The AZA4ICE project is dedicated to promoting sustainable and circular aquaculture practices that protect ecosystems and preserve aquatic resources, with innovative approaches to identify and manage suitable aquaculture areas in close-to-coast and inland waters, considering conservation, environmental, social, and economic aspects. By fostering multi-stakeholder participatory environments and utilizing aquaculture spatial planning through Allocated Zones for Circular Aquaculture (C-AZA), it aims to enhance sustainable water management and build resilience and competitiveness in the sector.

AZA4ICE has its focus split between the AZA4ICE Methodology and the LiRRIEs (Living Responsible Research and Innovation Ecosystems). The Methodology is concerned with the aforementioned C-AZA where weather and climate data of the region is collected, specifically targeting close-to-coast and inland waters, in order to produce results regarding a species analysis, with which it is analyzed which fish species can thrive under the specific conditions of the area, and circular economy practices, where waste product from the farms is reused through the developing IMTA technology. All of this is done in order to create efficient aquaculture farms that do not affect the local population, because they can prosper in areas that do not intervene with tourism and the local economy. On the other hand, LiRRIEs is concerned with engaging stakeholders in the AZA4ICE collaborative process through events and communication in order to get opinions and feedback from them and with that, develop Action Plans that support sustainable aquaculture and foster economic growth in long term preserving environment and improving quality of life.

The role Dynamic Vision has in is managing the communications and exposure of the project and as an IVY Volunteer I have worked on the visual identity of the project and the creation of its new website, as well as its social media channels. We have tried to showcase the identity of the project by designing the logo, getting photos that express the core idea of the project and creating brochures. We had to create a new template for the website to make it more usable and easily understandable for everyone. While, also, through the social media channels we have tried to provide updates on the project and the events that members have organized and attended. In short, we have tried to get more attention towards the project and engagement from stakeholders.

Aquaculture is characterized by EU Green Deal as a “low-carbon food system”. This project can be beneficial for people living in close-to-coast and inland waters across the Euro-Mediterranean region because through it aquaculture will be further improved, producing less waste and transforming the sector to a clean industry that does not affect the local ecosystems. The project’s Action Plans are designed for adoption by public authorities, which in turn can improve economic development of the area. AZA4ICE’s efforts benefit all the countries in the region but go beyond that to benefit society as a whole as it introduces an innovative way to reinforce aquaculture adopting circular economy practices.

Communication between partners is coordinated by Dynamic Vision so we have to communicate and disseminate the project’s achievements to maximize their visibility while also sharing its results. To ensure communication between all partners, in this semester we are currently developing a Communication Plan which means we are defining the role other partners have and the tasks that have to be done in communication, activities objectives, common branding, stakeholders’ mapping method, guidelines for green dissemination products or events, communication channels and providing a time plan. To do this we are using a Communication 3-Level approach which ensures effective results transfer and inclusive communication, considering accessibility and inclusiveness. Level 1 is “Map and Reach” where the objective is to identify and reach relevant stakeholders, Level 2 is “Involve & Engage” where the objective is to actively involve and engage stakeholders in project activities and Level 3 is “Adopt & Commit” where the objective is to maximize project impact and ensure long-term commitment. By following this approach, the project ensures that all voices are heard and informed, enhancing the overall impact and sustainability of AZA4ICE.