The International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education (ICARE Foundation) is pleased to announce the implementation of the e-AQUAF (Smart Aqua Farming) project in Armenia under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021–2027, co-funded by the European Union.
The project is implemented in partnership with organizations from Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, and Ukraine and aims to promote sustainable, innovative, and technology-driven aquaculture development across the Black Sea region.
Aquaculture in Armenia Today
Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in Armenia and plays an important role in food production, exports, employment, and rural development. Armenia is particularly known for trout and sturgeon production, with fish farming activities concentrated mainly in the Ararat Valley and other freshwater-rich regions.
At the same time, the sector faces several important challenges, including:
- sustainable water resource management,
- environmental monitoring,
- climate and ecosystem pressures,
- limited digitalization and automation,
- lack of real-time data systems,
- the need for innovation and modern technologies.
About the e-AQUAF Project
The e-AQUAF project seeks to address these challenges through:
- smart environmental and water quality monitoring systems,
- digital and AI-based solutions for aquaculture,
- stakeholder cooperation and policy dialogue,
- entrepreneurship and innovation support,
- educational and training activities,
- regional knowledge exchange and research cooperation.
One of the project’s key components is the development of the AQUA-SMART digital platform, which will support data-driven decision-making and facilitate cooperation between researchers, public institutions, fish producers, and other stakeholders.
Expected Benefits for Armenia
Through the project, Armenia will benefit from:
- access to international expertise and best practices,
- promotion of sustainable fish farming methods,
- stronger cooperation between universities, government institutions, and the private sector,
- increased awareness about environmental sustainability,
- support for innovation and smart aquaculture technologies,
- improved monitoring and management of water resources,
- training and capacity-building opportunities for professionals and students.
The project also aims to contribute to the modernization and long-term sustainability of Armenia’s aquaculture industry by promoting innovative approaches and regional cooperation.
ICARE Foundation looks forward to actively collaborating with public institutions, universities, fish producers, researchers, and other stakeholders to support the development of a smarter and more sustainable aquaculture sector in Armenia.