Cold Chains for Ocean Communities Playbook 2026

Cold chains play a critical role in reducing food loss, improving product quality and strengthening livelihoods in coastal fishing communities. However, developing successful cold chain projects requires more than investing in cooling equipment alone.

Launched in September 2026, the Cold Chains for Ocean Communities Playbook is a practical guide for organisations, investors and practitioners seeking to design and implement successful and sustainable cold chain projects for small-scale fisheries .

Developed by WWF,Open Capital and Wageningen University & Research, with contributions from sector partners including Energy Saving Trust, co-Secretariat of Efficiency for Access, through the Cool Move Initiative, the playbook brings together practical lessons and real-world experience from fisheries cold chain implementation across the Southwest Indian Ocean region.

The playbook highlights the importance of taking a holistic approach to project design, recognising that successful cold chains depend not only on technology, but also on market demand, sustainable business models, governance structures, financing mechanisms and local ownership.

By helping stakeholders make more informed investment and implementation decisions, the playbook aims to guide successful cold chain systems which support stronger fisheries value chains, reduce post-harvest losses and contribute to more resilient coastal communities.

What you’ll find inside the playbook:

• Guidance on assessing project viability, including fisheries resources, market demand, and the availability of energy and water.
• Practical advice on designing cold chain interventions, from technology selection and ownership models to governance and financing approaches.
• Recommendations for successful implementation, covering procurement, project delivery and long-term operation.
• Tools and frameworks for measuring economic, social and environmental impact.
• Real-world examples and case studies from cold chain projects across the Southwest Indian Ocean.

A key message throughout the playbook is that cold chains are only one part of a much larger system. Long-term success depends on understanding the links between fisheries, markets, infrastructure, finance and community needs.

Designed for project developers, investors, NGOs, government agencies and implementing partners, the playbook offers practical guidance for building cold chain solutions that reduce food loss, improve market access, strengthen livelihoods and support sustainable fisheries.

Read the playbook here