According to the recent news, the World Sustainability Organization and the Good Food Institute have partnered to launch the Sea Gold Certification Program to recognize sustainable, plant-based sources of protein.

The Friend of the Sea Gold Standard is a joint initiative that would help seafood companies in certifying their products as per the certification criteria of the WSO’s Friend of the Earth agriculture standards.

The standards aim to protect the environment by letting people be aware of the sources of protein and boosting the growth of plant-based seafood. The Director of the World Sustainability Organization said,

“Our standard, which is applicable for these products, is based on SAFA (Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture systems) guidelines set by UN-FAO.”

He further added,

“Intensive agriculture practices contribute to the loss of agricultural and natural biodiversity, degrading ecosystems and causing a reduction in animal and plant species. Such activities are also resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions, among other concerns. The Friend of the Sea Golden Standard for plant-based seafood will assure consumers that products have been made by adopting sustainable practices without harming the environment.”

Friend of the Sea and Friend of the Earth are Two Major Projects

The World Sustainability Organization operates around the world with two major projects: Friend of the Sea and Friend of the Earth. To receive the certification, the companies should meet the requirements, including environmental management procedures and a system to protect the ecosystem. It should also include the areas dedicated to flora and fauna and a reduction in the use of synthetic substances according to the laws of organic and integrated agriculture.

The Good Food Institute (GFI) has also announced its partnering with WSO to create a certification program for plant-based seafood. This collaboration will take place as a part of the WSO’s Friend of the Sea Project and the GSI’s Sustainable SeaFood Initiative.

Vegan Alternatives to Fish and Seafood That Are Becoming Preferred Choice of People

There are plenty of reasons not to eat fish. With over 90% of fish stocks exploited due to overfishing, it is high time that people should stop looking at fish as a great source of food. That doesn’t mean you have to miss eating fish. Several alternatives to fish and seafood are now found in the market, which are better for the environment too.

Foods like vegan oyster mushroom calamari, tofish and chips, banana blossom fish cakes, and creamy fettuccine with king Oyster mushroom scallops are a few common recipes that people are finding a great alternative to fish.