The Global Sustainable Supply Chains for Marine Commodities (GMC) project was a UNDP-implemented inter-regional initiative implemented from 2016 to 2020 that contributed to the transformation of the seafood market by mainstreaming sustainability in the value chain of fishery commodities from developing countries. This initiative achieved this goal by employing and strengthening emerging tools such as corporate purchasing policies, sustainable marine commodity platforms, and fisheries improvement projects (FIPs). It supported systemic change through coordinated policy, market, and supply-chain interventions.

During this period, GMC supported the establishment of National Commodities Platforms in four countries—Costa Rica, Ecuador, Indonesia, and the Philippines—bringing together governments, producers, civil society, and the private sector through multi-stakeholder dialogue roundtables for the development and implementation of sustainable fisheries management policies (National Action Plans). These platforms were based on the former Green Commodities Programme’s signature process (more on this publication) and served as a mechanism to align fisheries governance with sustainability objectives and national development priorities.

The initiative contributed to international seafood market engagement by responding to growing global demand for responsibly sourced seafood. GMC worked with supply-chain actors to promote responsible sourcing and sustainability standards across key commodities, including tuna, octopus, blue crab, and small pelagic fisheries, supporting improved fisheries management and enhanced market access.

The project was financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNDP in close collaboration with national fisheries and planning authorities contributing to improved governance, market alignment, and sustainability outcomes in priority marine commodities.

Download the Global Marine Commodities brochure, and visit our Costa Rica, Indonesia, Ecuador and the Philippines country pages to learn more about our progress. You can also visit the official Global Marine Commodities website.