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

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B EURO Mediterranean (EURO MED)

Date of latest update: 2025-05-27

Description

Description (FR):

Saviez-vous que l'aquaculture contribue grandement à la production alimentaire aquatique dans le monde entier ? D'autant plus que la plupart des pêcheries sont proches ou au-dessus des limites d'exploitation durable. Dans la région Euro-MED, la pêche et l'aquaculture ont été des moteurs socio-économiques clés pendant des millénaires, fournissant les moyens de subsistance et la base du régime alimentaire méditerranéen. L'aquaculture reste un secteur économique clé pour la région, mais elle est confrontée à de nombreux défis : absence de stratégies de développement durable et faible capacité du secteur public en la matière ; pratiques économiques linéaires/modèles d'entreprise traditionnellement utilisés ; cadre juridique/de réglementation complexe ; manque de dialogue entre les parties prenantes ; accès limité à l'espace. Le défi global de l'aquaculture durable est abordé conjointement dans le cadre d'AZA4ICE, en particulier dans les eaux côtières et intérieures, où elle a un grand potentiel pour les économies locales et le système de consommation. AZA4ICE amplifie la transition vers une économie inclusive et circulaire dans le secteur, en mettant en œuvre une approche innovante de planification spatiale de l'écosystème intégrée avec des pratiques circulaires et des systèmes de production dans les eaux intérieures et littorales. Il rassemble les parties prenantes des 5-hélices pour améliorer leurs connaissances/compétences, échanger sur leurs expériences et collaborer à l'élaboration de leur vision et de leur plan d'action pour la transition du secteur, comblant ainsi le manque de dialogue et atténuant les conflits entre les différentes utilisations, conduisant à de nouvelles opportunités d'affaires et à une société éco-consciente. L'approche de planification spatiale de l'aquaculture d'AZA4ICE, la méthodologie d'engagement des parties prenantes et les plans d'action sont les principales réalisations qui seront utilisées par les autorités publiques, le secteur privé et le monde universitaire au profit de l'ensemble de la société. L'approche d'AZA4ICE s'appuie sur les connaissances existantes des partenaires et engage les acteurs des 5-hélices en augmentant leur capacité par l'échange d'expériences transfrontalières ; elle dépend donc de manière critique de la coopération transnationale. AZA4ICE est pionnier pour proposer une approche circulaire des aménagements aquacoles et la teste dans des eaux intérieures et proches de la côte, allant au-delà des pratiques existantes de planification de l'aquaculture dans les zones maritimes côtières.

Description (EN):

Did you know that aquaculture represents a great contributor to aquatic food production worldwide? Especially because most fisheries are near or above sustainable exploitation limits. 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.

Actual Achievements (EN):

AZA4ICE progress in the 1st reporting period was satisfactory to the greatest extent, since the planned activities and deliverables were carried out according to the set time plan. The close cooperation and efficient communication between Project Partners (PPs) was effective and led to the successful achievement of project objectives. Under LP coordination, who had a smooth and efficient communication with the project officer, PPs implemented the necessary administrative pre-contracting phase’s activities to ensure the quick finalisation of the contracting procedures and as a result to ensure than no delays will occur in the beginning of the project. Immediately after AZA4ICE approval, PPs, with LP’s guidance, discussed in detail the next steps for project’s implementation and the testing activities; drafting a detailed work plan and the responsibility assignment matrix – RACI. They also formed the Steering Committee and the Technical Committee at the very beginning of the project. AZA4ICE organised the project kick-off meeting with physical presence of the partners just on the 2nd month of project implementation. In this way, partners got known each other better and efficiently planned the activities to be carried out in the 1st reporting period. PPs formed also the Communication Team. The early activation of all the aforementioned committees was proven valuable for the effective management and project coordination. Regarding the communication of the project, PPs worked on the project’s promotional material and operationalisation of the AZA4ICE website and social media, which are being used for the dissemination of the content and objectives of AZA4ICE. The most important achievements were performed in WP1, contributing in project’s Output 1.1; and in WP2 contributing in project’s Output 2.1. In the frame of WP1 “Experiment the Allocated Zones for Circular Aquaculture (C-AZA) instrument in the pilot areas”, the scientific and technical partners developed the Del 1.1.1 “AZA4ICE methodology”. This methodology is the cornerstone of the project, since it details the steps that PPs will follow to define C-AZA in their pilot sites. The methodology defines the C-AZA common ecosystem approach to circular aquaculture spatial planning embedded with innovative circular production systems and described the techniques for environmental & socio-economic data collection, exchange with stakeholders, modelling-analyses-KPIs, the expected final results, etc. It is a highly transferable methodology and it is also the first project output, namely Output 1.1 “AZA4ICE methodology for circular aquaculture spatial planning embedded with innovative circular production systems”. Output 1.1 was delivered in the first reporting period, much earlier than initially planned, since the partnership identified that in this way there would be more time for the pilot activities ensuring their smooth and successful execution. PPs also developed the templates for the pilot reporting and the evaluation of the pilot results. In the frame of WP2 “Living Responsible Research Innovation Ecosystems (LiRRIEs) for quintuple-helix engagement”, the Del 2.1.1 “LiRRIE methodology” was delivered. LiRRIE methodology defines a common multi-level and multi-sectoral stakeholders’ engagement process to set up cooperation patterns and learning processes involving quintuple-helix (academia-industry-government-civil society-environment). It also details the necessary steps for LiRRIEs phases’ operationalization, members’ roles (PPs and 5-helix stakeholders) and their cooperation procedures. The LP, expert in such kind of stakeholders’ engagement processes, provided guidance to all PPs in order to start implementing the LiRRIEs in their territories, identifying the content and mapping the potential stakeholders/participants. The delivery of the LiRRIE methodology justifies the achievement of the Output 2.1 “Living Responsible Research Innovation Ecosystems (LiRRIE) methodology”, in the 1st reporting period as initially planned. Summarizing, AZA4ICE has already achieved 2 out of the 4 project outputs in the 1st reporting period, delivering two very useful and highly transferrable methodologies/solutions to the Euro-MED community. For both outputs, the transnational cooperation was an important element, based on which the specificities of all areas were taken into account and the knowledge gained in previous projects and initiatives was capitalised. Also, AZA4ICE PPs provided feedback to the JS and the governance projects under the Innovative Sustainable Economy Mission when requested, facilitating the creation of synergies between the Mission’s projects and beyond with other Missions, highlighting complementarities and potential actions towards common targets. Finally, with the aim to calculate the carbon footprint emissions caused by the project activities, AZA4ICE partners kept CO2 records to be integrated in the Programme’s dedicated online tool.

Project outputs: AZA4ICE methodology for circular aquaculture spatial planning embedded with innovative circular production systems(EN)
AZA4ICE methodology for circular aquaculture spatial planning embedded with innovative circular production systems(FR)
Living Responsible Research Innovation Ecosystems (LiRRIE) methodology(EN)
Living Responsible Research Innovation Ecosystems (LiRRIE) methodology(FR)
AZA4ICE Action Plans for the transition to an Inclusive and Circular Economy in aquaculture sector(EN)
AZA4ICE Action Plans for the transition to an Inclusive and Circular Economy in aquaculture sector(FR)
AZA4ICE cross-border cooperative alliance (FR)
AZA4ICE cross-border cooperative alliance (EN)
Website: https://interreg-euro-med.eu/en/

Thematic information

Institutional cooperation and cooperation networks SME and entrepreneurship Agriculture and fisheries and forestry

Priority: (VI-B_EM_2) Greener MED

Priority specific objective: RSO2.6. Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 075 Support to environmentally-friendly production processes and resource efficiency in SMEs

Partners (11)

Lead Partner: Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999894528

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 998219694 | EL403000004 | - (FR), - (EN)

Department: Department of Civil Engineering

Address: Panepistimioupoli-Rio, 26504 Rio, Patras, Greece

Department address: Dept. of Civil Engineering, Panepistimioupoli-Rio, 26504 Rio, Patras, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.civil.upatras.gr/

Total budget: EUR 419 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 335 680.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 83 920.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Contractors:

Name: IQSHOP OE
VAT registration or tax identification number: 800551506
Name: SYNEDRA O.E.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 801185573

Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera, I.P.

