The CGIAR Initiative on Low-Emission Food Systems (Mitigate+): Economic Modelling for Green Aquatic Food Systems

(4/1/2023 12:00:00 AM)

Vietnam has emerged as a global fish producer. Globally, the country is the fourth-largest producer of aquatic food and the third-largest fish exporter. Vietnam is at the frontline in meeting the global demand for aquatic foods. Aquatic food is increasingly becoming a primary source of protein and micronutrients, livelihoods, national economy, and well-being for Vietnamese.

Photo: Participating in the training course

However, a notable knowledge gap exists in the country’s fisheries management, which presents significant challenges to the sustainable development of the country's fish sector. As a result, there is often insufficient data and research to inform effective conservation and resource management strategies. In addition, there is a need for improved knowledge regarding the impact of climate change on fishery ecosystems, which can disrupt traditional patterns and require adaptive management approaches. Furthermore, there is a lack of expertise in adopting modern technologies and data-driven decision-making processes in fisheries management. Bridging these knowledge gaps through research, training, and international collaboration is crucial to ensuring Vietnam's fish sector's sustainable and prosperous future while preserving its valuable marine resources.

To narrow this gap, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)’s Initiative on Low-Emission Food Systems (MITIGATE+) sponsored a training course in Vietnam from 14 to 16 December 2022 in Hanoi. The training course was co-organized by the Vietnam Institute for Fisheries and Economics Planning (VIFEP) and WorldFish and was convened by Associate Professor Dr. Hoang Long Chu from the Australian National University (ANU), a senior researcher in fishery economics, applied modelling, and data analysis., Participants who attended the training included representatives from WorldFish Penang, Malaysia, Ms. Chan Chin Yee, and Ms. Hoong Yan. From VIFEP, Dr. Cao Le Quyen – VIFEP Deputy Director, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh – VIFEP Deputy Director, VIFEP senior researchers, and officials from various partner organizations in Vietnam also participated.

The training course covers various topics in applied economics, including partial equilibrium and general equilibrium models. The course emphasizes research and application tools in fishery economics and applied quantitative policy analysis. Applications encompass constructing marginal abatement cost curves (MACCs), conducting preference and welfare analysis, exploring local and general equilibrium concepts, and managing open fisheries resources. In addition to paper-based practical exercises, participants in the course utilized computers for policy assessments and analysis, engaging in in-depth discussions that combined theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and the real-world investigative experience of Vietnamese researchers.

The course has provided the necessary tools for policymakers to inform decisions about planning and managing the country's fishery resources. Effective planning ensures that policies are designed to support sustainable fishing practices and protect marine ecosystems, which are essential for the long-term health of the fish sector. Participants can apply the knowledge they have learned to model practical issues for policy analysis for transforming aquatic food systems toward low-emission development pathways in Vietnam.

The course also covers market projection techniques that enable policymakers to anticipate and respond to changes in fish stocks, market demand, and environmental conditions. These techniques and insights are essential for overfishing management and risk management, ensuring the stable and sustainable development of the fishery sector as a food supply for the population. Another important topic covered in the course is policy evaluation. The knowledge covered in this topic allows policymakers to assess the impact of existing regulations and make necessary adjustments to optimize outcomes. It helps to identify areas where policies may need to be revised or improved to achieve desired goals, such as increased economic benefits, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced social equity.

Overall, participants have benefited from the practicality and applicability of the training course. What has been learned from the course can facilitate decision-making that supports the sustainability, resilience, and prosperity of the country's fish sector. Training course members have expressed their interest in having more specific thematic courses to delve into in-depth analytical techniques in the future.

By Cao Le Quyen, Le Thu Huong (VIFEP), and Chan Chin Yee (WorldFish)