The Latin American Alliance for Sustainable Fisheries and Food Security (ALPESCAS) brought together fishing leaders from over 10 countries from April 24-25 in Lima, Peru, to advance a common vision for responsible and innovative fishing aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The opening day of the Tenth Ordinary Meeting of ALPESCAS was marked by a multisectoral approach that convened authorities such as the Minister of Production of Peru, Sergio González Guerrero; the Vice Minister of Environment, Raquel Soto; and representatives of international organizations such as FAO, headed by Mariana Escobar. The opening also featured key voices from the private sector, such as Jessica Luna, president of the National Fisheries Society (SNP), and Alfonso Miranda, former Minister of Production, as well as Osciel Velásquez, past president of ALPESCAS.
“The fishing sector has a great path of development ahead, where entrepreneurs can invest with confidence. It is essential to forge new alliances, expand business models, and diversify markets to maintain its relevance within the economy of each country. We must remain firm in our commitment to provide added value through technology and innovation. Our goal is to advance towards Fishing 4.0, incorporating key technologies in industrial and artisanal fishing,” highlighted Osciel Velásquez.
During the day, crucial issues were addressed, such as the environmental challenges of Peruvian industrial fishing, with an emphasis on sustainability and impact reduction, presented by the president of the SNP. The case of the giant squid and the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) was discussed by Alfonso Miranda, within the framework of regional fisheries management agreements.
Advances in ALPESCAS's participation in international processes were also shared, such as the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) and updates from ICFA.
Furthermore, innovative business models, effluent valorization, and the circular economy were presented, with contributions from Chile, WES, and the ALPESCAS Circular Economy Group, as well as a key topic for the region: the promotion of responsible seafood consumption, with successful cases led by ProPescado, from Chile.
The leaders of the Latin American fishing sector expect to present the agreements of the meeting held in Lima with concrete proposals to position the region as a global benchmark in fisheries sustainability.
ALPESCAS brings together representatives from the fishing sector of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay.