Name: Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera, I.P.

Department: Estação Piloto de Piscicultura de Olhão – EPPO / IPMA Aquaculture Research Station

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 510265600 | PT120000002 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Rua C do Aeroporto, 1749-077 Lisboa, Portugal

Department address: Av. do Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, 8700-194 Olhão, Portugal

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.ipma.pt/pt/pescas/eppo/

Total budget: EUR 264 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 211 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 52 900.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Privredna komora Crne Gore

Name: Privredna komora Crne Gore

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 953037708

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 2019574 | ME120000002 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Novaka Miloševa , 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.komora.me

Total budget: EUR 247 100.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 197 680.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 49 420.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Contractors:

Name: Predrag Janković
VAT registration or tax identification number: N/A
Name: Danilo Mrdak
VAT registration or tax identification number: N/A
Name: Radoje Laušević
VAT registration or tax identification number: N/A

Институт по Рибни Ресурси

Name: Институт по Рибни Ресурси

Department: Scientific Department of Hydrobiology and Ichthyology

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 997972861

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG148078636 | BG120000004 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Primorski, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria

Department address: Primorski, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.ifrvarna.com

Total budget: EUR 247 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 197 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 49 400.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Contractors:

Name: International Black Sea Club
VAT registration or tax identification number: 203985570

Dynamic Vision

Name: Dynamic Vision

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 800621887 | EL510000001 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Merlin, 10671 Athens, Greece

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Total budget: EUR 242 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 194 080.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 48 520.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Jadranski Inovacijski Centar

Name: Jadranski Inovacijski Centar

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 886928619

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR39854822974 | HR220000002 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Mate Lovraka, 10410 Velika Gorica, Croatia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.aih.hr

Total budget: EUR 190 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 152 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 100.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Javna ustanova Razvojna agencija Šibensko-kninske županije

Name: Javna ustanova Razvojna agencija Šibensko-kninske županije

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 911771483

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR21715496907 | HR120000005 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Narodnog preporoda, 22000 Sibenik, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.rra-sibenik.hr/

Total budget: EUR 150 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 120 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 000.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Contractors:

Name: Hippocampus j.d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 71705600115

Pôle Mer Méditerranée – Toulon Var Technologies

Name: Pôle Mer Méditerranée – Toulon Var Technologies

Department: Pôle Mer Méditerranée

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 996837573

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FR56345245260 | FR499000008 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: PLACE GEORGES POMPIDOU QUARTIER MAYOL, 83000 Toulon, France

Department address: Rue Forum de la Méditerranée 93, 83190 Ollioules, France

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.polemermediterranee.com/

Total budget: EUR 292 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 233 760.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 58 440.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Contractors:

Name: CEPRALMAR
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a
Name: HELLO PRINT
VAT registration or tax identification number: FR05881308662
Name: GBA Audit et Finance
VAT registration or tax identification number: FR02342775137

Instituto Andaluz de Investig. y Formación Agraria,Pesquera,Alimentaria y de la Producción Ecológica

Name: Instituto Andaluz de Investig. y Formación Agraria,Pesquera,Alimentaria y de la Producción Ecológica

Department: Center El Toruño

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 997591651

Partner’s ID if not PIC: Q4100689A | ES204000084 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Edificio Admin. Los Bermejales-Avenida de Grecia, 41012 Sevilla, Spain

Department address: Centro IFAPA El Toruño. Camino tiro de pichon, 11500 El Puerto de Santa Maria , Spain

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.ifapa.es

Total budget: EUR 332 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 265 760.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 66 440.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Contractors:

Name: Luis Mozos Daimiel- A.Difusión
VAT registration or tax identification number: 28883776P
Name: CEIMAR Foundation
VAT registration or tax identification number: G72227549

Fondazione IMC – Centro Marino Internazionale

Name: Fondazione IMC – Centro Marino Internazionale

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 928046531

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00603710955 | IT120000012 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Loc. Sa Mardini Torregrande, 09170 Oristano, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.fondazioneimc.it

Total budget: EUR 385 786.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 308 628.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 77 157.20

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Contractors:

Name: Alvito Andrea
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT03749830927

Περιφερεια Ιονιων Νησων

Name: Περιφερεια Ιονιων Νησων

Department: Directorate of Development Programming

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 914580506

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 997913715 | EL120000006 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: SAMARA, 49100 CORFU , Greece

Department address: Antoniou Tzevelekis, 31100 Lefkada , Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.pin.gov.gr

Total budget: EUR 190 700.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 152 560.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 140.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Partners map

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): 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

Project acronym: AZA4ICE

Project ID: Euro-MED0200819

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-09-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

