Project I-AM_Smart Aquaponics Goals and Challenges: Seminar and Visit at the Aquaponic System – 06 and 07 June 2024
The goals and challenges of the I-AM_Smart Aquaponics project will be presented on Thursday June 6 and Friday June 7, 2024, at the Ecotekne University Campus.
The events will be attended by all the Partners contributing to the improvement of technology in aquaponics to address social and economic challenges related to food production.
The project SA-0100133 I-AM_Smart Aquaponics, co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A – IPA CBC South Adriatic program, aims to support smart aquaculture initiatives in Italy, Albania, and Montenegro. The project will develop a joint aquaponics agenda to support sustainable aquaponics small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the program area. It will leverage the expertise of five partner organizations operating in Puglia, Molise, Albania, and Montenegro:
- Dhitech Technological District (IT),
- LUM “Giuseppe Degennaro” University (IT),
- Local Action Group of Fisheries “Molise Costiero” (IT),
- Albanian Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (AL),
- Diocese of Budimlje and Nikšić of the Serbian Orthodox Church (MO).
These companies currently face a dual challenge: despite technological advances, they struggle with social and economic barriers that hinder their growth. The lack of comprehensive solutions makes them unable to exploit the full potential of aquaponics technology, limiting its profitability and impact on food security and environmental sustainability. The I-AM_Smart Aquaponics project aims to provide tailored strategies, methodologies, and technological solutions to exploit regional and national opportunities, enabling aquaponics SMEs to reach their full potential. The goal is to create the conditions for sustainable food production to be not just a necessity, but a thriving reality. Through innovation, cooperation, and continued commitment, aquaponics can address the challenges of food security and the environment, nourishing our bodies, and our planet, and inspiring generations to come.
Two events are planned (click for more info):
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1) Project ISEPA Capitalization Seminar: Unlocking Insights and Best Practices for Fully Sustainable and Smart Aquaponics
Thursday, June 6, 2024 @ CNR-Nanotec, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni 73100 Lecce
The event can be accessed by registration (follow the link). The seminar, organized by DHITECH, aims to capitalize on the results achieved by the Project ISEPA ‐ Improving Sustainability, Efficiency and Profitability of Large‐Scale Aquaponics”, funded by POR Puglia FESR‐FSE 2014‐2020 – Action 1.6 – Call “Innonetwork”, which developed a sustainable aquaponics system. It also seeks to encourage dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and best practices among stakeholders from the involved territories (Italy, Albania, and Montenegro), while promoting and strengthening collaborative research initiatives.
Look at the AGENDA of the Seminar >>
REGISTER HERE >>
ORGANIZING COMMITEE
Dr. Tiziana Valerio (Dhitech)
General Manager of Dhitech where she has worked since its establishment in 2007 contributing to its growth and development. She is a chartered accountant and auditor and, after the degree in Economics and the Master in Business Administration, she specialized in auditing at a multinational consulting company. She worked for both private and public institutions developing a deep knowledge of their procedures and processes. She has gained a significant experience in project management methodologies, technology transfer and coordination of large complex scientific research projects (technological innovation) and training projects, co-financed by international or national funds.
Ing. Nicola Sicilia (Dhitech)
Nicola Sicilia is a Management Engineer and Portfolio Manager at Dhitech. He graduated with honors from the University of Calabria in 2004 and obtained in 2006 a II level Master in Business Innovation Leadership at the University of Salento, where he started working as Research Collaborator in the same year. He has been working at Dhitech since 2012, where he deals with planning, coordination, technical-economic management, monitoring, control, reporting of complex innovation projects, funded by the European, National and Regional Programs. He is the author of 2 scientific publications.
Dr. Antonio Caroli (Dhitech)
Antonio Caroli is a collaborator of Dhitech Scarl for the implementation of Innovation and Management projects. He graduated in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Salento and then obtained a Master’s degree in International Relations at the ‘Cesare Alfieri’ School of Political Science in Florence.
Dr. Luciano Schina (Dhitech)
Luciano Schina received his master’s degree with honors in economics, finance and insurance from the University of Salento in 2011. He started working as administrative employee and financial specialist at Dhitech since 2014 and he is a chartered accountant and auditor since 2015. He is also assistant to the project manager with experience in research and development projects co-financed with community, national or regional funds.SPEAKERS
Dr. Marinangela Bellomo (Flag Gal Molise Costiero)
Born in Campobasso, she has been living in Termoli since 1987. She teaches geography in secondary schools and is a subject expert in the History of the Territory and Environment, as well as a research fellow at the University of Molise. She is involved in the design and management of tourism systems and is an animator for Flag-Gal Molise Coast. Her passion is to tell the story of her land, but above all, to tell the stories of those who live there.
