Sustainable fish farming represents a modern approach to aquaculture that minimises environmental impact whilst producing high-quality seafood. It relies on advanced technologies like recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), responsible feed sourcing, and closed-loop production methods that protect natural water bodies from pollution. As global seafood demand continues to rise, sustainable fish farming offers a viable solution that balances food security needs with environmental protection. Discover how we’re pioneering sustainable aquaculture practices through innovative land-based facilities that bring fresh fish production closer to consumers.
What is sustainable fish farming and why does it matter?
Sustainable fish farming is an aquaculture approach that produces seafood whilst minimising environmental harm, conserving resources, and maintaining fish health without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs. It distinguishes itself from traditional aquaculture through controlled waste management, efficient water usage, elimination of ocean pollution, and responsible feed sourcing that reduces pressure on wild fish populations.
The principles underlying sustainable fish farming address critical environmental challenges facing conventional aquaculture. Traditional open-water fish farming often contributes to ocean pollution through uneaten feed and fish waste, enables disease transmission to wild populations, and can result in fish escapes that threaten genetic diversity of native species. Sustainable methods eliminate these risks by containing all aspects of production within controlled environments where water quality, feed efficiency, and waste management can be precisely monitored.
Resource efficiency stands at the core of sustainable aquaculture practices. Modern systems recirculate and purify water continuously, reducing consumption by up to 99% compared to traditional flow-through methods. This dramatic reduction in water usage makes fish farming viable even in regions facing water scarcity, whilst simultaneously preventing the discharge of nutrients and organic matter into natural water bodies that can trigger harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
The growing importance of sustainable practices in meeting global seafood demand cannot be overstated. With capture fisheries reaching or exceeding sustainable limits worldwide, aquaculture must fill the widening gap between supply and consumption. However, this expansion must occur responsibly. Sustainable fish farming provides the framework for scaling production without degrading marine ecosystems, depleting wild fish stocks for feed, or contributing to climate change through excessive emissions.
The connection between sustainability, food security, and climate change mitigation makes this approach increasingly relevant. Land-based facilities can be established near urban centres, reducing transportation emissions and ensuring fresh product availability. This localised production model also creates employment opportunities and reduces supply chain vulnerabilities that can threaten food security during global disruptions.
Investors, food industry professionals, and sustainability advocates are increasingly interested in this sector because it addresses multiple challenges simultaneously. The aquaculture industry represents a substantial market opportunity, yet only a tiny fraction currently operates using truly sustainable methods. This creates significant potential for companies that can demonstrate genuine environmental credentials whilst maintaining product quality and economic viability. At Finnforel, we’ve developed our production model specifically to meet these demanding criteria, controlling the entire chain from broodstock to consumer-ready fillets.
How do recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) work?
Recirculating aquaculture systems operate by continuously circulating water through a series of treatment processes that maintain optimal conditions for fish growth. Water flows from fish tanks through mechanical filters that remove solid waste, then through biological filters where beneficial bacteria convert toxic ammonia into less harmful compounds, before being re-oxygenated and temperature-adjusted prior to returning to the tanks.
The closed-loop water circulation process forms the foundation of RAS technology. Rather than drawing fresh water continuously and discharging used water into the environment, these systems treat and reuse the same water repeatedly. Fresh water is added only to replace losses from evaporation and the small amounts removed with solid waste, resulting in water consumption reductions exceeding 99% compared to traditional flow-through systems.
Mechanical filters represent the first treatment stage, capturing uneaten feed and fish faeces before they can decompose and degrade water quality. These filters typically use drum screens, settling basins, or other physical separation methods to remove particles. The captured solids are then processed separately, often being converted into fertiliser or other useful products rather than discharged as waste.
Biological filters perform the critical function of removing dissolved waste products that mechanical filters cannot capture. When fish metabolise protein, they excrete ammonia through their gills. In natural water bodies, this ammonia is diluted and processed by naturally occurring bacteria. In RAS facilities, specially designed biofilters provide vast surface areas where beneficial bacteria colonies convert ammonia first into nitrite, then into nitrate, which is far less toxic to fish. This biological filtration process requires careful management to maintain healthy bacterial populations.