BLUEfasma - Empowering innovation capacity of SMEs, maritime clusters and networks in MED islands and coastal areas to support blue circular economy growth in fishing/aquaculture | Programme: Interreg MED 2014-2020 | 2019 – 2022
BLUEfasma integrated and implemented Circular Economy (CE) principles in the key blue growth sector of fishing and aquaculture to benefit insular/coastal areas. BLUEfasma changed the current thinking of the fishing and aquaculture sector on circularity by a) Replicating effective CE work, b) Testing the upgraded circularity self-assessment tool in 11 participating territories, c) Organising BLUEfasma Living Labs and targeted transferring activities, d) Shifting policy towards CE, e) Systematizing funding opportunities for blue CE innovation business investment. Project key outputs were: 1) the BLUEfasma Consolidated knowledge base to systematize best practices, tools, solutions and methods in fishing/aquaculture; 2) the Circular Economy readiness index-circularity self-assessment tool, demonstrated in BLUEfasma online platform; used as a unified MED measure of SMEs readiness and willingness to invest in CE and act as a decision support tool. The index has high transferability to any coastal/insular area.; 3) the BLUEfasma e-network established to facilitate experience exchange and networking among all actors of fishing/aquaculture sector; 4) the BLUEfasma Livings Labs integrating R&I and creating user-centered open innovation ecosystems focused on circularity increase in fishing/aquaculture; 5) the BLUEfasma Capacity Building Instrument integrating financing/mentoring/coaching opportunities for R&I business investment in fishing/aquaculture; 6) Systematized policy inputs by Thematic Working Group shifting local/regional policies towards Circular Economy.
The project was part of the Interreg MED Blue Growth community, providing feedback to further transfer and capitalise on the project achievements, while co-organised events and activities. (EN), BLUEfasma - Empowering innovation capacity of SMEs, maritime clusters and networks in MED islands and coastal areas to support blue circular economy growth in fishing/aquaculture | Programme: Interreg MED 2014-2020 | 2019 – 2022
BLUEfasma integrated and implemented Circular Economy (CE) principles in the key blue growth sector of fishing and aquaculture to benefit insular/coastal areas. BLUEfasma changed the current thinking of the fishing and aquaculture sector on circularity by a) Replicating effective CE work, b) Testing the upgraded circularity self-assessment tool in 11 participating territories, c) Organising BLUEfasma Living Labs and targeted transferring activities, d) Shifting policy towards CE, e) Systematizing funding opportunities for blue CE innovation business investment. Project key outputs were: 1) the BLUEfasma Consolidated knowledge base to systematize best practices, tools, solutions and methods in fishing/aquaculture; 2) the Circular Economy readiness index - circularity self-assessment tool, demonstrated in BLUEfasma online platform; used as a unified MED measure of SMEs readiness and willingness to invest in CE and act as a decision support tool. The index has high transferability to any coastal/insular area.; 3) the BLUEfasma e-network established to facilitate experience exchange and networking among all actors of fishing/aquaculture sector; 4) the BLUEfasma Livings Labs integrating R&I and creating user-centered open innovation ecosystems focused on circularity increase in fishing/aquaculture; 5) the BLUEfasma Capacity Building Instrument integrating financing/mentoring/coaching opportunities for R&I business investment in fishing/aquaculture; 6) Systematized policy inputs by Thematic Working Group shifting local/regional policies towards Circular Economy.
The project was part of the Interreg MED Blue Growth community, providing feedback to further transfer and capitalise on the project achievements, while co-organised events and activities. (FR) | Project Partners UPatras, IMC, PMM-TVT, DVISION, PKCG were involved in BLUEfasma and will bring knowledge and experiences gained throughout the AZA4ICE implementation.
More specifically, AZA4ICE will benefit from the key outputs of BLUEfasma as follows:
- The BLUEfasma circularity self-assessment tool will be further tested in new areas and territories to calculate the circularity readiness and willingness of the aquaculture SMEs during the first phase of LiRRIEs (A2.2). This data will be complimentary to the one collected during BLUEfasma implementation and will lead to a more complete Circular Economy readiness index for the Euro-MED area.
- The BLUEfasma Living Lab methodology will be enriched with the principles of Responsible Research Innovation-RRI (European Commission) following the RRI roadmap developed in the project MARINA (Horizon 2020) going beyond Living Labs creating the new innovative idea of LiRRIEs (A2.1). It will be adapted to AZA4ICE particular needs and evolved to engage stakeholders from the quintuple-helix instead of the quadruple-helix.
- The knowledge and information consolidated in the BLUEfasma Knowledge Base and Capacity Building Instrument will be valorized during the LiRRIEs educational, training and mentoring events (A2.4).
- The BLUEfasma policy inputs including the White Paper – “Proposing solutions to overcome barriers and support blue Circular Economy in Mediterranean fishery and aquaculture sectors” can facilitate the discussions for the development of the AZA4ICE Action Plans (A3.2).
(FR), Project Partners UPatras, IMC, PMM-TVT, DVISION, PKCG were involved in BLUEfasma and will bring knowledge and experiences gained throughout the AZA4ICE implementation.
More specifically, AZA4ICE will benefit from the key outputs of BLUEfasma as follows:
- The BLUEfasma circularity self-assessment tool will be further tested in new areas and territories to calculate the circularity readiness and willingness of the aquaculture SMEs during the first phase of LiRRIEs (A2.2). This data will be complimentary to the one collected during BLUEfasma implementation and will lead to a more complete Circular Economy readiness index for the Euro-MED area.
- The BLUEfasma Living Lab methodology will be enriched with the principles of Responsible Research Innovation-RRI (European Commission) following the RRI roadmap developed in the project MARINA (Horizon 2020) going beyond Living Labs creating the new innovative idea of LiRRIEs (A2.1). It will be adapted to AZA4ICE particular needs and evolved to engage stakeholders from the quintuple-helix instead of the quadruple-helix.
- The knowledge and information consolidated in the BLUEfasma Knowledge Base and Capacity Building Instrument will be valorized during the LiRRIEs educational, training and mentoring events (A2.4).
- The BLUEfasma policy inputs including the White Paper – “Proposing solutions to overcome barriers and support blue Circular Economy in Mediterranean fishery and aquaculture sectors” can facilitate the discussions for the development of the AZA4ICE Action Plans (A3.2).
(EN), AZA Sardegna – Study for the improvement of knowledge on aquatic ecosystems aimed at the precise identification and mapping of areas suitable for aquaculture activities and the preparation of the Regional Plan for the areas Allocated Zones for Aquaculture (AZA) at sea and for aquaculture in inland waters | Programme: EMFF 2014-2020 | 2020 – 2022
The AZA Sardegna project pertained to the Sardinian territorial sea waters, lagoons, and lakes. This project was aimed at identifying the environmental, social and economic conditions that allow the development of sustainable aquaculture, guaranteeing the protection of the environment, and the reduction of potential conflicts between different uses, facilitating synergies and co-uses.
The planning was based on the use of scientific, environmental, legal, technical and socio-economic evidence, in order to guarantee the conservation and protection of the environment and territories, the maintenance of a good ecological status and the prevention of habitat and ecosystem degradation. An AZA instrument was developed that first assessed the suitability of the three aquatic ecosystems for aquaculture. The methodological framework was developed applying a multidisciplinary approach, considering for example oceanographic analyses, bio-physiological models, and satellite data, to assess the suitability of aquatic ecosystems for aquaculture activities. The suitability for aquaculture was estimated and subsequently a species-specific suitability index was calculated for different species.
(EN), AZA Sardegna – Study for the improvement of knowledge on aquatic ecosystems aimed at the precise identification and mapping of areas suitable for aquaculture activities and the preparation of the Regional Plan for the areas Allocated Zones for Aquaculture (AZA) at sea and for aquaculture in inland waters | Programme: EMFF 2014-2020 | 2020 – 2022
The AZA Sardegna project pertained to the Sardinian territorial sea waters, lagoons, and lakes. This project was aimed at identifying the environmental, social and economic conditions that allow the development of sustainable aquaculture, guaranteeing the protection of the environment, and the reduction of potential conflicts between different uses, facilitating synergies and co-uses.
The planning was based on the use of scientific, environmental, legal, technical and socio-economic evidence, in order to guarantee the conservation and protection of the environment and territories, the maintenance of a good ecological status and the prevention of habitat and ecosystem degradation. An AZA instrument was developed that first assessed the suitability of the three aquatic ecosystems for aquaculture. The methodological framework was developed applying a multidisciplinary approach, considering for example oceanographic analyses, bio-physiological models, and satellite data, to assess the suitability of aquatic ecosystems for aquaculture activities. The suitability for aquaculture was estimated and subsequently a species-specific suitability index was calculated for different species.
(FR) | Project Partner IMC carried out the AZA Sardegna project and will bring the deep scientific knowledge and know-how in AZA4ICE and will lead the partnership throughout WP1.
