FAO-China South-South Cooperation Project Launched

The "FAO-China South-South Cooperation" project, a joint initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and China aimed at Small Island Developing States (SIDS), has been officially launched.

The "FAO-China South-South Cooperation" project is an important initiative launched to sustainably transform food production systems. In the Maldives, this project is mainly focused on producing 'fish silage' (fish feed or fertilizer) using fish waste. The objective is to sustainably utilize waste or by-products generated from fishing to produce valuable products suitable for agriculture, mariculture, and other uses. This initiative will empower women and youth, paving the way to make the Maldivian fisheries sector an economically viable, resilient, and robust industry.

The project was launched yesterday at a ceremony held in Sanya, Hainan Province, China. At this ceremony, the work schedule formulated for 2025 to 2026 was finalized. This is a plan that was agreed upon in principle during previous annual coordination meetings. The main priorities during this phase are:

• Digitalization and Innovation: Utilizing cost-effective and easily scalable technical resources to ensure food security.

• Strengthening Partnerships: Further strengthening the relationship between prominent Chinese educational and research institutions and developing countries.

• Solutions for Small Island Nations: Utilizing digital platforms and SSTC gateway resources to share the best technical practices suited for island environments.

At the ceremony held to launch the "FAO-China South-South Cooperation", the Permanent Secretary of the Fisheries Ministry, Dr. Aminath Shafia, spoke on behalf of Small Island Developing States. In her speech, she strongly highlighted the urgent importance of bringing modern changes to food and agriculture systems, and the need to establish sustainable solutions that are resilient to various circumstances.