Oxygenation systems ensure fish receive adequate oxygen for respiration and growth. As water recirculates, fish consume dissolved oxygen, which must be replenished before the water returns to the tanks. Various technologies accomplish this, including oxygen injection systems, aerators, and specially designed water flow patterns that maximise gas exchange. Maintaining proper oxygen levels is essential for fish health, growth rates, and feed conversion efficiency.
Temperature control systems maintain stable water temperatures optimal for the species being farmed. Rainbow trout, for example, thrive in cooler water, whilst other species require warmer conditions. RAS facilities use heat exchangers, chillers, or heating systems to maintain precise temperatures regardless of external weather conditions, enabling consistent year-round production.
Water quality monitoring represents another crucial component. Modern RAS facilities employ sensors that continuously measure parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. This real-time data allows operators to detect and address problems before they impact fish health, whilst also optimising system performance for maximum efficiency.
RAS differs fundamentally from traditional open-water fish farming and flow-through systems. Sea-cage farming relies on natural water circulation to dilute waste and provide oxygen, but this approach transfers environmental impacts directly to the surrounding marine environment. Flow-through systems use large volumes of fresh water that passes through facilities once before being discharged. RAS eliminates both the ocean pollution associated with sea cages and the excessive water consumption of flow-through operations.
The advantages of land-based facilities extend beyond environmental benefits. By locating production near consumers rather than in remote coastal areas, RAS operations dramatically reduce transportation distances. Fish can be harvested, processed, and delivered to retailers within hours rather than days, ensuring superior freshness. This proximity also enables processing and packaging on-site, further reducing handling and maintaining cold chain integrity. Our Varkaus facility exemplifies this integrated approach, where rainbow trout move from our tanks to retail-ready fillets in the same location, reaching shops the same day they’re harvested.
What makes land-based fish farming more environmentally friendly?
Land-based fish farming eliminates the direct environmental impacts associated with open-water aquaculture by containing all production activities within controlled facilities. This approach prevents ocean pollution, stops fish escapes that threaten wild populations, removes sea lice problems entirely, enables precise waste management, and conserves water through recirculation whilst reducing transportation emissions through proximity to markets.
The elimination of ocean pollution represents perhaps the most significant environmental advantage. Traditional sea-cage farming releases uneaten feed, fish faeces, and dissolved nutrients directly into marine environments. These inputs can trigger algal blooms, create oxygen-depleted zones, and alter local ecosystems. Land-based systems capture all waste products for treatment or beneficial reuse, ensuring nothing enters natural water bodies. The water discharged from properly managed RAS facilities is often cleaner than the source water, having been filtered and treated throughout the production cycle.
Prevention of fish escapes and genetic mixing with wild populations addresses another critical concern. Farmed fish that escape from sea cages can compete with wild fish for resources, spread diseases, and interbreed with native populations, potentially weakening their genetic fitness. Land-based facilities make escapes virtually impossible, protecting the genetic integrity of wild fish stocks. This containment is particularly important for maintaining biodiversity in regions where farmed and wild populations of the same species coexist.
The elimination of sea lice problems removes both an animal welfare concern and an environmental threat. Sea lice, parasitic crustaceans that afflict salmon and other species in sea cages, require chemical treatments that can harm other marine life. These parasites also spread from farmed fish to wild populations, particularly impacting juvenile wild salmon during their ocean migration. Land-based facilities operate in freshwater or controlled saltwater environments where sea lice cannot survive, eliminating this issue entirely without any chemical interventions.
Reduced antibiotic use follows naturally from the controlled conditions in land-based facilities. By maintaining optimal water quality, stocking densities, and biosecurity measures, these systems significantly reduce disease occurrence. When fish do become ill, the closed environment prevents antibiotics from entering natural ecosystems. At our facilities, we’ve achieved antibiotic-free production through careful management of growing conditions and strict biosecurity protocols, ensuring our rainbow trout reach consumers without any antibiotic residues.
Controlled waste management transforms what would be pollution into valuable resources. The solid waste captured from mechanical filters contains nutrients that can be processed into agricultural fertiliser. Some advanced facilities integrate aquaponics systems where fish waste directly nourishes plant production. This circular economy approach converts waste streams into productive inputs for other industries, minimising environmental impact whilst creating additional value.