The AZA instrument developed within the AZA Sardegna project will set the base for testing activities in the AZA4ICE involved territories. AZA4ICE suggests real innovation and will go far beyond the already achieved outputs and results since it will progress towards two new directions. Firstly, AZA instrument will be embedded with circular aquaculture practices, Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) conducting relevant suitability analysis in the involved territories. Thus, AZA4ICE will be the first project integrating and testing these instruments in the Euro-MED area (A1.1). Secondly, AZA4ICE will be pioneer since the partnership will test the upgraded AZA instrument to a wider scale of close-to-coast and inland waters, which till now has been applied only in Sardinia (A1.2). Moreover, the experience about the participatory approach to aquaculture spatial planning will be capitalised to involve AZA4ICE stakeholders and local communities (A2.2), ensuring both the resilience of the planning actions themselves, and a medium and long-term impact of project activities (A1.3). Concluding, it will be the first systematic approach for the identification of suitable circular aquaculture areas and their management in close-to-coast and inland waters in the Euro-MED area.
(FR), Project Partner IMC carried out the AZA Sardegna project and will bring the deep scientific knowledge and know-how in AZA4ICE and will lead the partnership throughout WP1.
The AZA instrument developed within the AZA Sardegna project will set the base for testing activities in the AZA4ICE involved territories. AZA4ICE suggests real innovation and will go far beyond the already achieved outputs and results since it will progress towards two new directions. Firstly, AZA instrument will be embedded with circular aquaculture practices, Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) conducting relevant suitability analysis in the involved territories. Thus, AZA4ICE will be the first project integrating and testing these instruments in the Euro-MED area (A1.1). Secondly, AZA4ICE will be pioneer since the partnership will test the upgraded AZA instrument to a wider scale of close-to-coast and inland waters, which till now has been applied only in Sardinia (A1.2). Moreover, the experience about the participatory approach to aquaculture spatial planning will be capitalised to involve AZA4ICE stakeholders and local communities (A2.2), ensuring both the resilience of the planning actions themselves, and a medium and long-term impact of project activities (A1.3). Concluding, it will be the first systematic approach for the identification of suitable circular aquaculture areas and their management in close-to-coast and inland waters in the Euro-MED area.
(EN), ARGOS – ShARed Governance of Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture activities as leverage to protect marine resources in the Adriatic Sea | Programme: Interreg Italy-Croatia 2014-2020 | 2020 – 2023
The main objective of this strategic project is to promote and apply a joint integrated approach in the protection of marine resources and the preservation of the quality of the Adriatic Sea through institutional and operational activities aimed at reducing the direct and indirect human impact on fisheries and aquaculture.
The project aims to: a) establish a common coordinated framework and strengthen the institutional dialogue for a sustainable and shared management of Adriatic marine resources, putting together Adriatic Institutions dealing in fisheries and aquaculture and Argos' partners through the Adriatic Advisory Committee (AAC); b) protect Adriatic fishing resources according to the decisional processes shared with the best available “know-how”; c) improve fishing techniques oriented toward environmental sustainability and circular economy.
Project final outputs are:
1. Maritime Spatial Planning studies to deepen the overlaps in the use of marine space
2. Assessment of interactions between environmental management and social-economic impacts
3. Standardization of existing data on Adriatic biological resources
4. Running of bio-economic models for stock assessments
5. Implementation of pilot actions
6. Definition of a cross border network to share project results and define the best practices for training operators towards environmental sustainability and the adoption of responsible practices in fisheries and aquaculture.
Adriatic Advisory Council, as a process for governance, aim at defining common measures for the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture activities, in the framework of the protection of the marine Adriatic environment.
(EN), ARGOS – ShARed Governance of Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture activities as leverage to protect marine resources in the Adriatic Sea | Programme: Interreg Italy-Croatia 2014-2020 | 2020 – 2023
The main objective of this strategic project is to promote and apply a joint integrated approach in the protection of marine resources and the preservation of the quality of the Adriatic Sea through institutional and operational activities aimed at reducing the direct and indirect human impact on fisheries and aquaculture.
The project aims to: a) establish a common coordinated framework and strengthen the institutional dialogue for a sustainable and shared management of Adriatic marine resources, putting together Adriatic Institutions dealing in fisheries and aquaculture and Argos' partners through the Adriatic Advisory Committee (AAC); b) protect Adriatic fishing resources according to the decisional processes shared with the best available “know-how”; c) improve fishing techniques oriented toward environmental sustainability and circular economy.
Project final outputs are:
1. Maritime Spatial Planning studies to deepen the overlaps in the use of marine space
2. Assessment of interactions between environmental management and social-economic impacts
3. Standardization of existing data on Adriatic biological resources
4. Running of bio-economic models for stock assessments
5. Implementation of pilot actions
6. Definition of a cross border network to share project results and define the best practices for training operators towards environmental sustainability and the adoption of responsible practices in fisheries and aquaculture.
Adriatic Advisory Council, as a process for governance, aim at defining common measures for the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture activities, in the framework of the protection of the marine Adriatic environment.
(FR) | Project Partner PI-DA-SKC is involved (as Project Partner) in ARGOS project and through this connection the following project results will be used for the implementation of AZA4ICE activities:
- ARGOS Maritime Spatial Planning studies will be taken into account during the development of the AZA4ICE testing methodology (A1.1).
- AZA4ICE is studying the interactions between environmental management and social-economic impacts of aquaculture activities in close-to-coast and inland areas; thus the results of ARGOS relevant assessment will be valorized when developing the AZA4ICE testing methodology (A1.1).
- ARGOS bio-economic models for stock assessments will be taken into account during AZA4ICE species suitability analysis (A1.2).
- AZA4ICE will involve stakeholders of the ARGOS network in the implementation of LiRRIEs (A2.2) in Italy and Croatia.
(EN), Project Partner PI-DA-SKC is involved (as Project Partner) in ARGOS project and through this connection the following project results will be used for the implementation of AZA4ICE activities:
- ARGOS Maritime Spatial Planning studies will be taken into account during the development of the AZA4ICE testing methodology (A1.1).
- AZA4ICE is studying the interactions between environmental management and social-economic impacts of aquaculture activities in close-to-coast and inland areas; thus the results of ARGOS relevant assessment will be valorized when developing the AZA4ICE testing methodology (A1.1).
- ARGOS bio-economic models for stock assessments will be taken into account during AZA4ICE species suitability analysis (A1.2).
- AZA4ICE will involve stakeholders of the ARGOS network in the implementation of LiRRIEs (A2.2) in Italy and Croatia.
(FR), B-Blue - Building the blue biotechnology community in the Mediterranean | Programme: Interreg MED 2014-2020 | 2020 – 2022
10 partners with proved experience in the Blue Bioeconomy field from 8 Med countries and more than 300 MED stakeholders from universities, research centres, public authorities, business support organizations and MED multilateral organizations worked together to create the Blue Biotechnologies (BBt) community in the Mediterranean, developing a multilateral coordination framework and facilitating design and implementation of joint and integrated plans.
The exploitation of marine bio-resources through biotechnological solutions is a field with massive potential for innovation and economic growth. This field is a relatively young discipline, so opportunities and key enabling factors needed a coordination.
B-Blue project aimed at gathering the key actors of the MED BBt sector and increase their innovation capacity and their coordination in order to unlock the innovation potential in the field through joint transnational initiatives, involving also organizations from the Southern Shore of the Mediterranean.
(FR), B-Blue - Building the blue biotechnology community in the Mediterranean | Programme: Interreg MED 2014-2020 | 2020 – 2022
10 partners with proved experience in the Blue Bioeconomy field from 8 Med countries and more than 300 MED stakeholders from universities, research centres, public authorities, business support organizations and MED multilateral organizations worked together to create the Blue Biotechnologies (BBt) community in the Mediterranean, developing a multilateral coordination framework and facilitating design and implementation of joint and integrated plans.
The exploitation of marine bio-resources through biotechnological solutions is a field with massive potential for innovation and economic growth. This field is a relatively young discipline, so opportunities and key enabling factors needed a coordination.
B-Blue project aimed at gathering the key actors of the MED BBt sector and increase their innovation capacity and their coordination in order to unlock the innovation potential in the field through joint transnational initiatives, involving also organizations from the Southern Shore of the Mediterranean.
(EN) | Project Partner PMM-TVT was involved (as Project Partner) in B-Blue project and AZA4ICE will benefit through B-Blue lessons learnt concerning innovative bio-technologies that can be applied in the aquaculture sector.
More specifically, the B-Blue work on Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture - IMTA conducted by groups of scientific and aquaculture professionals in the framework of the BBt community will be used as input for the IMTA suitability analysis in the AZA4ICE pilot sites (A1.2). Also, the B-Blue Deliverable 3.2.2 – “BBt research challenges and market oriented evaluation of most promising value chains” will be further studied by AZA4ICE partnership when developing the guidelines towards circular aquaculture businesses (A3.1).
