Digital Transformation in The Sustainable Blue Economy.
Kumbatia was honored to participate in CTG's inaugural Digifair - which by all accounts turned out to be a great success. At our booth, we showcased our products and unveiled our innovative approach focused on delivering the highest quality seafood while fostering sustainable development within small-scale fishing communities along the coast.
Additionally, Kumbatia's Co-Founder & CEO, Will Gertler, had the privilege of moderating a panel titled, 'Digital Transformation in The Sustainable Blue Economy'. The panel focused specifically on Kenya’s seafood supply chain. Digital transformation entails leveraging technology to enhance product quality, sustainability, social impact, and efficiency. Definitionally, the blue economy can be understood as an industry seeking economic growth through the sustainable use of marine resources.
Major takeaways from the panel include the utter necessity of embracing digital transformation rather than considering it as just a “good to have”. Until Kenya’s seafood players embrace tech-enabled traceability systems, for example, their products will be prohibited from reaching many of the world’s premier seafood export markets.
While concerns exist regarding certain technologies' environmental impact, such as certain industrialized fishing practices, others like vessel monitoring and transitioning to modernized legal gear can responsibly enhance livelihoods.
Another vital realization is that technology alone cannot drive significant change. It must be coupled with contextually-specific educational curricula that empower children to embrace sustainability and understand how to best utilize the coastal resources around them for economic gain. Technological innovation is essential, but social and supply chain innovation holds equal if not greater importance. Ultimately, sustainable development thrives when the coastal communities, who have always been engaged with the fishery, are equipped to drive change themselves.
Kumbatia is committed to partnering with small-scale fishing communities and working together to find solutions that leverage technology, supply chain optimization, and behavioral innovation to create luxury-grade seafood products that enable sustainable coastal development. You too can join us in our mission to bring digital transformation to the sustainable blue economy. Partner with us as a supplier or buyer of our premium, sustainable, and traceable seafood. Visit our website and follow us for more information.
