Elouafi (fourth from right) in Penang. — Photo courtesy of WorldFish
THE 21st International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET) Conference, organised in collaboration with the Fisheries Department, is taking place from July 15 to 19.
This was among the items discussed during the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research’s (CGIAR) newly-appointed executive managing director Dr Ismahane Elouafi’s visit to the WorldFish headquarters in Penang.
During her visit, hosted by WorldFish director-general Dr Essam Yassin Mohammed, Elouafi discussed the critical role of aquatic food systems as a solution to the challenges faced across the globe, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and food and nutrition insecurity.
According to a press statement, the visit included a tour of WorldFish’s research facilities, where Elouafi “observed groundbreaking” work in genetics.
Discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration and supporting initiatives that align with Malaysia’s goals for sustainable development and food security were key components of her meeting with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
Elouafi’s visit to Penang included a “Fish for Thought” knowledge sharing session where researchers from across the organisation showcased some of the scientific innovations they have been working on.
These ranged from digital tools for aquatic food systems and development of low-cost and highly nutritious aquatic feed to sophisticated data collection systems for small-scale fisheries.
World Fish is an international, non-profit research organisation that creates and translates scientific research in aquatic food systems.
It is a member of CGIAR, which unites international organisations engaged in research about food security.