(EN), Project Partner PMM-TVT was involved (as Project Partner) in B-Blue project and AZA4ICE will benefit through B-Blue lessons learnt concerning innovative bio-technologies that can be applied in the aquaculture sector.
More specifically, the B-Blue work on Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture - IMTA conducted by groups of scientific and aquaculture professionals in the framework of the BBt community will be used as input for the IMTA suitability analysis in the AZA4ICE pilot sites (A1.2). Also, the B-Blue Deliverable 3.2.2 – “BBt research challenges and market oriented evaluation of most promising value chains” will be further studied by AZA4ICE partnership when developing the guidelines towards circular aquaculture businesses (A3.1).
(FR), MARINA – Marine Knowledge Sharing Platform for Federating Responsible Research and Innovation Communities | Programme: Horizon 2020 | 2016 – 2019
The Marina project aim was to create an all-inclusive Knowledge Sharing Platform (KSP) catalysing and organising the convergence of already existing networks, communities, on-line platforms and services providing an online socio-technical environment that facilitates and stimulates the direct engagement of researchers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), citizens, industry stakeholders, policy and decision makers, research funders and communicators for improving Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI).
In particular, the project established, curated and experimented a Responsible Research and Innovation platform involving societal actors working together during the whole research and innovation process for aligning better both the process and its outcomes, with the values, needs and expectations of European society, integrating citizens visions, needs and desires into science and innovation, promoting RRI with focus on marine issues and pressures that have important effects on the European societies. The project activities and outcomes defined this systematic approach in order to make it transferable and reproducible for any RRI thematic domain. The outcome was a clear improvement of the integration of society in science and innovation. The MARINA project followed this strategic line of “strengthening and facilitating” the capacity of the research and innovation to align and integrate the social needs through a suitable knowledge sharing platform and federating activities.
(EN), MARINA – Marine Knowledge Sharing Platform for Federating Responsible Research and Innovation Communities | Programme: Horizon 2020 | 2016 – 2019
The Marina project aim was to create an all-inclusive Knowledge Sharing Platform (KSP) catalysing and organising the convergence of already existing networks, communities, on-line platforms and services providing an online socio-technical environment that facilitates and stimulates the direct engagement of researchers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), citizens, industry stakeholders, policy and decision makers, research funders and communicators for improving Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI).
In particular, the project established, curated and experimented a Responsible Research and Innovation platform involving societal actors working together during the whole research and innovation process for aligning better both the process and its outcomes, with the values, needs and expectations of European society, integrating citizens visions, needs and desires into science and innovation, promoting RRI with focus on marine issues and pressures that have important effects on the European societies. The project activities and outcomes defined this systematic approach in order to make it transferable and reproducible for any RRI thematic domain. The outcome was a clear improvement of the integration of society in science and innovation. The MARINA project followed this strategic line of “strengthening and facilitating” the capacity of the research and innovation to align and integrate the social needs through a suitable knowledge sharing platform and federating activities.
(FR) | Project Partner UPatras has close collaboration with the partnership of the MARINA project and through this mutual exchange of research results AZA4ICE will benefit as follows:
The RRI Roadmap was developed as the end result of the MARINA’s 45 mobilisation and mutual learning multidisciplinary workshops covering Blue Growth topics (e.g., aquaculture, sustainable fishing, marine biotechnology, coastal erosion due to climate change).
The RRI Roadmap provides a methodology for addressing a societal challenge through the multidisciplinary involvement of scientists and researchers, industry and SMEs, policy-makers, and citizens and civil society organisations. The RRI Roadmap's 8 milestones and steps provide practical advice for building trust and achieving pragmatic goals through co-design and co-construction. It is a methodology for motivating change and for engaging stakeholders with different priorities. The RRI Roadmap may be applied in any field.
AZA4ICE will enrich BLUEfasma Living Lab methodology with the principles of Responsible Research Innovation-RRI (European Commission) following this RRI roadmap, going beyond Living Labs creating the new innovative idea of LiRRIEs (A2.1).
(FR), Project Partner UPatras has close collaboration with the partnership of the MARINA project and through this mutual exchange of research results AZA4ICE will benefit as follows:
The RRI Roadmap was developed as the end result of the MARINA’s 45 mobilisation and mutual learning multidisciplinary workshops covering Blue Growth topics (e.g., aquaculture, sustainable fishing, marine biotechnology, coastal erosion due to climate change).
The RRI Roadmap provides a methodology for addressing a societal challenge through the multidisciplinary involvement of scientists and researchers, industry and SMEs, policy-makers, and citizens and civil society organisations. The RRI Roadmap's 8 milestones and steps provide practical advice for building trust and achieving pragmatic goals through co-design and co-construction. It is a methodology for motivating change and for engaging stakeholders with different priorities. The RRI Roadmap may be applied in any field.
AZA4ICE will enrich BLUEfasma Living Lab methodology with the principles of Responsible Research Innovation-RRI (European Commission) following this RRI roadmap, going beyond Living Labs creating the new innovative idea of LiRRIEs (A2.1).
(EN), P.Ri.S.Ma. MED - Piano RIfiuti e Scarti in Mare di pesca, acquacoltura e diporto nel Mediterraneo | Programme: Interreg Italie-France Maritime 2014-2020 | 2019 – 2021
The strategic objective of P.Ri.S.Ma. MED is to innovate governance and integrated management, in commercial ports, of fishing, aquaculture and leisure waste through the adoption of a waste and debris plan for fishing, aquaculture and leisure activities.
The project had three specific objectives: experimentation with best practices, preparation of best practice protocols and adoption documents.
The experimentation of best practices was implemented through the following actions:
1) monitoring and classification pilot actions in the whole area of cooperation to assess, by means of a specific questionnaire, which allows to understand the type and volume of waste produced and collected by fishing, aquaculture, leisure, the methods currently adopted in the ports for their treatment and disposal, the verification of the presence of areas intended for collection and storage;
2) four pilot actions for the management of different types of waste:
- Pilot action on management/disposal of urban and special waste: characterization of waste, storage and disposal guidelines, establishment of ecological islands;
- Pilot action on Organic waste - Circular economy: characterization of waste and feasibility plan for the creation of special treatment plants;
- Pilot action on fishing and aquaculture networks - Circular economy: recovery of networks at sea and on land, preparation of the collection point, feasibility plan for the creation of special treatment plants;
- Pilot action on Mollusculture: characterization of the inorganic fraction and feasibility plan for the creation of special treatment plants.
(FR), P.Ri.S.Ma. MED - Piano RIfiuti e Scarti in Mare di pesca, acquacoltura e diporto nel Mediterraneo | Programme: Interreg Italie-France Maritime 2014-2020 | 2019 – 2021
The strategic objective of P.Ri.S.Ma. MED is to innovate governance and integrated management, in commercial ports, of fishing, aquaculture and leisure waste through the adoption of a waste and debris plan for fishing, aquaculture and leisure activities.
The project had three specific objectives: experimentation with best practices, preparation of best practice protocols and adoption documents.
The experimentation of best practices was implemented through the following actions:
1) monitoring and classification pilot actions in the whole area of cooperation to assess, by means of a specific questionnaire, which allows to understand the type and volume of waste produced and collected by fishing, aquaculture, leisure, the methods currently adopted in the ports for their treatment and disposal, the verification of the presence of areas intended for collection and storage;
2) four pilot actions for the management of different types of waste:
- Pilot action on management/disposal of urban and special waste: characterization of waste, storage and disposal guidelines, establishment of ecological islands;
- Pilot action on Organic waste - Circular economy: characterization of waste and feasibility plan for the creation of special treatment plants;
- Pilot action on fishing and aquaculture networks - Circular economy: recovery of networks at sea and on land, preparation of the collection point, feasibility plan for the creation of special treatment plants;
- Pilot action on Mollusculture: characterization of the inorganic fraction and feasibility plan for the creation of special treatment plants.
(EN) | Associated Project Partner FLAG Nord Sardegna was involved (as Project Partner) in the P.Ri.S.Ma. MED project and will bring the knowledge gained during this project to AZA4ICE partnership regarding the governance and integrated management of waste from aquaculture.
FLAG Nord Sardegna will support AZA4ICE by providing the results obtained through the P.Ri.S.Ma. MED pilot actions, namely the protocols of good practices for the integrated management of waste which were drawn up between operators, local authorities, port authorities and managers, providing to the parties concerned all the modalities for the proper treatment of these by-products and, subsequently, an outline of the act with a view to its adoption. This will be systematically achieved through the educational, training and mentoring phases of LiRRIEs (A2.4).
AZA4ICE stakeholders and in particular aqu