Dr. Federica Stella Blasi (University of Salento)Federica Stella Blasi is an accomplished Economist and Project Manager with a strong focus on driving impactful initiatives across various sectors. Graduating with top honours in International Economics, Politics, and Institutions from the University of Pavia, Federica Stella Blasi has a proven track record of managing projects that foster industry growth and innovation. With extensive expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and the entire project lifecycle, Federica Stella Blasi has led significant projects in the agri-food sector, emphasizing sustainable growth and technological advancement. Her professional network includes universities, research centres, technological hubs, investment funds, and enterprises of all sizes, alongside collaborations with public institutions to promote sustainable development. Currently, Federica Stella Blasi plays a crucial role at the University of Salento’s Urban Farming Lab and lectures at LUM University, where she also guides an executive master’s program in wine business innovation. As a PhD student at LUM University, Federica Stella Blasi focuses on innovation and sustainability management. In her role as Programme Manager at the Ionian-Salentino Quality Agro-Food District, Federica Stella Blasi leads efforts to enhance agro-food production through innovation. Federica Stella Blasi is also a published co-author, dedicated to sharing knowledge and fostering collaborative efforts for positive change in her field.
Prof. Rigers Bakiu (Agricultural University of Tirana)
Head of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Agricultural University of Tirana. Rigers Bakiu did his Bachelor and Master of Science studies in the University of Padua (Italy), where he was graduated in Molecular Biology. During the period 2007-2010, he completed in Biological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy. From 2010 to 2012, he conducted the Post-Doc studies in Biological Sciences at the University of Padua. He holds the title of Associate Professor, since 2015 and teaches several modules regarding topics about Aquaculture, Fisheries and Aquatic Biotechnologies. Scientific research activity is related to studies in Marine Aquaculture, Aquaculture Biotechnologies, Artisanal Fishing and studies in aquatic biological systems, including the molecular toxicology. Actually, he is the co-author of more than 90 scientific articles, 50 of which have been published in impact factor journals (h-index = 19). Rigers Bakiu also participated and/or coordinated international projects and developed expertise in aquaculture, fisheries and marine biodiversity conservation (EU, FAO, MedPAN etc.). He is currently an expert and national representative regarding different topics in IUCN, FAO and other international organisations.
Dr. Licinio Corbari (University of Salento)
Experience: Research and development in aquaculture and aquaponics. Management of marine aquaculture companies; Fish farming plant design; 2022- until today. Contract researcher: Dept. of Innovation Engineering University of Salento, involved in aquaponics projects. 2001- 2022. General Manager of MARIBRIN srl, a fish farming company for reproduction and rearing of marine fish species. 2012-2015. Scientific Responsible of project MITTICO – Analysis of the market of fishery products, Region of Puglia (Italy). 2000-2009. Vice President of A.P.I.: Italian Association Fish Farming Producers. 1999-2016. Member of AQUAMED Mediterranean Aquaculture Working Group, FEAP European Federation of Aquaculture Producers. 1994-2016. Member of board of A.P.I. 1976-2000. General Manager of Ittica Ugento S.p.A., one of the first and most important companies in Italy to reproduce and raise fish: sea bream, bass and eels. He has been project leader in several feasibility studies and projects, both in Italy and abroad, of sea bass, sea bream, prawns and eels farms. He is the author of over 30 publications and presentations at congresses and scientific conferences.
Ing. Marta Sozzo (University of Salento)
Civil Engineer, obtained his master’s degree with honours in Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering in 2023, discussing a thesis about the reuse of wastewaters in aquaponic systems. From 2023 she is a researcher at the Department of Engineering for Innovation of the University of Salento. Her research activity is focused on methodologies and technologies for innovation processes, with particular reference to wastewater treatment and recovery plants to support the agri-food industry.
Dr. Igor Samardzic (Diocese of Budimlje and Niksic, Serbian Orthodox Church)
Igor Samardžić, theology graduate, is the Head of Office for International Cooperation and Project Manager at the Diocese of Budimlje and Nikšić. He has been involved in multiple local and cross-border projects, part of which dealt with innovative aquaponic agriculture: „ARTOS-Opportunity for Everyone“ and „ARTOS-Innovative Employment Opportunity“, funded by EU. Thus, he has gained a unique perspective on numerous advantages and challenges of aquponic production, as well as understanding on both technical and community-based aspects of aquaponics, focusing on environmental and social needs of the local population. Through these projects, emphasis was put on transfer of knowledge and experience as well as the increase of employability of target groups which directly affected their competitiveness in the work market. Apart from innovative agriculture, he has been involved in projects covering a wide spectrum of sectors: culture, archaeology, entrepreneurship, tourism; and taget groups: the youth, young experts, persons with disabilities, tourists, visitors, pilgrims, people in rural areas, local communities, media and many more. Additionally, he has been an active member of several orthodox brotherhoods and committees in charge of organizing multiple cultural events.
P.I. Antonio De Leo (Aqua Farm Srl)
CEO at Aqua Farm Srl.Since 2016 we have built and managed a plant in Piemonte of approximately 300mq. Today we are building a 5.000mq plant.
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2) Visiting ISEPA Aquaponic System
Friday, June 7, 2024 @ Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni 73100 Lecce
The event is accessible by invitation. Guests will visit the aquaponics system developed within the ISEPA Project and located at the “La Stecca” building. The visit will provide an opportunity to show to SMEs from Puglia, Molise, Albania, and Montenegro an operational aquaponics pilot plant, including the digital solutions and the biotech innovations developed within the project ISEPA.
Following the visit to the aquaponics system, a networking meeting will be held, with the aim of fostering collaboration, exchanging ideas, and cultivating partnerships among participants.
Look at the AGENDA of the VISIT >>
