Who initiated the creation of the Global Dialogue?
The Global Dialogue was initiated with seed funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Oceans 5 collaborative. Preliminary discussions to create the framework for establishing the Dialogue were conducted through workshops organized by WWF and the Institute of Food Technologists’ Global Food Traceability Centre, with the participation of dozens of industry stakeholders from around the world.
Is the Global Dialogue a campaigning organization or a coalition of campaigning organizations?
No, the Global Dialogue is not an organization or coalition group, nor was it set up for advocacy purposes. Its primary function is as a business-to-business pre-competitive discussion forum, focused on the alignment of voluntary business practices for achieving interoperable traceability within the seafood sector.
Who funds the Global Dialogue?
The Global Dialogue was initiated with seed funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Oceans 5 collaborative. It is anticipated that the Dialogue will be sustained in the future through modest contributions from leading industry actors.
What Role do WWF and IFT play in the Dialogue?
WWF and the IFT’s GFTC are distinct organizations with very different missions but share a strong desire to promote full-chain seafood traceability. Working together through a series of preparatory workshops around the world, they refined the vision for the Global Dialogue, in consultation with seafood industry leaders. Although preparations for the Global Dialogue were organized by WWF and GFTC initially, the Dialogue itself is convened and controlled by its participants, drawn mainly from the seafood industry.
Does supporting the GDST standards mean a company has to comply with all of them immediately?
No – It is clearly understood that implementation of the standards may take years to complete and that companies will move through implementation at different speeds. Endorsing the standards now means agreeing that these are the standards that should be applied across the seafood sector, but endorsing the GDST standards will not commit companies to any specific timeline or specific action for implementation. While all companies should begin the process of implementing the standards as soon as possible, the standards set a goal for the future, not an immediate requirement for today.
Do GDST standards support compliance with SIMP and EU IUU Regulations?
Yes – both EU and US import controls were considered in developing the KDE lists
Do GDST KDEs cover labor and human rights issues?
Yes, in a preliminary way – GDST wished to avoid setting standards for labor and human rights policies, but include KDEs to reveal whether human welfare policies are in place and subject to audit.
Does completion of the GDST standards mean the GDST is done with its work?
No – GDST members have expressed the desire to see important elements of GDST work continue, including:
- Formulating best practices for KDE verification
- Promoting government policies and regulations that support interoperability and verification
Who will own and maintain the GDST standards?
The GDST industry Steering Committee is now developing a plan for the institutional future of the GDST.