A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, and Mrs. Thitiporn Laoprasert, Deputy Director General of the Department of Fisheries.
By AIT Public Affairs
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand, are working on the project "Making NbCS in Aquaculture in Southeast Asia Monitoring More Gender Responsive" (GeNA Project) to improve aquaculture practices while maintaining a focus on environmental conservation and gender equality.
The GeNA Project operates in the Philippines, Cambodia, and Thailand. In Thailand, it focuses on rice-fish farming, a nature-based method that promotes food security, income generation, and sustainable growth in the fisheries sector.
Both organizations will launch academic, research, and development initiatives to address economic and social inequality, as well as informational activities to support agricultural entrepreneurs, with the support of the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
Regarding the GeNA Project, the Head of the Gender and Development Studies program at AIT's Department of Development and Sustainability said: "It supports greater involvement of women in aquaculture by enhancing their skills and enabling them to pursue careers, earn income, and contribute to sustainable development."
The Thai Department of Fisheries seeks to modernize the sector through the application of new technologies and innovations for research and the promotion of related careers.
"Through this partnership, knowledge and innovations will be shared with farmers, helping them strengthen their livelihoods, increase incomes, and support the long-term growth of the sector," Deputy Director General of the Department of Fisheries Thitiporn Laoprasert assured.
In addition, the GeNA Project will help improve the international competitiveness of Thailand’s fisheries industry and prepare for future demands in the global market.
