Date: January 11, 2024

Place:  , Algiers - Algeria

Description of the event: 

Aquaculture has been identified as a priority sector for economic development in Algeria under the national strategy of blue economy (SNEB-2030) and within the WestMed initiative framework.

While Algeria has a long coastline and favorable climatic conditions for aquaculture development and production, the sector remains underdeveloped with respect to natural assets and compared to other countries in the region.

Aquaculture needs to be underpinned by innovations and scientific research and the national event entitled “Towards sustainable blue economy: for sustainable aquaculture development in Algeria” aims to bring together key stakeholders from government, private sector, academia and civil society to discuss strategies and policies for growing a sustainable aquaculture in Algeria, improving its productivity. This event will also provide a framework to explore ways how to minimize aquaculture footprint.

Background:
Aquaculture currently contributes around 10% to Algeria’s total fish production. However, demand for fish is increasing driven by population growth, urbanization and changes in food habits.

1. The government has set a target to increase aquaculture production to 50,000 tons by 2030.
2. Algeria has suitable conditions for farming marine fish, shellfish and seaweed given its extensive coastline. Inland aquaculture of freshwater fish in lakes and reservoirs is also promising.
3. There is growing interest from the private sector to invest in commercial aquaculture ventures. This requires an enabling environment and incentives from the government, banks and investment funds.

Themes:

The national event will have panel discussions, case studies focused on the following key themes:

• Policy and regulatory framework: Examining policies and regulations needed to promote responsible investments in aquaculture and address environmental and social considerations.
• Sustainable farming technologies and innovations: Discussing cutting-edge technologies and production systems tailored for Algeria’s context.
• Value chain and market development: Linking aquaculture production to profitable domestic.
• Capacity building and research: Strengthening capacities at individual, organizational and institutional levels and promoting collaboration between research and industry.
• Climate resilience of Aquaculture: Identifying climate drivers and key elements of vulnerability.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Increased understanding of the current status, challenges and opportunities for aquaculture development among different stakeholders.
2. Identification of priority policies and actions required to achieve national aquaculture development targets.
3. Networking and partnerships between government, private sector, academia and civil society working in the aquaculture sector.
4. Recommendations for a roadmap to build a sustainable and economically viable aquaculture in Algeria.
5. Increased media coverage and public awareness on the importance of aquaculture for food security and socio-economic development.
6. Increasing environmental responsibility.

Participants

This workshop will bring together a total of 80 participants represented by ministries of the blue economy, representatives of sectors related to marine and maritime activities, researchers and academics, representatives of aquaculture operators, fishing departments, environmental departments, the Chamber of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and environmental associations.

Agenda: available soon

Type: Open

• Website: https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/events/aquaculture-development-in-algeria/