvest losses due to handling during transport, storage and/or processing on the way to or in markets
Up to 39% of fish is lost globally when taking into account discards prior to landing; 27% of landed fish ends up being lost or wasted (Gustavsson et al., 2011)
USD $2.5 B lost annually in India due to poor handling infrastructure, lack of proper storage facilities and inadequate packaging in fisheries post-harvest operations (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India)

6. SDG1, SDG2 and SDG14
Climate change threatens fish stocks and, in turn, the livelihoods of 500MM people, calling for a response that bolsters fisheries especially in developing nations (SDG target 1.5)
Fish is a vital source of nutrients, necessary to fight all forms of malnutrition and reach internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting (SDG target 2.2)
Current fishing practices will destabilize ocean ecosystems, requiring enhanced capacity building and sustainability efforts (SDG target 14)

7. ICN2 Rome Declaration
Recognizes that current food systems are increasingly challenged to provide adequate food due to unsustainable production (para 10);
Reaffirms that food and agriculture, including fisheries and aquaculture, need to be addressed comprehensively through coordinated public policies (para 14.e);
Commits to enhancing sustainable food systems by developing coherent public policies from production to consumption (para 15.c); 10

8. Policy and Programme Options ICN2 Framework for Action
Recommendations 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14 directly refer to sustainable food practices:
Strengthen local food production and processing
Applying sustainable food production and natural resource management practices
Establish and strengthen institutions to enhance resilience of food supply with climate change

9. The Nutrition Decade is for everybody
An opportunity to work together and fight all forms of malnutrition
Country owned and country led action to implement agenda 2030
A time for all stakeholders to take ACTION

10. UN Decade of Action on Nutrition 2016-2025
World Health Organization
UN Decade of Action on Nutrition
18 February 2019
Leverage the Decade to scale up response for sustainable food systems
Calls for action to increase sustainability of fisheries, oceans, seas and marine resources in line with SDG 14 (Action Area 1)
Means of implementation through commitments, action networks, fora

11. The Nutrition Decade needs champions
Countries that make formal SMART commitments
Member States leading and convening Action Networks
Norway and other potential members of the Sustainable Fisheries Action Network sets the example!

12. Key Takeaways Malnutrition in all its forms affects all countries.
Fish is an important source of proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, micronutrients, such as iron and calcium which are vital for proper visual and cognitive development, immune function and growth.
Fish stocks are threatened, fisheries (including waste/loss) leaves an important environmental footprint that must be controlled to ensure climate sustainability.
The 2030 Agenda calls for holistic action: SDGs 1, 2 and 14 are very much linked.
The UN Decade of Action on Nutrition stimulates effective translation of the ICN2 commitments and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into concrete, nationally-determined policies and programmes.
The UN Decade of Action on Nutrition provides global connectivity among all constituencies working on food and nutrition-related programmes and initiatives and fosters synergies for action to achieve common goals.