Over 200 participants have registered for the Sustainable Growth Summit conference, which opens in the auditorium at the University of Bergen on Thursday.
Tanja Hoel, head of the seafood cluster, NCE Seafood, says that the organizers are pleased that the conference is given such a visible place in the heart of the university.
– Our goal is to create environments where researchers, decision-makers in the public sector and industry can meet and hone their skills. The university is a natural part of this, says Tanja Hoel. The University of Bergen is also one of the organizers of the conference.
Global position
Hoel is looking forward to a conference with several highlights.
– Perhaps the most interesting thing is that we have brought Kanako Hasegawa to Bergen. She is the head of the UN Environment Programme for Oceans and Fisheries, and a very central person in what we want to focus on. There are also several people in the UN who want Norway to take on a leading role globally on oceans and fisheries issues, says Hoel.
She emphasizes that we are known as an energy and aid nation, but that oceans and fisheries are areas in which we may have even greater influence globally, if we want to.
– The issues surrounding sustainability and climate are perhaps the most important things we have at the moment, and we want to have this discussion in a place where politics and business can meet, says Hoel.
She points out that the Norwegian seafood industry is important, not only for Norway, but also globally.
Concerned about sustainability
Tanja Hoel says that the seafood industry is far ahead of most other industries in sustainability issues.
– We have an industry that is very concerned about, and committed to, sustainability. With the climate change we are seeing, it is also important to look at the challenges and opportunities this creates. And we can contribute globally with our knowledge and experience, she says.
Among the topics that both industry and researchers are concerned about is how climate change will change our seafood industries.
– We are already seeing major changes today, such as the arrival of mackerel in Greenland. This creates enormous value for Greenlandic society, while at the same time creating challenges for, for example, the Norwegian players who previously avoided competition for the mackerel markets. This is something we have to learn to live with and figure out how to find our place, says Hoel.
Will create understanding
The Sustainable Growth Summit brings together some of the leading experts on climate and sustainability. For over two days, the seafood cluster will focus on climate challenges and the need for innovation in the seafood industry.
– The purpose of the Sustainable Growth Summit is to create a common understanding of sustainability and demonstrate our social responsibility by finding good solutions to the major societal challenges related to food and climate, explains Hoel.
The conference is organized by the seafood cluster, NCE Seafood, which consists of Norway's leading research institutions and seafood companies.
