Less than a week ago, a ceremony was held in Argentina, where Ana Franchi, the president of the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), and Carlos Liberman, the head of the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture -depending on the Ministry of Economy of Argentina- signed a framework agreement to deepen mutual collaboration and technical, academic and research assistance in all those activities that promote the development of aquaculture.
This agreement arises from the framework of previous work and agreements of the Network for the Strengthening of Aquaculture (ReFACUA), one of the Problem-Oriented Institutional Networks (RIOSP) in conjunction with the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
"It is a strategic agreement that manages to address the objectives of ReFACUA in research and the challenges of both organizations with the 2030 agenda on vital issues such as food security, economic growth, and job creation, among others," explained Franchi. "We have many scientists with expertise in these areas, so it is a virtuous agreement that will place science and technology at the service of the sector's production and development."
The agreement allows for the establishment of specific agreements to facilitate collaborative actions, all of which will align with the Sustainable Development Objectives. These actions include promoting research in technology, production chain, and marketing within the aquaculture sector. Furthermore, we will foster and develop coordinated initiatives that enhance food security.
Liberman highlighted that the agreement marks a significant milestone in their pursuit of objectives. "This agreement allows us to further advance Argentine aquaculture and provide it with a complementary role alongside fishing. As a result, we can create numerous job opportunities and foster the growth of an entire industry. [This] will generate twice the foreign currency and aquatic proteins for consumption, ultimately improving the quality of food for all Argentines."
The CONICET, as the main organization dedicated to promoting Science and Technology in Argentina, currently engages over 11,800 researchers. These individuals are located throughout the country, working across 16 CCT, 10 CIT, a Multidisciplinary Research Center. Over 300 exclusive CONICET Institutes and Centers in collaboration with national universities and other institutions.