Aquaponics, an innovative fusion of aquaculture and hydroponics, offers a sustainable agricultural approach by creating a symbiotic environment that conserves resources and enhances efficiency. With the advent of digital technologies, Aquaponics 5.0 integrates the principles of Industry 5.0, aiming to foster customization, innovation, and increased productivity.
The I-AM_Smart Aquaponics project (Supporting Italy, Albania, and Montenegro’s Smart Aquaponics initiatives) is committed to promoting Aquaponics 5.0 across the South Adriatic region. In early October 2024, the project’s activities brought together experts, researchers, and industry representatives in Tirana, Albania, to build a sustainable aquaponics ecosystem for SMEs. This initiative, spearheaded by five partners—including Dhitech Technological District, LUM University, and the Albanian Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (ACEPSD)—focuses on developing a shared aquaponics agenda to support SMEs across Italy, Albania, and Montenegro.
On October 11, ACEPSD hosted a seminar in Tirana highlighting Aquaponics SMEs' ecosystem empowerment in Albania and Montenegro. Key speakers included representatives from the Albanian Academy of Sciences, Agricultural University of Tirana, and international experts, who presented best practices and success stories from around the world. This event underscored the potential of Aquaponics for regional economic development and addressed the latest regulatory advancements in Albania's aquaculture sector.
The professor Colbari (University of Salento) presented the best practices which are attractive not only for the academic stakeholders and researchers, but even for representatives of private companies and aquaculture stakeholders. The experiences about Aquaponics in Montenegro and Albania were presented by Igor Samardžić (Diocese of Budimlje and Nikšić of the Serbian Orthodox Church) and Prof. Bakiu from Agricultural University of Tirana.
Experts and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, like Xhesian Abedini and Marco Kule brough to the participants attention, the most recent developments about the aquaculture sector, like for instance, the regulatory framework and the approach toward establishment of allocated zones for aquaculture (AZAs) in Albania.
The following day, an additional workshop at the Albanian Academy of Sciences tackled regional challenges, fostering cross-border collaboration among private companies, NGOs, and scientific institutions. Led by experts like Prof. Rigers Bakiu and Jelena Gutović, discussions focused on AI applications in aquaponics, innovative solutions for sustainable aquaculture, and insights into the future of Aquaponics SMEs.
I-AM_Smart Aquaponics aims to empower Southern Adriatic SMEs by fostering innovation, sharing best practices, and addressing local challenges for a sustainable aquaponics future in the region.