Water conservation through recirculation addresses growing concerns about freshwater scarcity. Agriculture accounts for the majority of global freshwater consumption, and traditional aquaculture contributes significantly to this demand. RAS technology reduces water requirements by over 99%, making fish farming viable even in water-stressed regions whilst freeing water resources for other essential uses.
Proximity to markets reduces transportation emissions and food waste substantially. When production facilities are located near urban consumption centres, fish travel shorter distances in refrigerated transport, reducing both fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Shorter supply chains also mean fresher products with longer shelf life, reducing spoilage and waste at retail and consumer levels. Our model prioritises local production, with fish reaching shops within hours of harvest, ensuring exceptional freshness whilst minimising environmental impact from logistics.
| Environmental Factor | Traditional Sea-Cage Farming | Land-Based RAS Farming |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean pollution | Direct discharge of waste and nutrients | Zero discharge to natural water bodies |
| Fish escapes | Regular occurrences affecting wild populations | Virtually impossible in contained systems |
| Sea lice and parasites | Significant problem requiring chemical treatment | Eliminated in controlled freshwater environment |
| Antibiotic use | Often necessary due to disease pressure | Minimal or zero through optimal conditions |
| Water consumption | Relies on natural water flow | 99% reduction through recirculation |
| Waste management | Released into environment | Captured and converted to useful products |
| Transportation emissions | High due to remote coastal locations | Low through proximity to consumers |
| Food waste | Higher due to longer supply chains | Reduced through rapid delivery and freshness |
What role does sustainable fish feed play in eco-friendly aquaculture?
Sustainable fish feed represents a critical component of eco-friendly aquaculture because feed production accounts for the largest environmental footprint in fish farming operations. Modern sustainable feeds reduce reliance on wild-caught fish, incorporate alternative protein sources, optimise nutrient delivery to minimise waste, and support circular economy principles whilst maintaining fish health and product quality.
The evolution from wild-caught fish meal to alternative protein sources marks a fundamental shift in aquaculture sustainability. Traditional fish feeds relied heavily on fishmeal and fish oil derived from wild forage fish like anchovies and sardines. This created the paradox of farming fish requiring more wild fish as feed than the farmed fish ultimately produced, placing additional pressure on already stressed marine ecosystems. Sustainable feed development has focused on identifying and validating alternative protein sources that reduce or eliminate this dependency.
Plant-based ingredients now form a significant portion of modern aquaculture feeds. Soy protein, wheat gluten, pea protein, and other plant-derived ingredients can replace much of the fishmeal in feeds for many species. However, formulating effective plant-based feeds requires careful attention to amino acid profiles, digestibility, and the presence of anti-nutritional factors that can impair fish growth. Advanced processing techniques and ingredient combinations have made plant-based proteins increasingly viable for aquaculture applications.
Insect proteins represent an emerging alternative with particular promise for circular economy integration. Black soldier fly larvae, for example, can be raised on food waste and agricultural by-products, converting materials that would otherwise be discarded into high-quality protein suitable for fish feed. This approach creates value from waste streams whilst producing a protein source with an amino acid profile well-suited to fish nutrition. As insect farming scales up, these proteins are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with traditional ingredients.
Microbial proteins produced through fermentation offer another innovative feed ingredient. Single-cell proteins derived from bacteria, yeast, or algae can be produced in controlled facilities using various feedstocks, including agricultural waste products. These microbial proteins can be tailored to provide specific nutritional profiles and produced consistently regardless of seasonal variations or wild fish stock fluctuations.
Feed conversion ratios directly impact resource efficiency and environmental footprint. This metric measures how much feed is required to produce a kilogram of fish growth. Rainbow trout and salmon typically achieve feed conversion ratios around 1.1 to 1.3, meaning roughly 1.1 to 1.3 kilograms of feed produces one kilogram of fish. This efficiency surpasses terrestrial livestock considerably. Chickens require approximately 1.7 kilograms of feed per kilogram of meat, pigs about 3 kilograms, and cattle 6 to 10 kilograms. Optimising feed formulations and feeding practices to improve these ratios reduces resource consumption and waste production proportionally.
