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Productive Engagement with Environmental Organisations (NGOs). 21 October 2009. Who are we? What do we do?. Parent Organisation = SeaWeb Marine Conservation NGO Program = Seafood Choices Alliance Connect seafood players for collaborative solutions. Bringing a Pragmatic and Visionary Voice.
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Productive Engagement with Environmental Organisations (NGOs) 21 October 2009
Who are we? What do we do? • Parent Organisation = SeaWeb • Marine Conservation NGO • Program = Seafood Choices Alliance • Connect seafood players for collaborative solutions
The Role of NGOs Complexity in the Big Picture Catalytic Campaigners Advocates Partnership - driven
Ensuring Sustainability • Producers • growers/farmers/fishers • Retailers • Wholesalers & Processors • Governments • Consumers • Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Why engage with NGOsAchieving and Demonstrating Sustainability Affect business reputation and demand • What are the issues; Why should I act • Taking action • Transparent communications
Broad- based Education Increasing awareness and demand • Consumers demanding safe, sustainable, legal, ethical seafood • 21st Century of Seafood Assessments • iPhone apps (Seafood Watch) • SMS (FishPhone, FISHMS) • Sushi guides • Restaurant programs
Broad- based Education Increasing awareness and demand • Mussels (hand-gathered) • Mussels (dredged) • Native Oysters • Pacific Oysters • Scallops Marine Conservation Society ratings: 1 2 1 1 1
Promoting Best Choices Influencing market demand • Build on recommendations of ‘Fish to Eat’ e.g.: • Championing rope-grown mussels at Billingsgate’s Sustainable seafood day • Species featured in e-bulletins and websites Nicki Holmyard
Publication & Comparison of Business Performance Catalyse wider market demand for sustainability • League tables for retailers • Ratings for restaurants Project these successes and shortcomings into the media and public eye. Greenpeace UK, 2006
Development of Standards Identify and define industry best practice • NGOs are developing the standards for the most prevalent eco-labels today. • Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) • WWF Aquaculture Dialogues (standards to be used for Aquaculture Stewardship Council) • Global Aquaculture Alliance
Certification and Ecolabels Product differentiation and independent assurance • Eco-labels are increasingly pertinent for shellfish - development of the ASC and with MSC now accepting ‘enhanced fisheries’ • Value of these include: • Secure contracts, access to new markets, potential price premiums, good reputation, improved relationships, economic stability, confidence in the future.
Facilitating Knowledge Sharing and Promoting Dialogue Advancing solutions • Seafood Summit • Topical workshops & roundtables e.g.: • Brand and Reputation • Ocean Acidification (influencing wider issues)
In summary…. • Business practices can be of benefit for both environment and bottom line • NGOs are an opportunity to tap into: • Knowledge and Expertise • Experience • Tools • Reputation • Influence
Emily Howgate Project Manager, Seafood Choices Alliance ehowgate@seaweb.org www.seafoodchoices.org