A narrative picture story, essay, sequence, or series that increases the understanding and appreciation for science or the natural world. Studio scenes that are arranged by the photographer are not eligible.
Hunger is caused by a combination of natural, social, and political drivers, which can lead to food shortages. Currently, natural resources that are necessary for human survival - like freshwater, forests, soils, and more - are decreasing due to climate change. Severe weather conditions, like droughts and floods, have become more common and affect harvests, leading to less food for human consumption.
With these problems in mind, the world needs sustainable solutions to adequately feed each person on the planet. The Goal 2 of the United Nations (The Sustainable Development Goal: Zero Hunger) is about creating a world free of hunger by 2030 and focuses on finding sustainable solutions to stop world hunger.
Under this situation, often insects are called into question, amidst both scepticism and curiosity, as a potential solution and "food for the future."
Insects are rich in high-quality proteins and highly sustainable due to their minimal environmental impact, both in terms of greenhouse gases emissions and water & soil consumption. As a result, researchers are studying the most sustainable and cost-effective ways of promoting the use of these insects as human food or as feed for fish, poultry, and pigs (monogastric animals).
The key is to try to turn insects into a more acceptable product that people will easily learn to identify as crackers, cookies, or whatever they are more used to.
In Europe since 2015, edible insects and foods containing them have been considered “Novel Food”. To be sold, Novel Food must first be accepted by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and then by the European Commission.
Until date, only 3 insects have received approval in Europe, while insect-based feed for chickens, fish and pigs is becoming increasingly widespread.