EU

UNIDO launches project website to promote sustainable aquaculture practices in Tunisia's blue economy

The newly launched project website, accessible at switch-blue.tn, gives access to a wide range of resources, including technical guidelines, case studies, training material and a set of briefs for eco-innovative technologies, all aimed at promoting sustainable practices in the aquaculture sector.

Published on Thursday 25 May 2023· INDUSTRY AND SERVICE PROVIDERS

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is pleased to announce the official launch of a dedicated project website aimed at promoting sustainable aquaculture practices in Tunisia’s blue economy. Developed in collaboration with the AquaBioTech Group and the Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer (INSTM), the website will serve as a comprehensive resource hub for stakeholders in the Mediterranean aquaculture sector and provide project updates on the EU-funded SwitchMed pilot project in Tunisia’s aquaculture sector.

Tunisia’s coastal resources and diverse marine ecosystems present a significant opportunity for the development of a thriving blue economy. In line with its commitment to fostering sustainable industrial practices, UNIDO is collaborating with local stakeholders to demonstrate practices that can lead to more efficiency, productivity, and environmental performance of the aquaculture sector in Tunisia.

By integrating innovative technologies and best practices, the SwitchMed pilot project aims to promote the adoption of resource-efficient and environmentally friendly approaches in aquaculture operations in Tunisia.

For this purpose, an aquaculture facility in Monastir Bay will until early 2024 demonstrate the suitability of selected technologies under production conditions applicable for aquacultures in Tunisia, that can optimize the food conversion ratio and the utilization of natural resources to reduce the ecological footprint of aquacultures in Tunisia.

The newly launched project website, accessible at switch-blue.tn,  gives access to a wide range of resources, including technical guidelines, case studies, training material and a set of briefs for eco-innovative technologies, all aimed at promoting sustainable practices in the aquaculture sector. The website will also host a dedicated B2B platform to bridge between international providers of eco-innovative solutions and aquaculture professionals, to encourage technology transfer into the Mediterranean aquaculture value chain.

Furthermore, the website will provide updates on project activities, events, and training opportunities, ensuring stakeholders stay informed and engaged. It will serve as a repository for research findings, reports, and publications, fostering evidence-based decision-making and promoting continuous learning within the aquaculture sector.

Another significant milestone in the SwitchMed blue economy project is the launch of training sessions for Tunisian aquaculture professionals that will commence on the 5th of June. In the next coming months, additional training modules will be launched and encompass:

Module 1 Aquaculture and the environment

Module 2 Sustainable farming practices

Module 3 Sustainable Perspectives for the Aquaculture Value-Chain

Module 4 An Introduction to Feed Conversion Ratios (FCR)

Module 5 Simple techniques to reduce FCR

Module 6 Smart Aquaculture Farming Technology

Module 7 The smart sea bream farming pilot project

Module 8 Business ecosystems

UNIDO invites all stakeholders, including government agencies, aquaculture industry players, research institutions, NGOs, and the media, to explore the project website and actively engage in the pursuit of sustainable aquaculture practices in the Mediterranean.

 

For more information, please contact: Benoit Wuatelet, Blue Economy Team Leader, UNIDO B.Wuatelet@unido.org

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