8th Global Conference on Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries to be Held in Kochi

Kochi's IMA House is set to hold the 8th world symposium on gender in aquaculture and fisheries (GAF8) from November 21 onwards.

The 3-day event is being organized by the Society of Fisheries Technologists, India (SOFTI), the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), and the Asian Fisheries Society’s Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries Section.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan will inaugurate the convention at Bhaskareeyam Centre situated in Elamakkara at 4 pm on November 20. The theme for the global conference is - "Shaping the future: gender justice for sustainable aquaculture and fisheries,” according to an official notification.

Discussions will also be held on several sub-topics regarding gender issues in the fisheries sector.

Objective of the conference

The conference aims to discuss gender challenges in aquaculture and fisheries and examine potential solutions from a gender perspective. People interested in fisheries and associated activities from across the world will have the opportunity to network and share fresh ideas at the conference.

The three-day conference will include more than 300 academics, scientists, legislators, gender experts, and students from India and other countries. Twenty countries' worth of delegates' papers will be presented at GAF8.

George Ninan, Director of CIFT and GAF8 organizing secretary said, "We are honored to host this global conference in India and delighted that it has inspired considerable interest in gender researchers globally."

ICAR-CIFT & ICICI collaborate to boost fishery sector

In order to ensure the best possible use of rural resources, notably in the fisheries sector, for the security of rural livelihood, ICAR-CIFT (Central Institute of Fisheries Technology) and the ICICI Foundation have joined forces.

In Kerala's Alappuzha district, the ICICI Foundation, the ICICI Group's CSR division, is creating an integrated fisheries value chain programme with a focus on 10,000 farmers. The beneficiaries, who are local fisherman, would benefit from increased food quality and production as well as economic opportunities and encouragement of sustainable practices.

Earlier this year, a national campaign called "Fish for Health and Prosperity," launched by CIFT experts, emphasized the value of fish in a healthy diet for people and in lowering societal malnutrition. A programme called "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" was launched by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR CIFT) to mark the 75th anniversary of Indian freedom.