The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEEN), within the framework of the European project LIFE-IP CEI-Greece – LIFE18 IPE/GR/000013 “Circular Economy Implementation in Greece”, has entered into a Bilateral Agreement with the Association of Fish Farmers of Thesprotia Prefecture to promote the valorization of agri-food waste.
This new collaboration aims to disseminate and implement circular economy practices in the aquaculture sector, improve the management of generated waste, and promote innovative solutions that enhance the sustainability and environmental responsibility of the industry.
The Bilateral Agreement focuses on transforming aquaculture waste into resources with environmental and economic value. Through LIFE-IP CEI-Greece, the Ministry will coordinate actions for information sharing, networking, and technical support among participating stakeholders, fostering the exchange of know-how. At the same time, it will prepare a comprehensive “Agri-Food Waste Management Plan” tailored to the needs and capacities of this specific Alliance.
For its part, the Association of Fish Farmers of Thesprotia Prefecture will actively participate in joint activities, providing data and expertise on aquaculture waste management, while contributing to the design and pilot implementation of waste valorization projects. Special emphasis will be placed on raising awareness among aquaculture professionals and promoting good practices that can be replicated in other regions of Greece.
The cooperation’s goal is to establish an innovative circular economy model for the aquaculture sector that will strengthen environmental sustainability, reduce the footprint of production activities, and create new development opportunities for local communities.
The signing of the Bilateral Agreement marks an important step for the Thesprotia region, creating conditions for new investments, technological innovation, and local growth through responsible practices in the aquaculture industry.
Participants in the signing event included: Manolis Grafakos, Secretary General for Waste Management Coordination, Ministry of Environment & Energy; Giannis Hekimoglou, President of the Association of Fish Farmers of Thesprotia Prefecture; Orestis Anagnopoulos, APC Advanced Planning Business Consultants; Zoi Gaitanarou, Waste Management Specialist, Green Fund; Mary Plati, Project Management Officer, Ministry of Environment & Energy; and Maria Tsakona, Special Advisor, Ministry of Environment & Energy.
Read here the Press Release
