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<\/p>\nThe “Promoting Small-Scale Aquaculture Sustainability in Southeast Mediterranean” program was successfully completed with the goal of enhancing sustainability and business development for small-scale aquaculture in the wider Southeast Mediterranean region. Through a comprehensive educational framework, the program aimed to support and empower producers from five countries: Egypt, Algeria, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia. The participants were selected through an international competition and had the opportunity to engage in a series of educational activities combining theory with practical application.<\/p>\n
The training program included an intensive ten-day workshop held in Greece, where participants were trained on key topics such as innovation, business development, technological trends, and sustainability. By attending educational seminars and visiting model aquaculture units, participants gained new knowledge and skills to improve their businesses. The program also provided 100 hours of personalized consulting from industry experts to ensure the practical implementation of these skills and foster the sustainable development of their enterprises.<\/p>\n
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The inaugural event for the program was held at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens, attracting international attention from the aquaculture sector. The event was opened by prominent figures, including Maria Damanaki, former European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Houssam Hamza from the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), and Effie Lazaridou, CEO, NANG.<\/p>\n
The speakers emphasized the vital role of small-scale aquaculture in the Mediterranean diet, food security, and environmental footprint reduction. They also highlighted the need for support and modernization in the sector through new technologies and sustainability practices, enabling small businesses to remain competitive in an evolving market.<\/p>\n
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The program not only contributed to skills development but also strengthened collaborations between research institutions, professionals, and international organizations. Greece\u2019s selection as the central hub for implementing this important initiative underscores the country\u2019s leading role in aquaculture and the promotion of sustainable food production from aquatic ecosystems.<\/p>\n