How can IMTA contribute to the circular economy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

1 What is the circular economy?

The circular economy is a model that aims to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. It is based on three principles: design out waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural capital. The circular economy is a response to the linear economy, which is based on extracting, producing, consuming, and disposing of resources.

2 How does IMTA fit into the circular economy?

IMTA fits into the circular economy by applying the three principles to aquaculture. IMTA designs out waste and pollution by using the by-products of one species as inputs for another. For example, the uneaten feed and feces of fish can be used as nutrients for seaweed and shellfish, which in turn filter the water and improve the water quality. IMTA keeps products and materials in use by producing multiple valuable outputs from the same system. For example, IMTA can produce fish, seaweed, and shellfish for food, feed, fertilizer, biofuel, or bioplastics. IMTA regenerates natural capital by enhancing the biodiversity, productivity, and resilience of aquatic ecosystems. For example, IMTA can restore habitats, sequester carbon, and provide ecosystem services.

3 What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals that aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. The SDGs cover various aspects of social, economic, and environmental development, such as health, education, energy, climate, and oceans. The SDGs are interlinked and require collective action from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals.

4 How does IMTA contribute to the UN SDGs?

IMTA contributes to the UN SDGs by addressing several of them simultaneously. IMTA can help achieve SDG 2 (zero hunger) by increasing food security and nutrition, especially for coastal communities that depend on aquatic resources. IMTA can help achieve SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) by creating jobs and income opportunities, especially for women and youth, and by diversifying and adding value to aquaculture products. IMTA can help achieve SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) by reducing waste and pollution, increasing resource efficiency, and promoting circular business models. IMTA can help achieve SDG 14 (life below water) by conserving and restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems, reducing overfishing and eutrophication, and enhancing ecosystem services.

5 What are the benefits of IMTA for agribusiness?

Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) can offer various advantages for agribusiness, including improved environmental performance and sustainability, reduced costs and risks related to feed, water, and waste management, increased productivity and profitability of aquaculture systems, diversified and expanded product portfolio and market opportunities, enhanced social acceptability and reputation of aquaculture, and contributed to the innovation and competitiveness of the aquaculture sector.

6 What are the challenges of IMTA for agribusiness?

Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) can also pose some challenges for agribusiness, such as developing and implementing suitable technologies, practices, and standards; securing access to necessary sites, permits, and licenses; managing the interactions and trade-offs among different species and components; ensuring the quality, safety, and traceability of products; creating and accessing markets and value chains; and engaging with stakeholders and partners.