EDITOR´S COMMENTS

The role of women in the blue economy and aquaculture

By: Lucía Araiza, editorial coordinator *

Around the world, women are increasingly affected by climate change, market changes, and significant disruptive events such as the COVID-19 pandemic that we continue to face. I recently read an article from Dona Bertarelli published by the United Nations and its international development program, where this quote resonated with me “if the economy prospers, women prosper, which in turn reduces the gender gap in society.” So I wanted to share with our readers the following reflection as a starting point for this edition of Aquaculture Magazine.

In the blue economy, the connection is very evident; Women constitute the majority of the active population in coastal-maritime tourism and fishing, which are the main activities of this sector. However, women receive the lowest payment wages and have the least labor protection in their activities. Specifically, in the case of aquaculture, the contribution of women is frequently overlooked and undervalued even though they are the ones who play key roles in the supply chains of reliable and nutritious food, on which around 3 billion people depend around the world.

A paradigm shift needed

“The development of the blue economy in the world is also a great opportunity to advance gender equality,” writes Dona Bertarelli. Imagine how much our sector’s development could improve if projects and investments were applied in sustainable alternatives, renewable energy, innovation and technology for aquaculture, and the protection of aquatic and marine ecosystems. And now, let’s imagine how these projects could also be enriched if we integrated women into each one of them.

The reality is that in the sector, there is still a disparity in economic compensation based on gender, as well as limitations on opportunities, resources, financing, market information, technology, training, mobility, and more; And this, in turn, has a great impact on the development of the economy and the food security that it can represent for humanity.

A paradigm shift is needed to include women in the sector, just as much as changes are necessary for public policies that can allow the development of aquaculture in the world. Creating a sustainable and resilient blue economy, which fully includes the potential of women in its development, will benefit society, the economy and promote the 17 Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the UN.

We present our edition 27-2 (April - May 2021). We hope that this gender perspective can serve as a point of reflection that accompanies our specialized content to search for a better present and future for global aquaculture.

*Editorial coordinator for Aquaculture Magazine and Panorama Acuícola Magazine Email: editorial@dpinternationalinc.com