[ EVENTS ] facing rural areas while exploring ways to translate policy intentions into actionable strategies. According to experts the solutions to rural decline include the diversification of rural economies through entrepreneurship, innovation, and support for small businesses to boost economic growth. This will call for investments in digital, healthcare and transport infrastructure to improve living conditions and attract businesses. Access to education and training must be improved to equip residents in rural communities with the skills demanded by the labour market. And support for rural communities will help in the adaptation to changing conditions and could empower them to take charge of their own development with its own specificities.
Good data is critical to good policy The agenda at the forum reflected some of these strategies. Breakout
sessions elaborated on specific topics. For instance, Mr Adlers contributed his expertise to sessions on “Data and Evidence for Policy Making” and “Enabling Community-Led Innovations and Smart Villages.” Among the insights emerging from the discussions is the recognition that data collection, while vital, is only one facet of effective policy formulation. Equally crucial is the accurate interpretation of this data to inform decision-making and policy implementation. Moreover, it has become apparent that while innovation is essential, there are inherent limitations to the extent to which new practices can be introduced. Therefore, replicating and adapting successful models and practices hold substantial value in the context of rural development. In conclusion, the event exemplifies the commitment of key stakeholders and policymakers to chart a prosperous and sustainable path
forward for rural Europe. The insights and discussions from this event are expected to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to revitalise and empower
rural communities across the European Union. Aris Adlers, Eurofish, aris@eurofish.dk
Enhancing dialogue between authorities and stakeholders Aris Adlers is a member of the Coordination Group of the Rural Pact, an initiative dedicated to fostering cooperation among authorities and stakeholders at multiple levels: European, national, regional, and local. The Rural Pact represents a collaborative framework that seeks to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities and advance sustainable development strategies. And it enjoins public authorities to design a strategy and an action plan to address the challenges faced by rural communities.
Western European Fish Technologists’ Association conference, 16-20 October 2023, Copenhagen
Boosting economic and social resilience with sustainable seafood practices The 51st Conference of the Western Europe Fish Technologists Association (WEFTA) took place from 16 to 20 October 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The event, organized in collaboration with the Technical University of Denmark, marked the fifth time WEFTA had chosen Copenhagen as its host. With the theme “Sustainable utilisation of aquatic resources—changing the way we Seafood,” the conference aimed to shed light on various aspects of sustainable seafood practices.
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EFTA Chair for 2023, Nina Gringer, emphasised the importance of the annual conference as a valuable occasion for scientists, students, and the seafood industry
to convene, share recent research achievements, and exchange experiences. Beyond the academic aspect, the conference served as an exceptional forum for discussions and networking.
Looking at sustainability from a variety of angles The central theme of this year’s conference encapsulated the pressing need to transform our
approach to the seafood industry in the face of environmental challenges. The event was organised around several topics: sustainable aquaculture and its link to seafood quality, micro-/macroalgae
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