AWARE-EU

📣Finally, Europe's first aquaponic farm by wastewater has been inaugurated in Castellana Grotte, Italy! ✨This innovative project utilises treated wastewater to cultivate fish and vegetables fit for human consumption. Thanks to the AWARE pilot plant, this project, proposed by INNOVA - Technology Transfer and Valorisation, involves a wide range of national and international partners, bringing together nearly 20 European organisations including universities, companies, non-profit organisations, and alternative institutions. 🏛The Autorità Idrica Pugliese serves as the institutional coordinator. Additionally, Innova, the Autorità Idrica Pugliese , Acquedotto Pugliese SpA, and the Municipality of Castellana Grotte are signatories of the memorandum of understanding.  The contribution of Università del Salento, Green in Blue, Aquasoil and all the other partners involved in the AWARE project as well has been fundamental to reach this milestone. ⚕️The water used to irrigate the vegetables and raise the fish comes from the Castellana Grotte wastewater treatment plant, undergoing further purification to make it suitable for this use.The taste and the effect on health of fish and plants that are raised in this type of water  will be evaluated by a panel of volunteers. ⚖️There is certainly a significant regulatory barrier that must be addressed to ensure that this type of products meet all the quality standards expected before being used for human consumption. Today, a first big step has been taken along that direction. #aquaponics #aquaculture #circularity #EUresearch #awareponics #inauguration European Research Executive Agency (REA) Universidad Rey Juan Carlos Universidade Católica Portuguesa Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research CSIC Luiss Guido Carli University LabGov ETS European Aquaculture Society Ulster University AIGUANATURA DELS PORTS SL Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) 3CENGINEERING SRL SEMPLIFICATA Universidade do Porto International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Universidad Católica del Maule

Before the holiday started, our experts in AWARE has attended a fruitful event which was successfully held by Autorità Idrica Pugliese on December 20th! 👏 🚩“Transparency Day” took place at the Brindisi Provincial Hall and was attended by the president, the general director, and other key officers from AIP. ☝️ Professor Gian-Pietro Di Sansebastiano from Università del Salento was also one of the attendees who represented AWARE with an essential expert role. We have the opportunity to share about the progress of AWARE, where AIP is leading the charge in establishing Europe's first aquaponic farm. Our innovative project marks a significant stride towards sustainable water management and a circular economy. #transparency #water #sustainability #aquaponics #puglia #AIP European Research Executive Agency (REA) INNOVA - Technology Transfer and Valorisation Universidad Rey Juan Carlos Universidade Católica Portuguesa Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research CSIC Luiss Guido Carli LabGov ETS European Aquaculture Society Green in Blue Ulster University AIGUANATURA DELS PORTS SL Università del Salento Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) 3CENGINEERING SRL SEMPLIFICATA Universidade do Porto International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Autorità Idrica Pugliese Universidad Católica del Maule

Gardening in Space #3 Keeping Things Clean Up High: Waste Management on the ISS 🚮 Living in space comes with unique challenges, and waste management is certainly one of them. Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) have to be resourceful with everything, including their waste. Here's a look at how they handle wastewater and solid waste: 🚰 Wastewater: where does it flow ? Astronauts recycle nearly all their wastewater, including urine, sweat, and even the moisture from their breath. This is possible thanks to the WRS (Water Recovery System). This complex system processes the wastewater through several stages, including filtration, distillation, and chemical treatment. The end result is the transformation of 70% of wastewater in purified water that's safe to drink! This recycling process is crucial for long-duration space missions, where bringing water from Earth would be impractical. 💩 Solid Waste: Out of Sight, Out of Mind (Mostly) Solid waste like food waste and human waste are stored in airtight bags after chemical treatments to prevent the growth of bacteria. Cargo spacecraft periodically visit the ISS to collect and transport the waste back to Earth for proper disposal. Some non-recyclable waste is placed in a special compartment and burned up in the Earth's atmosphere. Researchers are exploring innovative Composting technologies to turning organic waste into fertilizer for potential use in space gardens. #aquaponics #aquaculture #circularity #EUresearch #awareponics #space #iss #waste European Research Executive Agency (REA) INNOVA - Technology Transfer and Valorisation Universidad Rey Juan Carlos Universidade Católica Portuguesa Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research CSIC Luiss Guido Carli University LabGov ETS European Aquaculture Society Green in Blue Ulster University AIGUANATURA DELS PORTS SL Università del Salento Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) 3CENGINEERING SRL SEMPLIFICATA Universidade do Porto International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Autorità Idrica Pugliese Universidad Católica del Maule

