The Global Aquaculture Alliance and IDH, The Sustainable Trade Initiative, are furthering their collaborative relationship.
Announced during the Seafood Expo North America, the GAA is to build an iBAP ‘pillar’ within the IDH operated FIT Fund, which is designed to catalyse change and co-fund aquaculture improvement worldwide. GAA will act as an ‘implementing partner’, responsible for technical supervision, monitoring and reporting and execution of the iBAP projects qualifying for the Fund.
“IDH endorses GAA’s iBAP program as it supports producers to move towards more responsible farming practices by achieving BAP certification,” said Aldin Hilbrands, IDH aquaculture program director. “Key issues for our FIT Fund are health management and feeding practices, both are captured within the BAP standard. We look forward to developing this partnership and expanding the joint impact of our programs.”
GAA development director, Iain Shone, said that with IDH’s experience and support more facilities can be enrolled into iBAP.
Since its launch in February 2015, 82 facilities worldwide have enrolled in iBAP, many of which are currently pursuing BAP certification are some of which attained BAP certification. Currently, there are 24 facilities enrolled in iBAP, representing eight countries (Brazil, China, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Vietnam) and five species (barramundi, pangasius, shrimp, tilapia and trout) as well as aquaculture feed.