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 962 186.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 369 748.80

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

AZA4ICE methodology
AZA4ICE methodology
Open access C-AZA geospatial platform
Open access C-AZA geospatial platform
LiRRIE methodology
LiRRIE methodology
Identifying the circularity baseline with the BLUEfasma Circularity Self-Assessment Tool
Identifying the circularity baseline with the BLUEfasma Circularity Self-Assessment Tool
Educational and training material
Educational and training material
AZA4ICE board game
AZA4ICE board game
AZA4ICE comic book
AZA4ICE comic book
Guide with circular aquaculture business practices and opportunities
Guide with circular aquaculture business practices and opportunities
Common transnational strategy for drafting the AZA4ICE Action Plans
Common transnational strategy for drafting the AZA4ICE Action Plans
AZA4ICE Action Plans
AZA4ICE Action Plans
Memorandum of Understanding
Memorandum of Understanding
Plan for transferability of AZA4ICE results
Plan for transferability of AZA4ICE results

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal Aligned to Green Deal & transformative policy Farm-to-Fork, AZA4ICE will empower sustainable aquaculture development, building a sustainable/circular food system integrated with IMTA/RAS, crucial to achieve environmental neutrality while increasing primary producers income, creating new business opportunities & strengthening EU competitiveness.
AZA4ICE will follow Green Deal priorities & 1 of its main building blocks, CE, accelerating the transition to a sustainable model of inclusive growth achieving blue CE in aquaculture.
This will be addressed by LiRRIEs built on an innovative 5-helix approach involving the essential dimension ‘environment’ to academia-industry-government-civil society.
AZA4ICE will test C-AZA instrument to integrate CE practices, innovative circular production models, in the identification of suitable spaces for aquaculture activities.
AZA4ICE methodology will be a reliable tool to support sustainable aquaculture development that encompasses marine environments, & ensure blue economic growth decoupled from natural resources’ efficient use. AZA4ICE approach will be a reference for public/private entities to reduce aquaculture impact on ecosystems, ensuring sustainable development. Project Action Plans will secure the transition to inclusive & CE in aquaculture.
AZA4ICE will organize targeted awareness campaigns to achieve consumers’ behavioral change on innovative aquaculture food consumption, produced locally with CE practices; increase civil society’s acceptance on aquaculture development in their area, building resilient communities. Whole aquaculture value-chain will be trained in CE practices reducing environmental impact of aquaculture products’ packaging, retailers, suppliers, storage & transport. In line with transformative policies ‘Preserving/restoring ecosystems/biodiversity’ & ‘A zero pollution ambition for toxic-free environment’, AZA4ICE will integrate CE practices in aquaculture leading to ecosystems preservation & zero littering.
TerritorialAgenda2030 AZA4ICE activities and outputs are strongly linked with the objectives and all priorities of Territorial Agenda 2030. The project will contribute to the transition to an inclusive, circular and sustainable territorial future in aquaculture through the valorization of scientific and socio-economic evidence in circular aquaculture spatial planning processes.
Territorial approaches emphasized in Agenda 2030 will be the base for the validation of a common methodology for circular aquaculture spatial planning-AZA4ICE methodology, which will be achieved through LiRRIES approach. Indeed, LiRRIE will ensure a spatial planning that takes into account the territorial dimension and the community local knowledge; bringing a ‘bottom-up’ vision. The primary objectives of AZA4ICE are mostly directed towards achieving the goals of Agenda 2030 to achieve Euro-MED cooperation through activities targeting at the sustainable development of aquatic ecosystems. AZA4ICE actions will offer new perspectives to the aquaculture sector guaranteeing sustainability for future generations in a Green, Blue and Circular Economy Europe that will protect the natural capital and will rationalize the exploitation of water resources shaping social transition.
AZA4ICE will ensure the cooperation and coordination between places, levels of governments, policy sectors and societal groups to address complex issues (circular aquaculture spatial planning) and utilize diverse potential (C-AZA instrument, IMTA/RAS) through the LiRRIEs and the development of common relevant Strategy and Actions Plans which will secure the transition to inclusive and CE in aquaculture.
To support Agenda 2030, a Memorandum of Understanding between the AZA4ICE Partnership and relevant stakeholders (PAs, decision makers) will guarantee their commitment to a holistic approach to circular aquaculture spatial planning and sustainability in the process of decision-making.
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion AZA4ICE is geographically linked with EUSAIR macro-regional strategy, involving PPs from HR-GR-IT-MNE. They share common objectives & territorial challenges eg promotion of sustainable growth, economic & social prosperity in the regions.
AZA4ICE activities will widely contribute to EUSAIR and Pillar 1, 3 & 4, by supporting blue growth, fostering circular aquaculture development and ensuring environmental quality of the aquatic ecosystems & aquaculture co-existence with other economic operations. The project will facilitate EUSAIR Thematic Steering Groups’ debate aiming to common events in order to exchange on public policies/strategies related to AZA4ICE topics, in Adriatic-Ionian.
Related to 3 topics of Pillar 1, AZA4ICE will ensure knowledge circulation between research & business communities in aquaculture fostering their competitiveness/innovation capacity in blue circular aquaculture; increase transnational synergies between clusters & actors of 5-helix via LiRRIEs; enable citizens to consume innovative aquaculture food produced locally following CE; develop Action Plans towards the transition to Inclusive & CE aquaculture enhancing administrative/institutional capacities on circular aquaculture spatial planning, fostering sea basin governance. Thus, AZA4ICE will contribute to a more sustainable blue economy & environmental-friendly aquaculture, with improved stakeholders’ skills and diversification for businesses.
The implementation of a common ecosystem approach to circular aquaculture spatial planning will ensure CE in aquaculture; a good environmental & ecological status of close-to-coast & inland water environments reducing waste & nutrient loss; and eliminate activities’ littering supporting further the Pillar 3(.1.b).
Pillar 4 represents a transversal theme for the aquaculture sector. AZA4ICE will increase aquaculture activities potentials but at the same time it will take measures to ensure a harmonic co-existence with tourism activities.
EUStrategyAlpineRegion AZA4ICE is geographically linked with EUSALP macro-regional strategy, involving one Partner from Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
AZA4ICE and EUSALP share common visions related to economic growth and Innovation (EUSALP 1st Thematic Policy Area) and environment (EUSALP 3rd Thematic Policy Area).
Although aquaculture is not EUSALP first priority, many Alpine regions demonstrate aquaculture activities and/or have the potential for aquaculture development in inland & close-to-coast waters (lagoons, enclosed bays, lakes).
In this direction and aligned to EUSALP 1st Thematic Policy Area and the corresponding Action Groups, AZA4ICE will ensure knowledge circulation between research & business communities in aquaculture fostering their competitiveness and innovation capacity in blue circular aquaculture and also transferring research into practice; create new business opportunities in circular aquaculture supporting the enterprises; and increase transnational synergies between business and actors of 5-helix. AZA4ICE will contribute to the improvement of stakeholders’ skills. These actions will be achieved through LiRRIEs.
In line with the EUSALP 3rd Thematic Policy Area, AZA4ICE will enhance the efficient natural resources use, such as water and its exploitation in an environmentally friendly way.
AZA4ICE main goal is the promotion of Circular Economy in the aquaculture activities and the reinforcement of the Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture - IMTA which provides the by products, including waste, from one aquatic species as inputs (eg fertilizers, food) for another and the Recirculation Aquaculture System – RAS which reuse water after mechanical and biological filtration and removal of suspended matter and metabolites; thus empowering a sustainable use of natural resources.
MediterraneanSeaBasin WestMED initiative is the result of years of dialogue between 10 western Med countries involved in ‘5+5Dialogue’: 5 EU Member States (France-Italy-Portugal-Spain-Malta) + 5 Southern countries (Algeria-Libya-Mauritania-Morocco-Tunisia), to increase maritime safety/security, promote sustainable blue growth & jobs, and preserve ecosystems & biodiversity.
WestMED established “AquaWest” Technical Group to support the adoption of innovative, eco-compatible sustainable aquaculture practices in western Med, focusing on the needs and opportunities of WestMED countries to benefit from existing innovative practices. AZA4ICE will be directly involved in WestMED Initiative & AquaWest since PMM-TVT (AZA4ICE PP) is the WestMED French National Hub, contributing specifically in WestMED Goals 2, 3 & 5.