Modern feed technology reduces pressure on wild fish stocks whilst maintaining product quality. Through careful formulation using alternative proteins, supplemented with specific nutrients that might be lacking in non-marine ingredients, feed manufacturers can produce diets that support excellent fish growth, health, and flesh quality without depleting ocean resources. Fish raised on these sustainable feeds show comparable or superior nutritional profiles, taste, and texture to those fed traditional diets.
Circular economy principles in aquaculture extend beyond feed ingredients to encompass the entire production system. At integrated facilities, fish waste nutrients can fertilise plant production, plant waste can feed insects, and insects can provide protein for fish feed, creating closed loops that minimise external inputs and waste outputs. We’ve embraced this approach by integrating feed production into our operations, allowing us to optimise formulations for our specific production system whilst ensuring complete traceability and sustainability throughout the supply chain. Learn more about our integrated approach to sustainable production.
How does sustainable fish farming contribute to food security?
Sustainable fish farming enhances food security by providing scalable, reliable protein production that operates independently of wild fish stocks, functions in diverse geographic locations including landlocked regions, produces consistently year-round regardless of weather, and creates resilient local food systems that reduce dependence on vulnerable global supply chains.
The scalability of RAS technology enables protein production to expand in response to growing demand without the constraints that limit capture fisheries. Wild fish populations have finite reproductive capacities, and most commercial fisheries already operate at or beyond sustainable levels. Aquaculture can increase output by building additional facilities, and land-based systems offer particular advantages for rapid scaling. Unlike sea-cage operations that require suitable coastal locations and compete with other ocean uses, RAS facilities can be constructed wherever land, water, and energy are available.
The ability to produce protein in regions without access to oceans or suitable natural water bodies democratises fish production. Landlocked countries and interior regions have historically depended on coastal areas for seafood, requiring long-distance transportation that increases costs, reduces freshness, and creates supply vulnerabilities. Land-based aquaculture allows these regions to produce fresh fish locally, improving food security whilst supporting local economies. This geographic flexibility becomes increasingly important as climate change and population growth stress existing food production systems.
Year-round production capabilities provide stability that seasonal fisheries and agriculture cannot match. Traditional fishing operates within seasonal windows dictated by fish migration patterns, spawning cycles, and weather conditions. Even sea-cage aquaculture experiences seasonal variations in growth rates and faces weather-related disruptions. RAS facilities maintain optimal growing conditions continuously, producing consistent output throughout the year. This reliability enables better planning for retailers and consumers whilst ensuring steady employment for workers.
Predictable output allows for efficient integration with food distribution systems. Retailers can plan inventory and promotions knowing that supply will remain consistent. Processors can operate at steady capacity rather than dealing with seasonal gluts and shortages. This predictability reduces waste throughout the supply chain and ensures consumers have reliable access to affordable protein.
Local production reduces supply chain vulnerabilities that can threaten food security during global disruptions. The interconnected nature of modern food systems creates efficiency during normal operations but fragility during crises. Transportation disruptions, trade restrictions, or regional production failures can create shortages in distant markets. Local fish farming reduces dependence on these extended supply chains, ensuring communities maintain access to protein even when global systems face stress. Recent disruptions have highlighted the value of resilient local food production, accelerating interest in distributed aquaculture systems.
Fresh product availability improves both nutrition and consumer satisfaction. Fish quality deteriorates rapidly after harvest, and long supply chains compromise taste, texture, and nutritional value. Local production enables delivery of exceptionally fresh products, encouraging consumption and maximising nutritional benefits. Our same-day delivery model ensures our rainbow trout reaches consumers at peak freshness, providing superior eating quality whilst eliminating the quality degradation that occurs in conventional supply chains.
Employment opportunities created by local fish farming contribute to food security indirectly through economic development. RAS facilities require skilled workers for fish husbandry, system operation, processing, and distribution. These jobs often pay well and provide stable employment in communities that may lack diverse economic opportunities. The income generated supports food security by enabling families to purchase diverse, nutritious foods.
Population growth projections and increasing protein demand create urgency around food security solutions. Global population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, with protein demand increasing even faster as developing nations adopt more protein-rich diets. Meeting this demand through capture fisheries is impossible, and expanding terrestrial livestock production faces environmental and resource constraints. Sustainable aquaculture represents one of the few viable pathways for substantially increasing protein production without catastrophic environmental consequences.
