Pictured: participants from last year's training programme, which took place in Greece. This year's edition will enable young women from the region to get hands-on experience of some of the best aquaculture practices in Spain, 8-15 September.
Photo: FAO.
Young women in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region who want to pursue a career in aquaculture are invited to apply for an innovative fully-funded training programme taking place this September.
Building on the success of its previous editions, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has announced the third edition of its sustainable aquaculture practices programme for young women. This year’s event will take place in Spain from 8 to 15 September 2024.
The programme, a collaborative effort between the GFCM, the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP), and APROMAR, the national trade body for aquaculture in Spain, aims to highlight and enhance the significant contributions of women in the aquaculture sector across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.
The programme will focus on the latest developments in aquaculture, and give participants hands-on experience of best aquaculture practices in Spain.
"Aquaculture plays an essential role in economic development and food security in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region and the success of the sector is greatly supported by women," the organizers write, announcing the initiative.
"They hold crucial roles in all areas of the sector from rearing fish on farms to conducting research in labs. Unfortunately, despite the importance of women to the sector, their contributions can often go unrecognized and they can face limited opportunities for education and advancement."
With this motivation in mind, the GFCM’s 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, along with its Resolution GFCM/45/2022/1 on empowering women in aquaculture, underscores the importance of creating a fair and inclusive sector where women are fully supported.
The third edition of the programme will bring together young women from across the region to learn about the latest advancements in aquaculture and gain hands-on experience with some of the best practices in Spain.
The programme will feature a series of theoretical sessions led by regional aquaculture experts, providing a foundation of best practices, emphasizing the vital role of women in the sector, sharing success stories, and showcasing the GFCM’s approach to sustainable aquaculture development.
Participants will also engage in field visits across Spain to observe diverse aquaculture environments, species, and production systems, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of Mediterranean aquaculture.
The GFCM, along with its partners, said it is committed to fostering an inclusive and sustainable aquaculture sector. By empowering young women and highlighting their contributions, the programme aims to build a more resilient and innovative industry.
The upcoming edition in Spain is expected to continue the momentum of previous programmes held in Tunisia and Greece. It aims to equip young women with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance in the aquaculture sector, ensuring their contributions are recognized and valued.
For more information and to apply for the programme, interested candidates can visit the GFCM’s online application form here. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2024.
