The Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) and the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) launched their new educational program for the sustainable development of Ecuador’s shrimp industry, SustainED. This program 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.
The inaugural event took place at the Hilton Colón Hotel in Guayaquil, gathering over 120 professionals from the sector. The program’s first training session, titled “Metabisulfite in Practice: Use, Regulations, and Recommendations,” was organized 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,†emphasized CNA Executive President José Antonio Camposano.
SSP Director Pamela Nath highlighted the educational focus of the initiative: “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.â€
The workshop also featured insights from experts such as Christian Jiménez Figueroa, BASF’s CHEM Business Consultant, who emphasized 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 shared.
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 expressed.
With SustainED, SSP and CNA have established a lifelong learning education program that will strengthen the capabilities of the shrimp sector, ensuring sustainable development, and aligning them with global demands.
