IFRDMD Hosts a Workshop to Gather Perceptions on Sustainable Inland Fisheries in Southeast Asia
On October 23, 2024, the Inland Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (IFRDMD) marked a decade of progress with the Decade Achievements of IFRDMD: Workshop on Best Practices in Inland Fisheries Management to Optimize Well-being. Held at the Wyndham Hotel in Palembang, Indonesia, the event gathered regional leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the future of inland fisheries management and its vital role in Southeast Asia’s food security. A key agenda item focused on gathering perceptions to increase attention and support for sustainable inland fisheries throughout the region.
The perception-gathering session, facilitated by Prof. Dr. Luky Adrianto, offered a platform for experts to share perspectives on Blue Transformation. This global initiative emphasizes sustainable, resilient, and inclusive aquatic food systems. Three key speakers were invited.
Mr. Rajendra Aryal, FAO Representative for Indonesia and Timor Leste, discussed “Inland Fisheries: The Backbone of Blue Transformation to Support Regional and Global Agri-Food Transformation,” emphasizing the essential role of inland fisheries in enhancing food systems. He highlighted how inland fisheries contribute significantly to the Blue Transformation agenda, bridging local food security and broader agricultural sustainability goals.
As the Chief of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, Mr. Andi Soesmono presented “Blue Transformation Policy for Inland Fisheries Toward Aquatic Foods Security: The Prospects and Challenges for Southeast Asia.” Mr. Soesmono addressed the potential of inland fisheries to secure aquatic food resources for Southeast Asia. He outlined the opportunities and obstacles in aligning regional policies with sustainable practices, calling for strengthened collaboration to achieve food security and ecosystem resilience.
From Indonesian insight, Mr. Mohamad Rahmat Mulianda, Director of Marine and Fisheries, Deputy for Maritime and Natural Resources, Ministry of National Development Planning of Indonesia, shared insights on “Blue Transformation Policy for Inland Fisheries Toward Aquatic Foods Security: Prospects and Challenges for Indonesia,” focusing on Indonesia’s unique role in the Blue Transformation. He discussed the national policy landscape, emphasizing how inland fisheries can drive food security while navigating challenges posed by environmental and resource management pressures.
The session underscored the critical need to integrate inland fisheries within regional Blue Transformation efforts, highlighting their role in supporting food security, sustainable development, and climate resilience. IFRDMD’s workshop served as a collaborative forum to strengthen commitment to sustainable inland fisheries, aiming to elevate the sector’s importance across Southeast Asia. Through these shared insights, the workshop laid a strong foundation for actionable strategies prioritizing the well-being of local communities and ecosystems, securing inland fisheries as a pillar of Southeast Asia’s agri-food system transformation.