Blue foods in national climate strategies: Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia’s coastal and marine ecosystems support one of the world’s largest fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Blue foods supply an average of 41 kg of fish per person annually, providing essential micronutrients to millions of Indonesians. They also support the livelihoods of millions, generate billions in export earnings, and contributed nearly 2.8% to national GDP in 2020. Recognizing these benefits, Indonesia has elevated blue foods in its medium- and long-term development plans and the Indonesia Blue Economy Roadmap, which aims to grow the sector while protecting ecosystems and promoting community well-being. Realizing the full potential of blue foods will also require addressing overfishing and planning for climate threats such as warmer waters, rising seas, and stronger storms. This brief is part of a series assessing how blue foods can support national climate goals by combining country-specific data on production, trade, consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and climate risks to identify opportunities for mitigation and adaptation. It is intended for decision-makers developing national climate strategies in Indonesia and similar contexts, as well as funders and implementing partners targeting blue foods in climate initiatives.