A new initiative advancing climate-smart and resilient aquaculture systems within the Ocean Decade framework
Published on 22 May 2026 | News
On 13 May 2026, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC) officially endorsed the Horizon Europe project ACTFAST (Actions for Climate Transition by developing Future Aquaculture Strategies and Technologies), coordinated by Professor Alessio Bonaldo (University of Bologna), member of the Programme Committee of the Decade Collaborative Centre for Coastal Resilience (DCC-CR).
The endorsement recognises the project’s contribution to the objectives of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, particularly in supporting sustainable and resilient coastal and marine systems through innovation, research, and technological development.
ACTFAST aims to facilitate the transition towards climate-smart and sustainable aquaculture by developing advanced tools and strategies, including:
The project focuses on improving the resilience of aquaculture systems to climate-related pressures such as marine heatwaves, extreme events, and ecosystem variability. At the same time, it contributes to broader goals linked to sustainable Blue Economy development and the resilience of coastal communities.
Through the integration of technological innovation, environmental monitoring, and applied research, ACTFAST seeks to support evidence-based approaches for the future of aquaculture in changing marine environments.
The UNESCO-IOC endorsement further highlights the importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative initiatives addressing climate adaptation and sustainability challenges in coastal regions, reinforcing synergies between European research programmes and the Ocean Decade framework.