CONCEPT NOTE
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION IN FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE
COURSE BACKGROUND
The global fisheries and aquaculture sector plays a vital role in food security, livelihoods, and economies worldwide. However, it is profoundly vulnerable to the escalating impacts of climate change, including rising ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. These changes threaten fish stocks, aquatic ecosystems, and the well-being of coastal communities and inland fishing populations. Despite the clear and present danger, there remains a significant knowledge gap and insufficient capacity in many regions regarding practical, integrated strategies for both adapting to these impacts and mitigating the sector’s own carbon footprint.
ECAS Institute, committed to fostering sustainable development and building resilience in critical sectors, has developed and is offering this timely e-learning course. Recognizing the urgent need for technical expertise in climate-resilient fisheries and aquaculture management, ECAS aims to bridge the knowledge divide by providing actionable strategies and tools. This initiative aligns with ECAS’s broader mission to equip professionals with the skills necessary to address complex environmental and socio-economic challenges, ensuring the long-term viability of vital natural resources.
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the most effective adaptation and mitigation strategies that can be implemented within the fisheries and aquaculture sector. By offering a deep dive into the specific impacts of climate change on marine, inland, and aquaculture systems, alongside practical responses, ECAS empowers policy-makers, practitioners, and specialists to develop and implement robust climate action plans, contributing to a more sustainable, productive, and resilient future for aquatic food systems.
COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify general facts and key characteristics of the global fisheries and aquaculture sector.
- Analyze the specific impacts of climate change on marine fisheries, inland fisheries, and aquaculture systems.
- Understand and evaluate main responses to climate change, including diverse adaptation measures and their practical application through relevant case studies.
- Identify and assess mitigation measures aimed at reducing the fisheries and aquaculture sector’s carbon footprint.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
This course will equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of climate change challenges and solutions pertinent to the fisheries and aquaculture sector. You will learn:
- Essential information and the current status of the global fisheries and aquaculture industry.
- How climate change is specifically affecting marine ecosystems, freshwater fisheries, and farmed aquatic species.
- A range of practical adaptation strategies to build resilience against climate change impacts, supported by real-world examples.
- Effective mitigation techniques and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the sector, contributing to global climate goals.
DURATION AND PROGRAM
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
This course addresses the subject matter from a technical perspective and is designed for a broad range of stakeholders who are involved in or influence the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Individuals who would especially benefit from taking this course include:
- Policy-makers: Government officials and advisors responsible for national and international fisheries and aquaculture policies.
- Development Practitioners and Programme Managers: Professionals from NGOs, international organizations, and aid agencies working on food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience projects.
- Sectoral Specialists and Academics: Researchers, scientists, and university personnel focused on marine biology, aquaculture science, environmental management, and climate studies.
- Trainers and Extension Agents: Individuals responsible for disseminating knowledge and best practices to fishing communities, fish farmers, and other local stakeholders.
TRAINING MODULES
The course consists of five concise yet comprehensive lessons, each building upon the previous to provide a holistic understanding of climate change in fisheries and aquaculture
| No | Module | Details | |
| 1. | Introduction |
This introductory lesson sets the stage for the course, providing an overview of the critical importance of the fisheries and aquaculture sector and the overarching challenges posed by climate change, framing the subsequent modules.
The key objectives include:
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| 2. | Understanding Climate Change |
This module delves into the fundamental science of climate change, explaining its key drivers and the specific mechanisms through which it impacts aquatic environments and the sector’s productivity across different ecosystems.
The key objectives include:
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| 3. | Adaptation |
Focusing on resilience, this lesson explores various strategies and measures that can be implemented to help the fisheries and aquaculture sector adjust to current and anticipated climate change impacts. It emphasizes practical applications and real-world examples.
The key objectives include:
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| 4. | Mitigation |
This module addresses the sector’s role in global climate efforts by examining ways to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions. It covers different approaches and technologies that can contribute to a lower carbon footprint within fisheries and aquaculture operations.
The key objectives include:
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5.
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Takeaway Messages |
The final lesson synthesizes the key learnings from the course, providing overarching messages and highlighting critical next steps for participants to apply their knowledge in designing and implementing climate change responses within the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The key objectives include:
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TRAINING STYLE
The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.
The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.
The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.
GENERAL NOTES
- Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
- Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
- We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
- Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.
ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE
The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.