Regional Aquaculture Conference:
Shaping the future of sustainable aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
The Regional Aquaculture Conference “Shaping the future of sustainable aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea” is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to discuss the future of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region, following a decade of progress since the landmark 2014 Bari Conference.
Objective
The conference will highlight the importance of aquaculture within existing political commitments and generate insights and solutions to strengthen future actions towards a sustainable and resilient sector in the region. It aims to take stock of advances in sustainable aquaculture development in pursuit of the objectives of the GFCM 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (GFCM 2030 Strategy).
Why participate?
This event is expected to draw high-level representatives from Mediterranean and Black Sea countries, aquaculture experts, research and academia, government representatives, members of international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, producers and stakeholders from aquaculture platforms and aquaculture farmer organizations across the region.
It is an essential opportunity to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the aquaculture sector, align future targets, plan initiatives, create synergies, network and enhance collaboration among the sector’s stakeholders. Its interactive format will enable participants to engage directly with panelists, ensuring meaningful contributions and lively discussions.
Participants can expect to:
- gain an updated vision for sustainable aquaculture development;
- enhance collaboration among stakeholders;
- contribute towards the dissemination and implementation of the FAO Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture in the region;
- identify existing gaps, needs and updated technical guidance in key areas;
- review capacity development needs to level the playing field towards sustainable aquaculture development in the region.
Contents
The conference will open with a high-level segment to assess progress and outline emerging needs and priorities for sustainable aquaculture development in the region. Thematic sessions will then address essential topics including:
- food security
- responsible investment
- restorative aquaculture
- aquaculture and climate change resilience
- Blue Transformation
- welfare of farmed aquatic species
Background
This conference is organized by the GFCM and the Government of Greece, with the financial support of the European Union. It follows the High-level conference on MedFish4Ever initiatives (Malta, 3–4 October 2023) and takes place a decade 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 event is endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development as a Decade Activity.