Full title:
PROMOTING MULTI-STAKEHOLDER CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ON SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA

Number of partners:
Seven partners and five third parties from eight countries (Europe and south-east Asia)

Details of coordinator:
Ghent University (UGent), with project management undertaken by the European Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Platform (EATiP)

Duration
January 2017 – December 2019 (36 months)

Assuring sustainable aquaculture production is a major challenge for global seafood security and safety. Aquaculture production must expand significantly in the next decade to meet the increasing seafood market demand. Europe imports close to 70% of its seafood, the majority of which comes from south-east Asia, the largest aquaculture production region in the world. Both regions therefore have a substantial interest in working together to develop sustainable solutions, particularly in relation to technology innovation, resource efficiency, reduced environmental impact, harmonised standards, and marketing.

Objectives

The core objective of EURASTiP is to evaluate and prepare for the launch of a European-Asian Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Platform, an international Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) which will provide a new mechanism to create and reinforce international cooperation on sustainable aquaculture between Europe and south-east Asia. Participating stakeholders from both regions will focus on actions that will provide mutual benefit for those involved in the aquaculture value chain, education, research, and policy development.

Expected results

Establish national pilot Multi-Stakeholder Platforms in major aquaculture producing countries (Thailand, Vietnam and Bangladesh) as models for other countries in south-east Asia

•  Recommendations to improve common standards for aquaculture site planning, animal health, food product safety and farm governance
• Consolidated European and Asian collaborations on aquaculture education and training, through innovative workshops, exchanges, industry apprenticeships and development of new materials
• Provide consolidated knowledge and insights to promote the harmonisation of seafood certification in Asia and Europe

Role of Ghent University

Maximise existing and new collaborations and strategic partnerships between Europe and south-east Asia in the aquaculture sector with the EURASTiP Exchange Programme for educators, researchers and industry and by the organisation of thematic brokerage events.

Contact

Prof. Peter Bossier
Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic ecology
Phone number: 092643754
E-mail: Peter.Bossier@Ugent.be