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Invited Panelist

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Jacob Wani
is Head of Aquaculture at the National Fisheries Authority of Papua New Guinea. He has more than 32 years of experience in aquaculture development, with a particular focus on improving rural livelihoods, strengthening food security, and promoting sustainable aquaculture. Under his leadership, aquaculture in Papua New Guinea has expanded from a small-scale activity to an emerging commercial sector that contributes to food production and income generation in rural communities.

Mr. Wani holds a Master's degree in Marine Biotechnology from Hokkaido University, Japan, specialising in fish health management. In 1999, he introduced the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strain to Papua New Guinea and led its dissemination throughout the country. He also established programmes to supply fish feed and fingerlings through satellite hatcheries, improving access to essential inputs for small-scale fish farmers. His work extends across the Pacific region through collaborations with organisations such as FAO, the Pacific Community (SPC), and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

He is the author of several key policy documents, including Papua New Guinea's Aquaculture Policy and Strategy, which provides the framework for the sector's development. He continues to support national efforts to expand aquaculture production by 2035, with a focus on tilapia cage farming and inland aquaculture systems.

Email: jwani@fisheries.gov.pg / jacobaruma.wani@gmail.com

Presentation details:

Session II: Investment, Partnerships and Sustainable Development Pathways 

17:40-17:55 - Panel discussion and Q&A: “Scaling sustainable and inclusive seaweed industries in developing economies”

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