FWI collaborates with Chinese organizations such as ICCAW to advance the field of fish welfare in China. As part of this work, we recently contributed to the annual World Conference on Farm Animal Welfare. We discuss that conference, and our contribution to it, in this post.
Background
At Fish Welfare Initiative (FWI), we are committed to improving the welfare of farmed fishes globally. As the world’s largest producer of farmed fish, China plays a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and fostering improved welfare standards. Over the past three years, we have partnered with local organizations, including the International Cooperation Committee of Animal Welfare (ICCAW), to drive meaningful discussions on fish welfare. Central to these efforts has been our participation in events like the World Conference on Farm Animal Welfare (WCFAW), a prominent platform for exchanging knowledge and promoting animal welfare across China.
The WCFAW Conference and its History
The World Conference on Farm Animal Welfare (WCFAW) was first held in 2017, hosted by the China Association for the Promotion of International Agricultural Cooperation (CAPIAC) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Since its inception, the conference has convened four times, focusing on key themes such as improving farm animal welfare, promoting sustainable development, and advancing both animal and human health.
In 2022, FWI co-hosted the first-ever Aquatic Animal Welfare Forum at the WCFAW. This event served as a foundational step in bringing key stakeholders—including representatives from industry, non-profits, academia, and government—together to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to fish welfare in China.
The 2024 edition, titled “World Conference on Animal Welfare in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems,” took place in Beijing on October 29th and 30th. Drawing over 570 participants from more than 20 countries, the conference centered on the theme of transforming agricultural food systems toward sustainability. Its plenary session reached an even wider audience, with over 360,000 people tuning in online.
One of the conference highlights was the unveiling of the updated Beijing Consensus. Initially launched in 2018 by 16 organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Consensus gained a new partner in 2023 when FWI officially joined. In 2024, it was rebranded as “Towards a Sustainable Future for All: A Consensus on Animal Welfare in Agri-Food Systems” to better capture its broader commitment to fostering a sustainable and healthier global food system.
On the second day of the conference, eight international organizations, including FWI, hosted five parallel sessions addressing key topics such as animal welfare in aquaculture, as well as the role of animal welfare in combating antimicrobial resistance.
Our Contribution to the Conference
As co-organizers, we collaborated with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Ocean University of China, and Catch Welfare Platform to lead the “Animal Welfare and Sustainability in Aquaculture and Fisheries” parallel session. Held on October 30th, the session featured diverse expert perspectives, including insights from Dr. Marco Cerqueira, FWI’s Fish Welfare Specialist Consultant. Marco presented the latest fish welfare research and explored practical ways to integrate these findings into aquaculture practices.
Marco noted after the conference, “Insights from the Beijing conference showcased transformative approaches for animal farming in China, highlighting a future where animal welfare is key to sustainable growth. These advances signal a shift toward including welfare standards for all farmed animals, including fish, as essential elements of responsible farming—a commitment that not only elevates ethical standards but also promises greater resilience in fish farming worldwide.”
Alongside Marco, the breakout session showcased a diverse group of speakers from leading universities, international organizations, and industry experts. Topics ranged from models for sustainable fisheries development to advancements in fish welfare within recirculating aquaculture systems. This session served as a important platform for addressing urgent welfare challenges in aquaculture and fisheries. Over 30 attendees participated, including representatives from NGOs, academia, and the aquaculture industry.
Looking Ahead
The future of fish welfare in China is promising. Events like this parallel session at the WCFAW play a crucial role in fostering progress, particularly by facilitating knowledge exchange among scientists and other stakeholders. Moving forward, we are eager to continue collaborating with ICCAW and others to continue supporting improved aquaculture practices in China.