AZA4ICE

Full project name: Allocated Zones for Circular Aquaculture to Trigger the Transition to an Inclusive Circular Economy
Project acronym: AZA4ICE
Role: Expert in Living Responsible Research and Innovation Ecosystems (LiRRIEs) and Inclusive Circular Economy (ICE)
Programme: Interreg Euro-MED Programme 2021–2027
Contracted by: Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro
Geographical scope: Montenegro

AZA4ICE project combined spatial planning, stakeholder participation and circular business models to advance sustainable aquaculture in coastal and inland waters, including the Šasko Lake pilot area.

My responsibilities included:

• Stakeholder mapping and engagement: Mapping quintuple-helix stakeholders representing education, business, environmental interests, civil society/media and public authorities; analysing challenges and opportunities for circular aquaculture.

• LiRRIE development and facilitation: Supporting the development of a shared vision and establishment of the LiRRIE Forum; organising and moderating participatory events to inform the co-creation of Allocated Zones for Circular Aquaculture (C-AZA).

• Circular economy assessment: Collecting and documenting circular aquaculture practices and business models, identifying business opportunities, and reviewing relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

• Action planning: Supporting the development of Montenegro’s action plan for an inclusive and circular aquaculture sector, incorporating stakeholder feedback and alignment with Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3).

• Institutional cooperation and transfer: Facilitating stakeholder engagement for Memoranda of Understanding and preparing a transfer plan to support the uptake, adaptation and institutional integration of project results.

• Awareness and learning: Providing stakeholder-informed inputs for the AZA4ICE educational board game and comic book.