In May 2024, our founder, Dr. Kikiope Oluwarore, attended the Animal and Vegan Advocacy (AVA) Summit to represent One Health and Development Initiative. She engaged in the panel discussion on “Aquatic Animal Advocacy” and made a presentation on “Aquaculture Fish Welfare in Nigeria: Perceptions, Practices, Challenges, and Recommendations.”
The Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit is an annual international conference series for advocates focusing on systemic change and strategies to improve our food systems. It is an opportunity to learn from leading experts and rising stars in the animal and vegan advocacy movement from around the world, with topics spanning public policy, law, food technology, philosophy, scientific research, behavioural studies, media, and so many more. The summit is committed to inspiring participants to be as impactful as possible and providing an unparalleled platform for learning and networking opportunities that strengthen and nurture a broader community.
This year’s conference was held at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Washington, DC, USA, from May 16 to 19, 2024. In her presentation, Dr Kikiope Oluwarore Audience provided background information on prevalent aquaculture fish knowledge and practices in the fish value chain, production, and policy frameworks in Nigeria. Fish welfare enthusiasts and advocates were also provided with evidence for designing and implementing effective strategies and interventions for engaging fish farmers and stakeholders to improve fish practices and integrate them into existing fish production systems – especially in Africa and the global south. Dr Oluwarore was also engaged in a panel discussion on global Aquatic Animal Advocacy that was moderated by Sophika Kostyniuk, Managing Director of Aquatic Life Institute, and engaged Nathalie Gil of Sea Shepherd Brasil, Catalina Lopez Salazar, Director of the Aquatic Animal Alliance, and Jennifer-Justine Kirsch, Director of International Programs, Fish Welfare Initiative.
The AVA summit also provided an opportunity for networking, cross-cultural exchange, and learning with new and existing professionals, acquaintances, colleagues, and advocates in the animal and vegan advocacy movement. OHDI is pleased to have participated in the conference through the representation of Dr. Oluwarore, and we look forward to implementing lessons learned for impact and future engagements.
