Soma Mater's Weekly Newsletter

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Soma Mater
October 04, 2024

Welcome to the SOMA MATER Weekly Newsletter.

At SOMA MATER, we specialize in delivering comprehensive research and advisory services with a focus on Food & Water Security and Net Zero Transition in the MENA Region. In order to support our subscribing clients in navigating these topics and understanding the regional narrative, we produce monthly Food and Water Security and Net Zero Transition Intelligence Reports, along with our in-depth analysis and insights.

This weekly newsletter highlights the top 3 stories from the past week in Food and Water Security and Net Zero transition, along with SOMA MATER's analysis and perspective.

What is Saudi Arabia's projected fish and seafood demand for 2030, and how does it compare to current production levels?⁠

What is the key difference between A1 and A2 milk, and why is A2 milk gaining popularity in the dairy industry?

How does the UAE's approach to longevity intersect with its sustainability goals?⁠

Sustainably yours,

The SOMA team

Fishing for More: Saudi Arabia's Aquaculture Push

#FoodSecurity

Saudi Arabia is seeking to attract investments and increase local production in order to transform its aquaculture sector. The country has achieved 190,000 tons of fisheries and aquaculture production, meeting around 60% of its local consumption needs. However, production does not yet cover consumption.

The government has launched several initiatives to support the sector's growth. These include providing fishermen with forecasts about sea conditions, covering 75% of fisheries project's expenditures, and offering interest-free loans on equipment purchases.

Saudi Arabia's population is projected to reach 39.322 million by 2030. The Kingdom's seafood consumption is also increasing by 5% per capita annually and is expected to reach the global average of 20 kg by 2030. Given the baseline per capita fish and seafood consumption of 11.34 kg, 445,735 tonnes of fish and seafood will be needed to meet the demand in 2030. This requires an additional 57,287 tonnes of fish to maintain the baseline per capita consumption level.

There is still an existing gap to bridge between Saudi’s current fish production and the projected need in 2030 of about 445,735 tonnes. There is also significant progress needed to bridge the gap between current production levels and the Kingdom's 2030 goal of 600,000 tonnes of fish production.

SOMA’s Perspective:

There is significant growth potential and investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's fisheries sector. Although major progress still needs to be done, the government's incentives are creating a promising environment for growth and innovation in this industry.

Sources:

The Moo-ve To A2: Sharjah's Dairy Revolution

#FoodSecurity

The Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Corporation (EKTFA) contracted Inntro Agrar Gmbh to supply the 3rd batch of cows for Mleiha Dairy Farm. This will bring 1,500 Holstein cows of the A2A2 breed to the farm, increasing the core herd to 8,000 cows. This is a response to the rising demand for Mleiha's organic milk in the local market. The project also contributes to community-focused research, collaborating with institutions like the University of Al Dhaid to study the benefits of the products.

Caseins make up around 80% of cows milk’s proteins. An important part of these caseins is β-casein, which includes the A2 β-casein (A2-milk). A2-A2 milk is a growing niche in the dairy industry. A2 milk is promoted as a gentler option for digestion. A2 milk is thought to be more easily digestible and similar to human breast milk in comparison to A1 milk.

However, research is still inconclusive. Animal experiments and human trials have mixed results, with some indicating that A1 milk leads to prolonged gastrointestinal transit times compared to A2 milk. More research is needed to draw solid conclusions about the supposed health advantages.

SOMA’s Perspective:

Food security concerns and health benefits have created public interest, which has driven demand. This initiative is part of a larger national effort with the objective to make milk accessible for residents. The World Bank defines food security as “when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs”. Food security is not just the access to food, but the access to food of quality. The ruler of Sharjah's focus on A2 milk underscores the emirate's commitment to addressing this pillar in Sharjah.

Sources:

SYPartners x SOMA White Paper: Creating Pathways Between Sustainability and Longevity - Opportunities in the United Arab Emirates

#Sustainability

SOMA MATER and SYPartners have collaborated on a White Paper that explores the unique influences shaping UAE communities, focusing on the intersection of sustainability and longevity. Contributors to the White Paper include Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi, Rie Nørregaard, Christina Mauro, and Karine Salibi. This paper highlights the UAE's cultural emphasis on long-term, intergenerational thinking, contrasting with the often short-term focus of human decision-making.

The study examines how values, lifestyles, and environments supporting extended human life can inform sustainable systems. This approach is particularly relevant in the UAE, where ongoing initiatives aim to enhance population longevity while aligning with broader sustainability goals. The research considers the potential impacts of an aging population on healthcare and food systems, both locally and globally.

A key finding emphasizes the need for modern leaders to create workplaces that support well-rounded lives, integrating various aspects of personal fulfillment into both job roles and company cultures. The ultimate goal is to establish pathways that address current challenges while ensuring a sustainable future, building a legacy of intergenerational respect, environmental stewardship, and community well-being for a thriving UAE society.

SOMA MATER is writing Intelligence Reports on the topics of Food and Water Security and Net Zero Transition. If you’d like to know more, contact us through the link below:

https://wkf.ms/3BmPiPo