The importance of blue foods discussed at COP26
As Glasgow hosted the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) last month, it was an opportunity for Mowi to participate in important discussions about environmental sustainability and the increased role that aquaculture can play in providing healthy food to a global population whilst minimising our carbon footprint.
Mowi’s Chief Sustainability and Technology Officer, Catarina Martins (pictured above), represented the company and our industry on panel discussions and members from the Mowi Scotland team also spoke passionately about progress we are already making to minimise our environmental impact.
Sainsbury’s Global Farm
Ahead of COP26, we were delighted to participate in an initiative from Sainsbury’s – Sainsbury’s Global Farm, producing a video showcasing what we do, how we do it and what climate change means to us. You can view the video here and hear Matt Pagent from Inchmore hatchery, Clara McGhee from our sea farm at Rum and Kate Stronach, Sustainability and Compliance Manager, talking about climate change and how we approach farming sustainably.
Salmon Scotland
Kate Stronach was one of the delegates who attended a reception organised by Salmon Scotland at COP26. Kate shares her reflections on COP26:
“On the 3rd of November in the first week of COP26, Salmon Scotland, formerly the SSPO, hosted an evening reception focused on the sustainability charter and net zero, which I was happy to attend. It was great to hear from the excellent speakers, Tavish Scott, MSP Mairi Gougeon and Mowi’s Catarina Martins about the importance of blue foods and aquaculture, particularly Scottish farm-raised salmon, which with its low carbon footprint, has a vital role in providing nutritious protein to the world while addressing the global challenge of climate change.
“Following the speeches, the event provided an excellent opportunity to network with the Scottish salmon farming sector and beyond, with a wide group of interested parties present. All attendees were given the opportunity to read the first annual update report on progress towards the sustainability charter goals. Additionally stands for each charter pledges also allowed the presentation of key achievements. This stimulated lively discussion around the charter progress, but also on the amazing work individual companies are undertaking on sustainability.
“I was proud to be able to highlight some of the great community work we here at Mowi are doing, including our projects to provide housing on Muck, Rum and Colonsay.”
Ocean Day
November 5th was dedicated to the ocean and our Chief Sustainability and Technology Officer, Catarina Martins, spoke passionately about the progress we are making to lead the Blue Revolution at key events held that day.
Erik Giercksky, Head of the Ocean Stewardship Coalition, UN Global Compact, moderated a discussion entitled “Blue Food: Businesses bridging nutrition needs with climate action” where Catarina answered questions about what Mowi is doing to contribute towards climate action and where we see the challenges ahead for raising Blue Food up the agenda.
Catarina also represented Mowi and Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship (SeaBOS) at an event later that day entitled “Ocean solutions for a resilient, net zero, equitable, and nature-positive future”. Here she spoke about sustainable aquatic food production and value chains and discussed how sustainable and equitable ocean management is a key enabler for the ocean economy to sustainably grow so that the ocean can continue to serve as a vital provider of food, nutrition, energy, transport services and livelihoods.
