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T
he
I
mpacts
and
I
mplications
of
C
limate
C
hange
and
V
ariability
of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC). One such collabora-
tive effort is that of the UN Food and Agriculture
Organization, the World Bank’s Profish programme
– an initiative to tackle unsustainable fishing prac-
tices – and international non-profit research group the
WorldFish Center in Penang, Malaysia. These organiza-
tions aim to share the task of achieving representation
for the sector in high-level climate policy dialogues
by joining forces with other agencies such as the UN
Environment Programme, regional intergovernmen-
tal organizations such as the Secretariat of the Pacific
Community, and representatives of fisherfolk organiza-
tions worldwide.
14
Such alliances can be used to highlight vulnerability,
adaptation needs and mitigation opportunities. Together
with the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and Islands
and supporting the Indonesian Government’s leadership
in promoting an Oceans Agenda in the UNFCCC process,
this partnership has helped to ensure that fishery issues are
represented in the draft negotiating text for UNFCCC.
15
These high-level efforts must be complemented by action
where it matters to people currently dependent on fisher-
ies and aquaculture – at the level of national sectors and
communities. Our work –which draws on climate science
and predictions, policy scenarios, and understanding of
the dynamics of change at local level – aims to ensure
that the contribution of fisheries to food security receives
recognition and support in these times of climate change.
group to address. Responding to the threat requires coordinated
action, both at the community scale, and in representing the sector
at the global level. The last year has seen the emergence of networks
that are aiming to do just this – and to bring justice in climate
change adaption to fisherfolk.
Much activity has focused on getting the needs of the sector recog-
nized in the current round of talks leading up to the 15th Committee
The future of fish is in the hands of government negotiators in the UNFCCC process. Failure to keep CO
2
emissions below 450 ppm is likely to signal the end of
reef-dependent fish species and fisheries
Image: E.Allison
Sea-level rise and increased frequency and severity of floods and storms
will make some low-lying coastal areas uninhabitable
Image: WorldFish