Dr. B. K. Behera, Chief Executive of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), recently attended the 36th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on Fisheries (COFI 36) in Rome. As a distinguished member of the Indian delegation, Dr. Behera participated in the session held from July 8 to July 12, 2024, at the FAO Headquarters.
The COFI session is a crucial global platform where member countries come together to discuss and formulate policies for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management. This year’s session focused on various pressing issues, including the sustainable development of global fisheries, conservation of marine ecosystems, and the socio-economic aspects of fisheries management.
Dr. Behera’s participation underscored India’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and its efforts to align with global standards and practices. His presence at COFI 36 highlighted the importance of India’s fisheries sector on the international stage and provided an opportunity to share India’s initiatives and progress in this field
During the session, Dr. Behera engaged in discussions on key topics such as climate change impacts on fisheries, enhancing the resilience of coastal communities, and promoting responsible fishing practices. His contributions were particularly significant in the context of India’s vast and diverse fisheries sector, which supports millions of livelihoods and plays a crucial role in the nation’s food security.
The 36th COFI session also addressed the implementation of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and reviewed progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to marine and coastal ecosystems. Dr. Behera’s insights and inputs were valuable in shaping the global discourse on these issues, reflecting India’s proactive approach in contributing to sustainable fisheries governance.
Dr. Behera’s involvement in COFI 36 reaffirms NFDB’s role in fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the fisheries sector. It also strengthens India’s position as a key player in the global efforts to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices, ensuring the health and vitality of marine ecosystems for future generations.