What are the key sustainability metrics in modern fish farming?
Key sustainability metrics in modern fish farming include water usage per kilogram of fish produced, energy consumption and carbon footprint, feed conversion efficiency, waste management and circular economy integration, fish welfare standards, and certification systems that verify environmental and social responsibility. These measurable indicators enable objective evaluation and comparison of different aquaculture approaches.
Water usage per kilogram of fish produced provides a fundamental measure of resource efficiency. Traditional flow-through systems may use thousands of litres of water per kilogram of fish, whilst RAS technology reduces this to mere litres through recirculation. This dramatic reduction in water consumption makes aquaculture viable in water-scarce regions and reduces the environmental impact associated with water extraction. Tracking this metric enables facilities to identify opportunities for further efficiency improvements and demonstrates environmental stewardship to stakeholders.
Energy consumption and carbon footprint reflect the climate impact of fish farming operations. RAS facilities require energy to pump and treat water, maintain temperature, and operate aeration systems. This energy consumption, along with emissions from feed production and transportation, determines the carbon footprint per kilogram of fish produced. Sustainable operations work to minimise energy use through efficient system design, renewable energy integration, and optimised production practices. Comparing carbon footprints across different protein sources reveals that fish farming, particularly using modern methods, generally produces significantly lower emissions than beef or pork production.
Feed conversion efficiency measures how effectively fish transform feed into body mass. Better feed conversion ratios mean less feed required per kilogram of fish produced, reducing resource consumption and environmental impact from feed production. This metric also affects economic sustainability, as feed represents the largest operating cost in most aquaculture operations. Continuous improvement in feed formulations and feeding practices drives progress in this critical area.
Waste management and circular economy integration assess how operations handle by-products and close resource loops. Sustainable facilities capture and beneficially use solid waste, process water for reuse, and integrate with other production systems to create circular flows. Metrics might include the percentage of waste converted to useful products, water recirculation rates, or the degree of integration with complementary agricultural activities. These measures reflect the transition from linear “take-make-waste” models to circular systems that minimise resource extraction and waste generation.
Fish welfare standards recognise that sustainability encompasses animal wellbeing alongside environmental considerations. Metrics include stocking densities, water quality parameters, growth rates, survival rates, and the absence of disease or stress indicators. Good welfare outcomes indicate appropriate husbandry practices and often correlate with better environmental performance, as healthy fish in optimal conditions grow efficiently and require fewer interventions.
Certification systems provide third-party verification of sustainability claims and consumer confidence. Programmes like the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) establish comprehensive standards covering environmental impact, social responsibility, and animal welfare. Achieving certification requires meeting specific criteria and submitting to regular audits, providing credible assurance that operations genuinely implement sustainable practices. We’ve earned ASC certification for our operations, demonstrating our commitment to meeting rigorous international standards for responsible aquaculture.
| Sustainability Metric | Traditional Approach | Sustainable RAS Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Water usage (litres per kg fish) | 10,000-50,000 (flow-through) | 50-100 (recirculating) |
| Water discharge to environment | 100% of used water (sea cages, flow-through) | Less than 1% after treatment |
| Feed conversion ratio | 1.5-2.0 (variable conditions) | 1.1-1.3 (optimised conditions) |
| Antibiotic use | Regular preventive/therapeutic use | Zero or minimal therapeutic use |
| Fish escapes | Regular occurrences | Virtually eliminated |
| Waste management | Discharged to environment | Captured and beneficially used |
| Production consistency | Seasonal variations | Year-round stable output |
| Certification | Variable or absent | Third-party verified (ASC, organic, etc.) |
Transparency and traceability support sustainability claims and consumer confidence by providing visibility into production practices. Modern consumers increasingly want to know where their food comes from and how it was produced. Sustainable operations embrace this demand by documenting and sharing information about their practices, supply chains, and environmental performance. Complete traceability from egg to consumer enables rapid response to any quality concerns whilst demonstrating commitment to accountability. Our fully integrated production chain allows us to trace every fillet back to the specific broodstock, providing unprecedented transparency that builds trust with consumers and retail partners.
What is the future of sustainable aquaculture technology?