AWARE Leaders #7 Meet Marta Lopez Cabo: A Champion of Sustainable Aquaculture 🪪 Marta Lopez Cabo, a seasoned researcher at the Marine Research Institute in Spain (CSIC), is at the forefront of the AWARE project, aimed at revolutionising the aquaculture industry. With deep expertise in food microbiology and safety, particularly in the context of fish products, Marta ensures the safety and quality of the produce generated by a novel aquaponic system. Marta's involvement in the AWARE project is driven by her passion for sustainable practices and her belief in the potential of aquaponics to address issues like climate change and food security.  🔬 As the leader of the work packet dedicated to food safety and quality, Marta is playing a pivotal role in ensuring that the products from the aquaponic system meet the highest standards. Her work is not only about guaranteeing safety but also about ensuring that the produce is of exceptional quality, ready to be enjoyed by consumers. 🌿Looking ahead, Marta envisions a future where the aquaponic system becomes a widely adopted model for sustainable aquaculture. She hopes to demonstrate the efficiency and viability of this approach, paving the way for its implementation in various locations around the world. By fostering a more sustainable and responsible approach to food production, Marta's work is contributing to a brighter future for both people and the planet. #AWAREProject #SustainableAquaponics #InnovativeResearch #Aquaculture #FishFeeds #CircularEconomy #SustainabilityInAction European Research Executive Agency (REA) INNOVA - Technology Transfer and Valorisation Universidad Rey Juan Carlos Universidade Católica Portuguesa Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research CSIC Luiss Guido Carli University LabGov ETS European Aquaculture Society Green in Blue Ulster University AIGUANATURA DELS PORTS SL Università del Salento Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) 3CENGINEERING SRL SEMPLIFICATA Universidade do Porto

Gardening in Space #2 The Veggie System 🌿 The Vegetable Production System (Veggie) is a groundbreaking technology that's revolutionizing the way we think about food production in space developed by Sierra Space. 🛰This ingenious system allows astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to cultivate a variety of leafy greens, including lettuce, mizuna mustard, and red romaine lettuce. 🚀 At the moment Veggie isn’t able to cover the 100% food needs for astronauts: the main supplies are provided by the Dream Chaser, a reusable spacecraft also developed by Sierra Space, designed to transport both crew and cargo to low-Earth orbit (LEO). 🔆 Veggie is a relatively simple, low-power system that uses LED lights to provide the necessary light for plant growth. It is an almost completely self-contained system. The plants are grown in pillow-like containers, made of Nomex and Kevlar, filled with a clay-based growth medium. Water and nutrients are delivered to the plants through wicks, ensuring they receive the optimal amount of moisture. ⭐️ While Veggie has been a remarkable success, it's just the beginning of space agriculture. Sierra Space is leading the charge to build the Astro Garden® of tomorrow, a more advanced system based on XROOTS® (eXposed Root On-Orbit Test System), an hydroponic and aeroponic system that will revolutionize space farming. This innovative technology will allow astronauts to grow a wider range of vegetables, including tomatoes and other crops with more complex growth cycles.   #aquaponics #aquaculture #circularity #EUresearch #awareponics #space #iss European Research Executive Agency (REA) INNOVA - Technology Transfer and Valorisation Universidad Rey Juan Carlos Universidade Católica Portuguesa Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research CSIC Luiss Guido Carli University LabGov ETS European Aquaculture Society Green in Blue Ulster University AIGUANATURA DELS PORTS SL Università del Salento Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) 3CENGINEERING SRL SEMPLIFICATA Universidade do Porto International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Autorità Idrica Pugliese Universidad Católica del Maule

🌍 AWARE: Expanding Horizons in Sustainable Aquaculture 🌱 Elena Mente, one of our esteemed experts, proudly introduced AWARE-EU at the recent Regional Aquaculture Conference in Greece, hosted by the FAO's General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean. The event, bringing together stakeholders from 30+ countries, showcased global strides in sustainable aquaculture. AWARE's mission resonated with priorities like governance, innovation, and climate resilience. We're thrilled to be part of the conversation shaping the future of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and Black Sea! Learn more about the event here: https://lnkd.in/eUkJqHb3 From the Aquaculture officer at FAO/GFCM: https://lnkd.in/dyFcwGQk #Sustainability #Aquaculture #AWARE Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)

AWARE Leaders #6 Meet Helen McNulty: A Pioneer in Sustainable Nutrition Research 🪪 Professor Helen McNulty, a leading figure in the field of nutrition research, is based at Ulster University in Northern Ireland. As the Director of Nutrition Research, she oversees a large team dedicated to studying the relationship between nutrition and health. 🔬Her expertise lies in conducting meticulously controlled human trials to evaluate the impact of specific foods and nutrients on human health. This work spans the entire lifespan, from pregnancy to old age. Helene work is at the forefront of efforts to develop sustainable and healthy food solutions for the future. Her dedication to nutrition research and her involvement in the AWARE project make her a valuable contributor to the field. #AWAREProject #SustainableAquaponics #InnovativeResearch #Aquaculture #FishFeeds #CircularEconomy #SustainabilityInAction European Research Executive Agency (REA) INNOVA - Technology Transfer and Valorisation Universidad Rey Juan Carlos Universidade Católica Portuguesa Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research CSIC Luiss Guido Carli University LabGov ETS European Aquaculture Society Green in Blue Ulster University AIGUANATURA DELS PORTS SL Università del Salento Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) 3CENGINEERING SRL SEMPLIFICATA Universidade do Porto