AZA4ICE will foster sustainable blue growth & business/jobs creation in the western Med regions; amplify knowledge exchange between PPs, APs (from South & North Med) and project target groups during LiRRIEs; facilitate policy development (project Strategy/Action Plans) related to the efficient circular aquaculture spatial planning, empowering stakeholders’ cooperation.
AZA4ICE will intensify aquatic clustering, sustainable consumption & production models (IMTA/RAS), and skills development via LiRRIEs; contribute to the implementation of modern concepts on aquaculture planning, extending them to close-to-coast & inland waters.
AZA4ICE activities are strongly linked to WestMED Priority 2.4 promoting the development of common technical standards for sustainable aquaculture & aquaculture diversification by integrating multi-trophic farming system.
AZA4ICE will act on local/regional challenges providing knowledge on blue economy, sharing opportunities in the region, enhancing cross-border synergies between stakeholders and supporting them in developing sustainable & innovative products. Also, AZA4ICE & WestMED will mutually organize common actions, such as events & networking activities.
Other GFCM 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea aims to preserve the heritage of fisheries & aquaculture of Med. & Black Sea, ensuring their transformation into a productive/sustainable food system that contributes to thriving economies & healthy ecosystems. To fulfil its overarching sustainability vision, GFCM2030 is articulated around 5 Targets.
AZA4ICE is concretely in line with Target 3 related to aquaculture sustainable development. The project will intensify the effective and efficient aquaculture governance framework by increasing transnational synergies and governance between public and private entities & all 5-helix actors via LiRRIEs (also in line with Target 5) and developing Action Plans towards the transition to Inclusive & CE aquaculture enhancing administrative/institutional capacities on circular aquaculture spatial planning and thus better governance.
AZA4ICE will support the blue transformation of the aquaculture through the common innovative ecosystem’s spatial planning instrument embedded with circular practices, C-AZA, which will be tested during project. Along with the guidelines towards circular aquaculture businesses, which will increase circularity in businesses, it will lead to responsible production systems and sustainable and impactful investments. It will ensure knowledge circulation between research & business communities in aquaculture fostering their competitiveness/innovation capacity in blue circular aquaculture; improving sector’s footprint being also aligned to Target 5.
AZA4ICE will organize targeted awareness campaigns to achieve consumers’ behavioral change on consumption of sustainable/innovative aquaculture food, produced locally following CE practices and IMTA/RAS concepts; increasing civil society’s acceptance on aquaculture development in their area, building long-term resilient communities and improving citizens’ perception of aquaculture as indicated also in Target 3.
Other The BlueMed Implementation Plan & BlueMed Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda
The BlueMed Implementation Plan presents the shared priority goals, resulting from the preliminary Prioritisation work, and addresses thematic and structuring activities to be developed in order to ignite a transformative process at Mediterranean level. Each priority is concretely linked to a key challenge of the ‘BlueMed Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda’ (SRIA).
In line with Plan’s Priorities (P) 2, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, AZA4ICE will contribute in the following way:
P.2: It will integrate CE in aquaculture activities and reinforce the Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture - IMTA which provides the by products, including waste, from one aquatic species as inputs (eg fertilizers, food) for another and Recirculation Aquaculture System – RAS which reuse water after mechanical and biological filtration and removal of suspended matter and metabolites; leading to innovative and sustainable aquaculture food production. These best practices are aligned also to P.8.
P.6: It will elaborate a common ecosystem approach to circular aquaculture spatial planning ensuring CE in aquaculture.
P.11 & 12: It will ensure knowledge circulation between research & business communities in aquaculture fostering their competitiveness/innovation capacity in blue circular aquaculture; increase transnational synergies between representatives of 5-helix, academia-industry-government-civil society-environment, who will be gathered to interact, co-create and co-decide towards the transition to an inclusive and CE aquaculture via LiRRIEs; develop Action Plans towards the transition to Inclusive & CE aquaculture enhancing administrative/institutional capacities on circular aquaculture spatial planning.
In conclusion, AZA4ICE will contribute to a more sustainable blue economy and environmental-friendly and CE aquaculture (P.13).
Other Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development including its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets was adopted on 25 September 2015 by Heads of State and Government at a special UN summit. The Agenda is a commitment to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development by 2030 world-wide, ensuring that no one is left behind. The adoption of the 2030 Agenda was a landmark achievement, providing for a shared global vision towards sustainable development for all.
In particular, AZA4ICE is in line with SDG12-Responsible consumption and production and SDG14-Life below water: fostering innovative production systems IMTA/RAS, sustainable spatial planning and management in aquaculture; raising consumers’ awareness and achieving behavioral change on innovative aquaculture food consumption; enhancing public sector to adopt Action Plans for the transition to a sustainable, inclusive and circular aquaculture; encouraging private sector to adopt Circular Economy practices; and enhancing efficient use of the natural resources.
PPs assessed, by design, potential harmful effects of their actions and will minimize AZA4ICE impact on environment, climate and citizens well-being, having foreseen to: monitor carbon footprint and minimize it following Programme tool recommendations; follow the Green events guidelines (as in Programme Manual); apply green public procurement procedures; engage civil society in trees’ planting, as compensation action to sequester project carbon emissions; choose eco-friendly flights; sensitize target groups to ensure a social behavioral change towards sustainability, building long-term resilient communities, eg by launching aqua cleanup actions channeling the collected litters to CE via recycling/upcycling.
Other UfM Environment Agenda – 2030 GreenerMed Agenda
The UfM Environment Agenda – 2030 GreenerMed Agenda is conceived as an agenda by and for all stakeholders in the Mediterranean region. The agenda integrates socio-economic aspects, and fosters close links with ongoing processes aimed at developing governance tools, launched in the framework of cooperation programmes and initiatives.
AZA4ICE is aligned to all the 3 thematic axis. In line with KA1.1, AZA4ICE will amplify sustainable aquaculture development, building a sustainable and circular aquatic food system integrated with IMTA/RAS while identifying suitable areas in close-to-coast and inland waters for the development of aquaculture activities through the AZA4ICE methodology for circular aquaculture spatial planning.
Aligned to KA1.4, it will promote new business opportunities, since the transnationally developed AZA4ICE guidelines towards circular aquaculture businesses are paving the way for circular aquaculture business practices and opportunities, changing the typical lineal economy model which businesses use with Circular Economy.
Fulfilling the achievement of KA1.6, AZA4ICE will establish the LiRRIEs - the project participatory multi-level & multi-sectoral stakeholders’ engagement environments – during which the representatives of 5-helix, academia-industry-government-civil society-environment, will be gathered to interact, co-create and co-decide towards the transition to an inclusive and CE aquaculture. AZA4ICE will organize targeted awareness campaigns to achieve consumers’ behavioral change on innovative aquaculture food consumption and increase civil society acceptance on aquaculture development in their area.
AZA4ICE will integrate CE practices in aquaculture leading to ecosystems preservation & zero littering, in line with thematic axis 2.
Following KA3.3, AZA4ICE will elaborate a common ecosystem approach to circular aquaculture spatial planning ensuring CE in aquaculture.
Other Green Agenda for the Western Balkans
AZA4ICE is geographically linked with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, involving in the project’s consortium one Partner from Montenegro.
In line with Agenda’s Pillars 2, 3 and (mainly) 5, AZA4ICE will empower the development of sustainable aquaculture, building a sustainable/circular aquatic food system which is crucial to achieve climate and environmental neutrality efficiently using the natural resources.
AZA4ICE will replicate Circular Economy practices, supporting and accelerating the transition to a sustainable model of inclusive growth, achieving circular blue economy in aquaculture.
