I-AM_Smart Aquaponics: I-AM_Smart Aquaponics: policy and development challenges presented on 19 November
On 19 November 2024, the dissemination workshop ‘Advancing the Joint Aquaponics Agenda for Southern Adriatic: Policy and Development Challenges in Puglia and Molise’ was held at the LUM Giuseppe Degennaro University in Casamassima (Ba), attended by all the partners who are promoting the Joint Aquaponics Agenda for the Southern Adriatic.
The ‘I-AM_Smart Aquaponics’ project continues its progress. It was co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A – IPA CBC South Adriatic programme to support smart aquaponics initiatives in Italy, Albania and Montenegro. The workshop ‘Advancing the Joint Aquaponics Agenda for Southern Adriatic: Policy and Development Challenges in Puglia and Molise’ held on 19 November 2024 at the LUM Giuseppe Degennaro University in Casamassima (Ba) ended with great success. It brought together institutions, experts and partners of the I-AM_Smart Aquaponics project to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to the development of aquaponics in the Southern Adriatic.
Representatives of the organisations involved – High Tech Technological District – DHITECH Scarl, LUM Giuseppe Degennaro University, GAL Molise Costiero, Albanian Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (ACEPSD), and the Diocese of Budimlje and Nikšić of the Serbian Orthodox Church – illustrated during the event the progress achieved and future strategies to overcome the economic and social barriers hindering the sector’s development.
The day opened with institutional greetings by the Rector of LUM, Prof. Antonello Garzoni (LUM) and Dr. Antonio Agrosì representing the Joint Secretariat Interreg IPA South Adriatic, Puglia Region – Interreg Management Structure, with the contribution of Dr. Franco Giuliano of the Honorary Consulate of Montenegro in Bari.
The first session saw the presentation of the five project partners mentioned above, with speeches by Prof. Patrizia Guida (LUM), Eng. Nicola Sicilia (DHITECH), Dr. Silvia Bakiu (ACEPSD), Dr. Agostino Defenza (GAL Molise Costiero) and Dr. Igor Samardzić (Diocese of Budimlje and Nikšić of the Serbian Orthodox Church).
The progress of the project was then described by Eng. Nicola Sicilia (DHITECH), while Dr. Federica Stella Blasi (LUM-University of Salento) and Eng. Marta Sozzo (DHITECH-University of Salento) explored the key factors for the development of aquaponics in Apulia and Molise, highlighting the role of public policies and technological innovation together with Dr. Licinio Corbari (DHITECH-University of Salento) and Dr. Alessandro Sicuro (DHITECH-University of Salento), who also illustrated case histories from company experiences in the field.
A round table concluded the morning offering a fruitful discussion on challenges and opportunities in the context of the south-western Adriatic among aquaculture experts and insiders such as Dr. Arianna Bagnardi (Italian Fish Farmers’ Association), Dr. Valeria Patruno (ARTI Puglia), Dr. Carmelo Rollo (President of Lega COOP Puglia) and Prof. Tiziano Verri (Local Advisory Commission for Fisheries and Aquaculture-University of Salento).
In the afternoon, specific focuses on the regional agendas allowed for an analysis of the overall framework for Albania and Montenegro, with speeches by Prof. Rigers Bakiu (ACEPSD) and Dr. Jelena Gutovic (DBNK), before an interactive session comparing the various agendas on aquaponics and the conclusions entrusted to Eng. Nicola Sicilia (DHITECH) and Prof. Patrizia Guida (LUM).
The workshop emphasised the strategic value of aquaponics with regard to the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. Expert testimonies demonstrated how innovation, cooperation and research can turn needs into opportunities, fostering sustainable growth that promotes the development of a thriving and promising economic sector in response to real global emergencies.
Active participation and strong enthusiasm from the public and partners confirmed the I-AM_Smart Aquaponics project as a pilot initiative for the creation of a solid and forward-looking cross-border network, ready to make aquaponics a development engine for the entire Southern Adriatic area.