Speakers
Johan Robbens
PhD. Head of Cell Blue Biotech and Food Integrity at the Instituut voor Flanders research institute for agriculture, fisheries and food (ILVO)
With a background in biotechnology, molecular biology, and marine biology. Dr. Johan Robbens has a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and a PhD in Molecular Biology from Ghent University. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in genomics, proteomics, and (eco)toxicology. In addition, he completed an MBA and various programs in management and intellectual property.
At ILVO, within the ILVO-Marine division, he leads the Marine Biotechnology and Food Integrity unit. His research focuses on:
- Valorization of marine resources: including the recovery of chitin from marine by-products, with a major focus on the use and valorization of algae for food and various biotechnological applications.
- Development of biosensors: creating systems for the rapid detection of (food) contaminants, bacteria, and other potential hazards.
Since 2025, he has also been a member of the Scientific Committee of the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC).
Session:
- SE05 - Designing the Blue Future Together: Circular and Inclusive Aquaculture in Coexistence with Tourism
SE05 - Designing the Blue Future Together: Circular and Inclusive Aquaculture in Coexistence with Tourism
Organized by
AZA4ICE project. The Andalusian Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries, Food and Organic Production Research and Training (IFAPA).
Description
Territorial dialogue for a fairer and more collaborative blue economy.
The coexistence of aquaculture and tourism in coastal environments is one of the great challenges —and opportunities— for moving towards a balanced, sustainable, and people-centered blue economy model. This side event, promoted within the framework of the European project AZA4ICE (Interreg EuroMED), will open a space for dialogue between key players in the fields of aquaculture, coastal management, tourism, and citizenship.
The aim will be to explore how to evolve towards more circular, inclusive, and sustainable aquaculture models that not only reduce their ecological footprint but can also coexist harmoniously with other uses of marine space, especially tourism. Through the exchange of good practices, lessons learned, and common challenges, real opportunities for cohabitation between both sectors will be identified, as well as co-creation and participatory governance strategies adapted to the unique characteristics of each territory.
This meeting will highlight innovative and collaborative approaches, aligned with the principles of the AZA4ICE project, and will seek to build a shared vision of a fairer, more resilient, and territorialized blue future.
Addressed to
Policy makers, researchers, entrepreneurs.
Language
English