Presentation at the 4th Annual FORTHEM Conference
Under the project “Potential of traditional and recirculation inland aquaculture for inclusive and intelligent fisheries development in the Baltic States (AQUA4DEV-BS)”, participation took place in the 4th Annual FORTHEM Conference “European Universities 2030: Building Knowledge Ecosystems for Europe’s Strategic Capacity in an Age of Polycrisis”, held on 3–5 June 2026.
During the conference, the presentation entitled “Stakeholder-Based Analysis of Inland Aquaculture Development in the Baltic States: A Preliminary Research Framework” was delivered. The presentation was given by Leila Neimane, with Santa Purviņa and Armands Pužulis as co-authors.
The presentation introduced the AQUA4DEV-BS research framework for examining the development potential of inland aquaculture in the Baltic States. Particular attention was devoted to the main barriers and drivers affecting the development of the sector, including regulatory, environmental, market, technological and financial factors, as well as fragmented governance. The project aims to identify the key barriers and drivers of inland aquaculture development and to support sustainable sector growth through evidence-based recommendations.
The presentation also outlined the methodological approach of the research, combining an interdisciplinary qualitative approach, stakeholder analysis, semi-structured in-depth interviews, and comparative legal and policy analysis. The research involves a broad range of stakeholders, including aquaculture enterprises, sector associations, public authorities, researchers, environmental experts and policymakers.
The results generated within the AQUA4DEV-BS project are expected to contribute to a comparative Baltic perspective, policy recommendations and the development of the AQUA4DEV-BS decision-support tool. The research ultimately seeks to contribute to sustainable food production, bioeconomy development, species diversification, rural resilience and innovation-oriented governance.
More information about the event is available here.
The research is funded in the framework of Activity 1.1.1.9 “Post-doctoral Research” of the Specific Objective 1.1.1 “Strengthening research and innovative capacities and introduction of advanced technologies in the common R&D system” of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021-2027 research application No.1.1.1.9/LZP/2/25/218 “Potential of traditional and recirculation inland aquaculture for inclusive and intelligent fisheries development in the Baltic States (AQUA4DEV-BS)”.