🌍 Aquaculture Events 2025: Mark Your Calendar! 🐟 As part of the AWARE journey, we are thrilled to share these incredible opportunities to connect, innovate, and collaborate in the global aquaculture sector. With support from our partners at the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) and the World Aquaculture Society, these events promise to inspire and advance sustainable aquaculture practices worldwide. 📅 March 6–10, 2025 AQUACULTURE 2025 – New Orleans, USA The Triennial returns to New Orleans! The largest aquaculture conference and tradeshow with nearly 4,000 attendees from 90+ countries. Don’t miss the annual meetings, special sessions, and a world-class exhibition. 📅 April 24–27, 2025 WORLD AQUACULTURE 2025 – Qingdao, China Explore China’s leading marine industries in Qingdao, a hub for maritime development and innovation. 📅 June 24–27, 2025 WORLD AQUACULTURE Safari – Entebbe, Uganda Experience the heart of Africa’s aquaculture development. 📅 September 22–25, 2025 AQUACULTURE EUROPE 2025 – Valencia, Spain Organized by our partners at EAS, this event will focus on social licensing, ecosystem services, and sustainable aquafeeds. 75% of booths are already sold - don’t miss your chance to participate! 📅 October 6–9, 2025 LATIN AMERICAN & CARIBBEAN AQUACULTURE 2025 – Puerto Varras, Chile Celebrate the strength of aquaculture in Latin America and the Caribbean. 👉 Learn more at: 🌐 www.was.org | 🌐 www.aquaeas.org AWARE is proud to be part of this global effort to advance sustainable aquaculture. Which event are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments! #aquaculture #aquaculture2025 #future #AWARE #sustainable

Gardening in Space #1 - How Astronauts Grow Food on the ISS 🧑🚀️ Farming in zero gravity? It might sound like science fiction, but it's a reality on the International Space Station (ISS) ! Astronauts aren't just floating around conducting experiments; they're also cultivating their own fresh produce. 🪴 Why Grow Food in Space? 👉Fresh Food: Long-duration space missions can get monotonous with only packaged food. Fresh vegetables provide a welcome change in taste and are more healthy. 👉Scientific Research: Studying plant growth in microgravity (it means zero-gravity) helps us understand how plants adapt to extreme environments and could lead to advancements in agriculture on Earth. 👉Psychological Benefits: Tending to plants can be therapeutic for astronauts, reducing stress and boosting morale. ⚙️ How Do They Do It ? 👉 The Veggie System: Astronauts use a system called Veggie, a small, controlled environment where plants are grown in pouches filled with a clay-based growth medium. 👉 LED Lighting: Since sunlight isn't available, LED lights provide the necessary spectrum of light for photosynthesis. So far, astronauts have successfully grown a variety of plants, including: 🌱 Lettuce 🌱 Chinese cabbage 🌱 Mizuna mustard 🌱Red Russian kale 🌱 Peppers 🌱 Zinnia flowers As space exploration expands, so too will the need for sustainable food production in space. Scientists are working on developing advanced systems that can grow a wider variety of crops, including fruits and grains. These advancements could pave the way for long-duration missions. #EUresearch #iss #food #space European Research Executive Agency (REA) INNOVA - Technology Transfer and Valorisation Universidad Rey Juan Carlos Universidade Católica Portuguesa Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research CSIC Luiss Guido Carli University LabGov ETS European Aquaculture Society Green in Blue Ulster University AIGUANATURA DELS PORTS SL Università del Salento Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) 3CENGINEERING SRL SEMPLIFICATA Universidade do Porto International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Autorità Idrica Pugliese Universidad Católica del Maule

AWARE Leaders #5 A Visionary in Sustainable Food Production: Gian Pietro di Sansebastiano 🪪 Gian-Pietro Di Sansebastiano, a distinguished professor of Botany at the University of Salento, is spearheading a groundbreaking project to revolutionize food production using reclaimed wastewater. As the leader of a multidisciplinary team, Gian Pietro is determined to demonstrate the feasibility of aquaponics, a sustainable farming method that combines aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation), in urban environments. 🔬Gian Pietro's passion for sustainable agriculture is evident in his ambitious goals. He envisions a future where cities can utilize their wastewater to produce their own food, creating a more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly urban ecosystem. By successfully demonstrating the viability of this approach, Sebastiano hopes to influence European regulations and encourage a broader adoption of sustainable water management practices. 🌿With his extensive expertise in plant biology and his ability to coordinate a diverse team of experts, Gian Pietro is well-positioned to overcome the challenges associated with this project. He is confident that by combining advanced water treatment technologies with innovative aquaponic systems, they can produce high-quality food while minimizing environmental impact. As Gian Pietro and his team continue their research, the world eagerly awaits the results of their groundbreaking work. Their success could pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for urban communities around the globe. #AWAREProject #SustainableAquaponics #InnovativeResearch #Aquaculture #FishFeeds #CircularEconomy #SustainabilityInAction European Research Executive Agency (REA) INNOVA - Technology Transfer and Valorisation Universidad Rey Juan Carlos Universidade Católica Portuguesa Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research CSIC Luiss Guido Carli University LabGov ETS European Aquaculture Society Green in Blue Ulster University AIGUANATURA DELS PORTS SL Università del Salento Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) 3CENGINEERING SRL SEMPLIFICATA Universidade do Porto