Name:
Allocated Zones for circular Aquaculture to trigger the transition to an Inclusive and Circular Economy in aquaculture sector fostering new business opportunities and eco-consciousness society

Developed by:
REGION OF IONIAN ISLANDS (EL); IMC Foundation – International Marine Centre (IT); Andalusian Research & Training Institute of Agriculture, Fisheries, Agrifood & ecological production (ES), Business and Innovation Maritime Cluster – Toulon Var Technology (FR), Public Institution Development Agency of Sibenik-Knin County (HR), Adria Innovation Harbour (HR), Dynamic Vision (EL), Institute of Fish Resources (BG), Chamber of Economy of Montenegro (ME).

Countrie(s) involved:
Croatia

Funding sources:
Regional – Interreg (Med, Euro-MED, bilateral, trilateral, Adrion)

Specific organism(s) focused:
In Euro-MED, fisheries & aquaculture have been key socioeconomic drivers for millennia, providing livelihoods & MED diet’s basis. Aquaculture is still key economic sector for the area, but faces many challenges: lack of strategies for sustainable development & public sector’s relevant low capacity; linear economy practices/business models traditionally used; complicated legal/licensing framework; lack of dialogue between stakeholders; limited access to space. The overarching challenge of sustainable aquaculture is jointly tackled in AZA4ICE, specifically in close-to-coast & inland waters, where it has great potential for local economies & consumption system. AZA4ICE amplifies the transition to Inclusive & Circular Economy in the sector, implementing innovative ecosystem spatial planning approach embedded with circular practices-production systems in close-to-coast & inland waters. It brings together stakeholders of 5-helix to increase their knowledge/skills, exchange experience & collaborate in drafting their vision & Action Plan for sector’s transition; thus filling the lack of dialogue & blunting conflicts of different uses, leading to new business opportunities & eco-consciousness society. AZA4ICE aquaculture spatial planning approach, stakeholder engagement methodology & Action Plans are the main outputs to be used by public authorities, private sector & academia to benefit the whole society. AZA4ICE approach builds on partners’ existing knowledge & engages 5- helix actors increasing their capacity by exchanging cross boarder experiences; thus it critically depends on transnational cooperation. AZA4ICE is pioneer to suggest circular aquaculture spatial planning & test it in close-to-coast & inland waters going beyond existing practice of aquaculture planning in coastal sea areas.

Specific organism(s) focused:
No

Serctor(s) involved:
Yes

Serctor(s) involved:
Aquaculture and fisheries technologies; Circular economy

TRL:
TRL 1-3

Helix sector/involvement:
Research performing organizations and academia; NGOs and civil organizationsYes

Link to the good practice:
The project started in January 2024, the website is not yet available.
In the link below are some informations:
https://www.rra-sibenik.hr/2024/02/26/aza4ice-allocated-zones-for-circular-aquaculture-to-trigger-the-transition-to-an-inclusive-and-circular-economy-in-aquaculture-sector-fostering-new-business-opportunities-and-eco-consciousness-societ/

Comments:
The project just stareted in January 2024.