Regional Aquaculture Conference:
Shaping the future of sustainable aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
Following the High-level conference on MedFish4Ever initiatives (Malta, 3–4 October 2023) organized by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and ten years after the Bari Regional Aquaculture Conference “Blue Growth in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea: developing sustainable aquaculture for food security” (Italy, 9–11 December 2014), this conference aims to take stock of national and regional advances in sustainable aquaculture development towards achieving the objectives of the GFCM 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (GFCM 2030 Strategy), while addressing existing and emerging challenges. It is expected to chart the future of aquaculture in the region and highlight tools and solutions to achieve the objectives set within the GFCM 2030 Strategy. This event is organized by the GFCM and the Government of Greece, with the financial support of the European Union.
Objective
The main objective of this conference is to highlight and discuss the importance of aquaculture within existing political commitments and provide insights and solutions to strengthen future actions towards a sustainable and resilient sector in the region.
Participation
The conference is expected to attract high-level representatives from Mediterranean and Black Sea countries, aquaculture experts, representatives from relevant departments and government agencies, international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders from aquaculture platforms and aquaculture farmer organizations across the region. The interactive format of the event will enable participants to actively engage with panelists in order to foster meaningful contributions and discussions.
Content
The event will open with a high-level segment in which high-level representatives from Mediterranean and Black Sea countries will assess progress and outline emerging needs and priorities for sustainable aquaculture development in the region. It will be followed by thematic sessions addressing priority topics in aquaculture, with a particular emphasis on climate change and food security:
- food security
- responsible investment
- restorative aquaculture
- aquaculture and climate change resilience
- Blue Transformation
- welfare of farmed aquatic species
Why it is important to participate?
This conference is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to discuss the vision of sustainable aquaculture in the region, align future targets, plan initiatives, create synergies, network, and enhance collaboration among the sector’s stakeholders.
Participants can expect:
- to gain an updated vision for sustainable aquaculture development in light of recent advances and existing and emerging challenges;
- to enhance collaboration fostered among the sector’s stakeholders, including aquaculture farmer organizations, scientists, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations, including through the GFCM Aquaculture Demonstration Centres;
- to contribute towards the dissemination and implementation in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region of the FAO Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture;
- to identify existing gaps and needs and updated technical guidance in key fields, such as climate change, environmental monitoring, marine spatial planning and animal welfare, with focus on the implementation of nature-based solutions and responsible investment, towards supporting equitable, profitable and sustainable livelihoods along the aquaculture value chain;
- to identify capacity development needs to level the playing field towards sustainable aquaculture development in the region