On September 25, 2024, KZ Agraria Koper hosted a meeting of Slovenian and Italian partners of the BeBlue Steering Committee at their headquarters in Koper. The meeting took place as part of the cross-border cooperation program Interreg Italy-Slovenia. Partners gathered to review the achievements of the first year and to plan future activities. The meeting focused on innovations in aquaponics, sustainable solutions, and new technologies shaping the future of the agrifood sector.
Review of first-year activities (M1-M12)
The morning session began with an overview of the activities carried out during the first year of the project. The partners presented key achievements, including progress in marine aquaponics, testing of microgreens, and the introduction of nanotechnologies in agrifood.. Partners, including Ca' Foscari University of Venice (UNIVE), the University of Ljubljana (UNILJU), and others, provided insights into research and the results of pilot projects.
Following the morning session, participants enjoyed a traditional Istrian lunch, offering an opportunity for informal conversations and strengthening relationships between partners. The lunch also provided a cultural experience, with partners tasting typical coastal dishes.
Networking and future activities (M13-M24)
The afternoon session focused on planning activities for the next period (M13-M24). The emphasis was on consolidating networks between partners, including the creation of new working groups, led by Shoreline. Discussions included consumer engagement and the promotion of sustainable aquaponic solutions. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to urban aquaponics, developed by the IUAV University of Venice.
Special attention was given to communication strategies for disseminating project results, including webinars, virtual tours, social media promotion, and public events such as Aquaponic Days. KZ Agraria Koper presented plans for future virtual tours of their aquaponic farms, focusing on sustainable practices that will be showcased to the public through various digital platforms.
The meeting concluded with an intervention from Ca' Foscari University, addressing project management issues and providing an overview of the reporting status. Partners exchanged proposals for future activities and preparations for the third reporting period, with an emphasis on collaboration with local communities and the dissemination of innovations within the agrifood sector.
