What is the best way to promote awareness and social acceptability about aquaculture, if not by engaging the young generation? The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is launching its publication Farmers of the Water: Education toolkit for the Blue Transformation of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, inviting teachers and students ages 5-18 from the Mediterranean and Black Sea on a journey to discover the aquaculture sector in their region, the importance of Blue Transformation, and the role that aquaculture plays in the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Within its 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the GFCM has highlighted the importance of improving the perception of aquaculture to ensure the competitiveness, resilience and social acceptability of the sector as well as to support the provision of healthy and affordable proteins to consumers. Central to the long-term social acceptability of sustainable aquaculture are the consumers of tomorrow.
This toolkit stands out due to the collaborative approach used during its preparation; the activities contained within were tested during a pilot phase that involved a number of schools across the region. Its aim is to provide a progressive and enjoyable learning experience on a topic whose benefits are not always well known.
The learning journey
Divided into three units for teachers, students ages 5–12 and students ages 13–18 respectively, this educational journey highlights the environmental, social and economic benefits of farmed aquatic food systems with activities centered around fun, teamwork and critical thinking. More specifically, Unit 1 provides teachers with relevant, background knowledge on the aquaculture sector in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, including its sustainability and socioeconomic dimensions; Unit 2 emphasizes learning about aquaculture through play; while Unit 3 is a continuation of the learning journey for older students and highlights teamwork and campaigning for a social cause. Together, Units 2 and 3 will take students from a point of limited knowledge about aquaculture to a solid understanding of the sector where they feel comfortable taking action to share their knowledge with their peers.
By working through the activities in the toolkit, students will join in the Blue Transformation of aquaculture and discover their power to contribute to sustainable and resilient farmed aquatic food systems. More specifically, students will uncover the critical role of aquatic food production in ensuring food security, creating jobs, fostering economic development, and supporting the well-being of people and communities. They will also become equipped with the necessary tools to consume responsibly while gaining an appreciation for the considerable efforts made by aquaculture farmers in producing sustainable, healthy and affordable aquatic foods.
By providing opportunities to engage with aquaculture, this publication empowers students to become critical thinkers, responsible citizens and informed consumers – all while having fun and expressing their creativity.
This educational toolkit was developed as part of a wider GFCM initiative, within the framework of the GFCM Scientific Advisory Committee on Aquaculture (CAQ), to stimulate learning and promote the social acceptability of the aquaculture sector. It is complemented by other tools, such as the Guidelines in support of social acceptability for sustainable aquaculture development, the guide Farmed aquatic food for all tastes: the journey of twelve Mediterranean and Black Sea species from farms to your plates, and initiatives, such as the empowerment program for young women in aquaculture.
Download the toolkit here.
