Speaker

About the speaker: 

Dr. Junning Cai is an economist and Fishery Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), specializing in economic analysis, sector assessment, policy and planning, business development, and bioeconomic modeling for aquaculture. He leads the development of the World Aquaculture Performance Indicators (WAPI), an FAO initiative designed to support evidence-based policymaking and sector management. Under WAPI, he has authored, edited, and developed a range of knowledge products, including various products focusing the algae sector (e.g. global overviews, country studies, and factsheets). In addition to his work at FAO, Dr. Cai actively contributes to the seaweed community as a member of the Scientific Council of the Global Seaweed Coalition and the Advisory Board of the GlobalSeaweed-SUPERSTAR project.

Company info:

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. The organization’s goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members - 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

Presentation:

This presentation reflects on the historical development of global seaweed production, trade, and utilization, drawing on key experiences that have shaped the industry's growth over time. By reviewing these interconnected dimensions, it aims to provide insights that can guide future strategies and support the sustainable advancement of the sector. The presentation contributes to the ongoing dialogue on how the global seaweed industry can continue to evolve and realize its full potential.