The future of sustainable aquaculture technology centres on automation and artificial intelligence for system optimisation, renewable energy integration to achieve carbon neutrality, continued feed innovation using novel ingredients, expansion to new species beyond traditional choices, international growth of land-based facilities, and integration with other sustainable food production systems, all whilst maintaining economic viability and product quality.
Automation and AI-driven monitoring systems will transform facility operations and efficiency. Current RAS operations require constant human oversight to monitor water quality, adjust feeding, and respond to system changes. Advanced sensors combined with machine learning algorithms can detect subtle patterns indicating developing problems before they become serious, automatically adjust system parameters to maintain optimal conditions, and optimise feeding schedules based on fish behaviour and growth patterns. This technology reduces labour requirements whilst improving outcomes, making sustainable aquaculture more economically competitive.
Renewable energy integration addresses one of the primary environmental concerns with RAS technology. The energy required for water pumping, treatment, and climate control currently represents a significant portion of the carbon footprint. Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy sources can power facilities, dramatically reducing or eliminating fossil fuel dependence. Some advanced concepts envision facilities that generate surplus renewable energy, becoming net contributors to grid stability whilst producing protein. The combination of sustainable aquaculture practices with clean energy creates truly low-carbon protein production.
Further improvements in feed technology continue to reduce environmental impact whilst enhancing fish health and product quality. Research into novel protein sources, improved nutrient delivery systems, and feeds tailored to specific production systems promises continued progress. Developments in fermentation-based proteins, insect farming, and algae cultivation will provide increasingly sustainable feed ingredients. Precision nutrition approaches that match feed composition to fish requirements at different life stages will improve feed conversion ratios and reduce waste.
Expansion of species beyond traditional choices diversifies aquaculture and meets varied consumer preferences. Whilst salmon and trout dominate current land-based production, research is adapting RAS technology for species including barramundi, yellowtail, sea bass, and others. This diversification spreads production across multiple species, reducing pressure on any single wild population for broodstock or feed ingredients whilst providing consumers with greater seafood variety from sustainable sources.
International growth of RAS facilities reflects recognition that sustainable local production offers advantages over centralised production with global distribution. We’re actively exploring expansion opportunities, including potential projects in regions far from traditional aquaculture centres. This distributed production model reduces transportation emissions, ensures product freshness, and creates employment in diverse locations. As the technology matures and becomes more accessible, land-based aquaculture will establish operations in urban areas, arid regions, and locations previously unsuitable for fish farming.
Integration with other sustainable food production systems creates synergies that enhance overall sustainability. Aquaponics combines fish farming with hydroponic plant production, using fish waste to fertilise vegetables whilst plants help purify water for fish. More complex integrated systems might include insect farming for feed production, anaerobic digestion for energy generation, and other complementary activities that create closed-loop systems. These integrated approaches maximise resource efficiency and demonstrate pathways toward truly circular food production.
Investment trends reflect growing recognition of sustainable aquaculture’s potential. Major food companies, investment funds, and even technology companies are directing capital toward innovative aquaculture ventures. This financial support accelerates technology development, facility construction, and market expansion. Recent partnerships, including significant investments in our operations, demonstrate confidence in the sector’s growth prospects and importance for future food security.
Market growth projections indicate substantial expansion ahead. As consumers become more environmentally conscious and demand for sustainable seafood increases, land-based aquaculture is positioned for rapid growth. The technology has proven viable at commercial scale, and each new facility benefits from lessons learned at existing operations. This combination of proven technology, strong market demand, and increasing investment capital creates conditions for exponential growth in the coming decade.
Connecting technological advancement to sustainability goals whilst maintaining economic viability and product quality remains the central challenge. Technology must serve the dual purposes of reducing environmental impact and improving economic performance. Innovations that increase efficiency, reduce costs, or enhance product quality will see rapid adoption, whilst those that improve sustainability at the expense of viability will struggle. The most successful developments will demonstrate that environmental responsibility and business success are complementary rather than competing objectives. Contact us to learn more about our technology and how we’re shaping the future of sustainable fish farming.
The path forward for sustainable aquaculture combines proven RAS technology with continuous innovation, expanding from niche production to a significant component of global protein supply. This transformation requires ongoing collaboration between producers, researchers, policymakers, and consumers, all working toward the shared goal of feeding a growing population whilst protecting the planet’s ecosystems for future generations.
