FAO Director-General QU Dongyu delivers his address during the World Food Forum Grand Opening at FAO headquarters in Rome.
Photo: ©FAO/Pier Paolo Cito
Forty-six organisations from around the world have been formally recognised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for their outstanding contributions to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, as part of the agency’s first Global Technical Recognition for Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems.
The awards were presented at FAO headquarters during the World Food Forum, coinciding with the FAO’s 80th anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The ceremony celebrated organisations whose technical innovation and collaboration are helping to transform global food systems under FAO’s "Blue Transformation" strategy.
Among the many award recipients were MarinTrust, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) and its Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) programme, the International Marine Ingredients Organisation (IFFO), international aquatic food systems NGO WorldFish, and the World Aquaculture Society - each recognised for advancing sustainability and resilience across "blue food" value chains.
Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General announces the winners for the category Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems at the award ceremony during the World Food Forum in Rome, Italy.
Photo: FAO / Giandomenico D’Angelo
MarinTrust received recognition for its Multispecies Pilot Project, a pioneering initiative aligning with FAO’s Blue Transformation targets on effective fisheries management and improved market access. Executive Chair Libby Woodhatch said via a press release that the award “reflects the dedication of the MarinTrust team and stakeholders to advancing responsible sourcing, traceability, and production in marine ingredient supply chains.”
The MSC was honoured for nearly three decades of work promoting sustainable fishing practices under its globally recognised certification programme. Chief Executive Rupert Howes accepted the certificate from FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, noting that “this award recognises not just the MSC but also all the fishers, retailers, processors and other stakeholders whose dedication to sustainability is driving change on the water.”
The Global Seafood Alliance and its "Best Aquaculture Practices" (BAP) certification programme were recognised for their contribution to FAO’s “four betters” - better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life - through standards that promote responsible aquaculture worldwide.
Meanwhile, IFFO was recognised for advancing circular economy approaches and technical transparency through life-cycle assessments and research into the use of fish by-products, which now make up over 40% of global marine ingredient production.
Marking its 50th anniversary, WorldFish was recognised for science-based, climate-smart innovations that enhance food and nutrition security in the Global South. Director General Dr Essam Yassin Mohammed described the recognition as “a milestone moment for aquatic food science and innovation,” highlighting the organisation’s five decades of research partnerships.
FAO’s Global Technical Recognition awards span six domains, including livestock, forestry and aquatic food systems, and aims to highlight scalable, high-impact solutions that contribute to poverty alleviation, food security, and healthier ecosystems.
