PRESS RELEASE
Blue Food Futures Dialogue Highlights Youth and Community Leadership at the Indonesia Pavilion, COP30
Belém, Brazil, 17 November 2025 — The Indonesia Pavilion at COP30 UNFCCC hosted a session titled “Blue Food Futures: Youth and Multi Stakeholder Action for Sustainability.” The dialogue gathered experts and young leaders from Indonesia, Japan, Brazil, and the United States. The discussion emphasized the growing importance of blue food systems in climate resilience and community empowerment.
Prof. Gregg Walker from Oregon State University opened the session by explaining how strong local governance and inclusive participation support sustainable blue food systems. He encouraged negotiators to bring community stories into climate discussions to strengthen global understanding of blue food and blue carbon.
Diah Lestari from Desa Bumi shared how renewable energy projects in Indonesian villages improve food security and coastal livelihoods. Her examples showed how community ownership and youth training help transform local blue food economies.
Mailton Silva dos Santos from Rare Brasil highlighted the connection between mangrove ecosystems, cultural identity, and youth leadership. He emphasized that protecting nature includes protecting the people who depend on it.
Yuiko Mitani from Climate Reality Japan presented Japan’s progress on seaweed restoration and blue carbon accounting. She explained how traditional practices and community-based projects are helping restore coastal ecosystems and preserve local fisheries.
The session concluded with a shared message. Blue food systems are essential for food security, culture, and climate resilience. Communities, youth, and local knowledge must be central to future climate policies. The speakers called for stronger global cooperation to protect the world’s interconnected oceans.
