Small-scale aquaculture development programme in the south-east Mediterranean – An innovative new programme is taking off in the south-east Mediterranean aimed at boosting small-scale aquaculture producers. Organised by FAO’s General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and the Greek NGO New Agriculture New Generation, this project aims to combine training, field visits and personalised coaching to promote sustainable growth in the sector.
Programme objectives
The programme is designed to support the sustainable growth of small-scale aquaculture by providing producers with in-depth business, marketing and entrepreneurial knowledge. Participants, selected through an open call for applications in Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia, were chosen based on sustainability criteria.
‘Small-scale aquaculture is an integral part of the Mediterranean heritage and contributes significantly to the Mediterranean diet. It is crucial to support and modernise agricultural tools to ensure the well-being of farmers, aquatic species and the environment,’ said Houssam Hamza, head of aquaculture at the GFCM, in a press release.
The programme was launched in June with an inaugural event in Athens. Maria Damanaki, former European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, highlighted the importance of aquaculture for future food security, praising initiatives that build capacity and skills for farmers in the region.
During this phase, participants attended a series of workshops on strategy, innovation, sustainability, technology trends, marketing and sales. These workshops provided modern techniques and practices, with visits to aquaculture and aquaponics units and research laboratories to better understand Greek expertise in the sector.
Participants’ testimonies
Massaad Ejbeh, a Lebanese producer, described the programme as a transformative experience that offered many insights for growth and development. ‘The visit to the marine fish farms revealed the remarkable potential of red sea bream farming, opening up new avenues to expand our product range. Back home, I plan to develop a recirculating aquaculture system for red sea bream, representing a significant step forward in enhancing our production in an efficient and sustainable manner,’ explained Ejbeh.
In the future, programme participants will receive customised coaching in their countries to best grow their businesses in a sustainable manner. It is hoped that the success of the programme will lead to its implementation in other parts of the region.
This programme is therefore a significant step towards modernising and supporting small-scale aquaculture in the south-eastern Mediterranean. With its focus on sustainability and innovation, it offers a valuable platform for the development of skills and entrepreneurial capabilities, helping to ensure the well-being of farmers, aquatic species and the environment. The combination of theoretical and practical training, together with customised coaching, prepares producers to face future challenges and exploit opportunities in the aquaculture sector.
Small-scale aquaculture development programme in the south-east Mediterranean