This will be addressed during the LiRRIEs, the project’s participatory multi-level and multi-sectoral stakeholders’ engagement environments.
AZA4ICE methodology will be a reliable tool to support the development of a more sustainable aquaculture that encompasses marine environments, and ensure blue economic growth decoupled from natural resources’ efficient use. Project Action Plans will secure the transition to inclusive and CE in aquaculture.
AZA4ICE will organize targeted awareness campaigns to achieve consumers’ behavioral change on consumption of sustainable/innovative aquaculture food, produced locally following CE practices and IMTA/RAS concepts; increasing civil society’s acceptance on aquaculture development in their area, building long-term resilient communities.
Other Mission Starfish 2030: Restore our Ocean and Waters
Mission Starfish 2030 has 5 overarching objectives for 2030: a)filling the knowledge and emotional gap, b)regenerating marine & freshwater ecosystems, c)zero pollution, d)decarbonising our ocean and waters, e)revamping governance. The objectives are mutually supportive & taken together; the Mission will enable the restoration of the water cycle as a whole.
In line with Mission’s objectives, AZA4ICE will ensure knowledge circulation between research & business communities in aquaculture fostering their competitiveness/innovation capacity in blue circular aquaculture; increase transnational synergies & governance between public and private entities & all 5-helix actors via LiRRIEs; develop Action Plans towards the transition to Inclusive & CE aquaculture enhancing administrative/institutional capacities on circular aquaculture spatial planning, fostering further “water” governance.
AZA4ICE will integrate CE in the aquaculture activities and reinforce the Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture-IMTA which provides the by products, including waste, from one aquatic species as inputs (eg fertilizers, food) for another & Recirculation Aquaculture System–RAS which reuse water after mechanical/biological filtration & removal of suspended matter and metabolites; thus empowering a sustainable use of natural resources, eliminating littering and pollution from aquaculture activities, enhancing zero carbon aquaculture & innovative blue biotechnology. AZA4ICE will test C-AZA instrument to integrate innovative circular production systems in the identification of suitable spaces for aquaculture activities.
AZA4ICE will organize targeted awareness campaigns to achieve consumers’ behavioral change on consumption of sustainable/innovative aquaculture food, produced locally following CE practices & IMTA/RAS concepts; increasing civil society’s acceptance on aquaculture development in their area, building long-term resilient communities.
Other Strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture for the period 2021 to 2030 - Blue Farming
In May 2021, EC published a new strategy for sustainable aquaculture in EU. ‘Blue Farming’ sets the path for EU aquaculture to grow into a competitive and resilient sector becoming a global reference for sustainability by 2030. 4 principles were set: 1)building resilience and competitiveness; 2)participating in the green transition; 3)ensuring social acceptance and consumer information; 4)increasing knowledge and innovation; particularizing the ‘Putting the Blue into the Green’ Communication on Sustainable Blue Economy, produced by DG MARE at the same time.
Circular aquaculture spatial planning, C-AZA instrument & AZA4ICE methodology are essential for building resilience & competitiveness while new production models including Recirculation Aquaculture System & Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture and low trophic species are required for the green transition. This is a common challenge in Euro-MED area for achieving a transformative innovation & shifting the current aquaculture models toward a more sustainable, circular-green industry; to be tackled by AZA4ICE.
AZA4ICE will organize targeted awareness campaigns to achieve civil society’s behavioral change on consumption of sustainable/innovative aquaculture food, produced locally following CE practices and IMTA concept; increasing consumers’ acceptance on aquaculture development, building long-term resilient communities.
In line with Blue Farming, AZA4ICE LiRRIEs will ensure knowledge circulation between research & business communities in aquaculture fostering their competitiveness & innovation capacity in blue circular aquaculture & transferring research into practice; create new business opportunities in circular aquaculture supporting enterprises; increase transnational synergies between business & actors of 5-helix. AZA4ICE will contribute to the improvement of stakeholders’ skills.
Other Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe (COM(2011) 571)
The vision of the Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe (COM(2011) 571) is by 2050 the EU's economy has grown in a way that respects resource constraints and planetary boundaries, thus contributing to global economic transformation. Our economy is competitive, inclusive and provides a high standard of living with much lower environmental impacts. All resources are sustainably managed, from raw materials to energy, water, air, land and soil. Climate change milestones have been reached, while biodiversity and the ecosystem services it underpins have been protected, valued and substantially restored.
In line with Roadmap’s objectives, AZA4ICE will ensure knowledge circulation between research communities and businesses in aquaculture fostering their competitiveness and innovation capacity in blue circular aquaculture; increase transnational synergies and governance between public and private entities & all 5-helix actors via LiRRIEs; develop Action Plans towards the transition to Inclusive & CE aquaculture enhancing administrative/institutional capacities on circular aquaculture spatial planning, fostering further common governance.
In particular, respecting the milestone under objective 5.1, AZA4ICE will integrate Circular Economy in the aquaculture activities and reinforce the Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture - IMTA which provides the by products, including waste, from one aquatic species as inputs (eg fertilizers, food) for another and the Recirculation Aquaculture System – RAS which reuse water after mechanical and biological filtration and removal of suspended matter and metabolites; thus empowering a sustainable use of natural resources, eliminating littering and pollution from aquaculture activities, enhancing zero carbon aquaculture & innovative blue biotechnology.
Other Smart Specialisation Strategies-S3
Conceived within the reformed Cohesion Policy of the EC, S3 are place-based approaches characterised by the identification of strategic areas for intervention based both on the analysis of the strengths and potential of the economy and on an Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) with wide stakeholder involvement. It is outward-looking and embraces a broad view of innovation including but certainly not limited to technology-driven approaches, supported by effective monitoring mechanisms.
S3 is an innovation policy concept that aims to boost regional innovation, contributing to growth & prosperity by helping and enabling regions to focus on their strengths. S3 is based on partnerships between businesses, public entities and knowledge institutions.
In this direction, AZA4ICE will set the basis for the gathering, interaction, co-creation and co-decision of the representatives of 5-helix, meaning academia-industry-government-civil society-environment, during the LiRRIEs, the project participatory multi-level & multi-sectoral stakeholders’ engagement environments. Through LiRRIEs, the project will support & accelerate the transition to a sustainable model of inclusive growth, achieving circular blue economy in aquaculture.
AZA4ICE will test C-AZA instrument in Euro-MED pilot areas, to integrate innovative circular production systems & promote circular aquaculture practices in the identification of suitable spaces for aquaculture activities.
AZA4ICE methodology will be a reliable tool to support the development of a more sustainable aquaculture, & ensure blue economic growth decoupled from natural resources’ efficient use. AZA4ICE approach will be a reference for public & private entities to reduce aquaculture impact on environment/ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable development. Project Action Plans will secure the transition to inclusive & CE in aquaculture being integrated in regional S3 in the regions participating in the project.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 001 - Enterprises supported (of which: micro, small, medium, large), Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

RCR90N Long-term cross-border innovation networks, Measurement unit: Number of networks
PSI1 - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across borders, Measurement unit: organisations

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSALP

EUSALP Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSALP Degree of compliance:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

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2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B EURO Mediterranean (EURO MED)

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-05-27

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64 / 64 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

608 / 608 (100%)

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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

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