Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Each week, local fisheries in the Galápagos Islands generate approximately 4,500 pounds of fish processing waste, which is subsequently thrown into landfills where it can emit methane and other climate-altering greenhouse gases. To make better use of fish waste and curb its emissions, scientists at Conservation International transformed it into usable products like plant fertilizer — leading to sweeter and juicier vegetables — and protein-rich food for farm animals. Through a new woman-led initiative focused on commercializing fish waste, this effort is creating new jobs in communities that have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for the mothers and daughters of fishers.

Support provided partners the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility