Programme

Draft programme outline

High level international representatives together with policymakers, scientific experts, hunters and chefs will come together to discuss the role marine mammals play in ensuring sustainable and resilient food systems.

Introduction – global food security

The introductory session will give an overview of the key challenges in ensuring food security for a growing global population. It will address the use of wildlife in supporting food security and livelihoods worldwide, with a special focus on marine mammals.

Confirmed Speakers: Manuel Barange, FAO; Shane Mahoney, IUCN/SULi & the Wild Harvest Initiative; Arne Bjørge, Norwegian Institute for Marine Research

Sustainability and climate

The session will explore the environmental, social, cultural and economic aspects of ensuring the sustainable use of using marine mammals, how these can contribute to fulfilling the SDGs and reduce the carbon footprint in food production worldwide.

Confirmed Speakers: Friederike Ziegler, Research Institute of Sweden; Natuk Lund Olsen, University of Greenland/ Government of Greenland; Unn Laksá, Sjókovin/Blue Resource

Nutrition and Food Safety

The session will discuss the nutritional benefits and potential risks of consuming marine mammal products.

 Confirmed Speakers: Aviâja Lyberth Hauptmann, University of Greenland; Edel Elvevoll, Norwegian College of Fishery Science, University of Tromsø; Gert Mulvad, Greenland Centre for Health Research, University of Greenland

Good to eat – Food for the Future

The Conference will close with a mix of presentations and a round table discussingchallenges and opportunities in utilising marine mammals as a food resource in the future.

 Confirmed Speakers: Romy Vaugeois, Canadian Seals and Sealing Network; Anatol Danto (Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University); Therese Hugstmyr Woie, Friends of the Earth Norway

Gastronomic Showcase

Chefs from different corners of the world will showcase the many uses and potential of marine mammals in modern cuisine.

The chefs will hold a hands-on culinary workshop where they will design and prepare a buffet of co-inspired marine mammal dishes – maybe opening the door to an innovative marine mammal fusion cuisine.

The Food Court to end the event will provide participants with a taste of the innovative delicacies created through this international gastronomic collaboration.