SustainED, a new educational programme for the sustainable development of Ecuador’s shrimp industry, has been launched by the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) and the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA).
The programme aims to transform the sector by training in sustainability principles applied to aquaculture and addressing the challenges and risks related to its implementation. This includes social, environmental, economic and quality aspects, which will be shared through workshops, trainings, social media and field activities.
An inaugural event took place at the Hilton Colón Hotel in Guayaquil, gathering over 120 professionals from the sector. A first training session, titled “Metabisulfite in Practice: Use, Regulations and Recommendations”, was organised in collaboration with SSP associate members, BASF and BIOLAN, and covered key topics on the market and regulations of metabisulfite, its application in the industry, and analysis and measurement technologies for this substance.
“The concept of sustainability is constantly evolving. Ecuador’s shrimp industry has always adapted rapidly to change, so it was essential to create a dynamic platform that could match this responsiveness. With SustainED, SSP and the CNA have established a a lifelong learning model that connects the industry with experts from various fields, allowing us to understand issues, define them, and find solutions together, or learn from those already being implemented,” CNA Executive President José Antonio Camposano said.
SSP Director Pamela Nath highlighted the educational focus of the initiative, saying education is key to raising awareness and fostering better practices within the industry.
“SustainED aims to transform producers into more environmentally conscious and responsible actors, while educating consumers on the benefits of the product they are purchasing,” she said.
The workshop also featured insights from experts, including BASF CHEM Business Consultant Christian Jiménez Figueroa, who emphasised the importance of product quality.
“It is crucial for stakeholders to demand quality from their suppliers or seek out those with certifications that ensure this quality. SustainED keeps us updated on product methods and applications, helping to drive aquaculture development,” he said.
Similarly, Jone Garate, Head of Product Development and Validation at BIOLAN, stressed the relevance of such spaces.
“Platforms like SustainED are essential for debating and interacting with fellow shrimp industry professionals, meeting people, and exchanging ideas and opinions. Exciting projects can emerge from these events,” she said.
With SustainED, SSP and CNA say they have established a lifelong learning education programme that will strengthen the capabilities of the shrimp sector, ensuring sustainable development and aligning them with global demands.
