Farmers Innovation Science Hub

The FISH project introduced a series of training activities and the development of educational materials aimed at facilitating learning for adults—whether they are workers in production-related se...

The FISH project introduced a series of training activities and the development of educational materials aimed at facilitating learning for adults—whether they are workers in production-related sectors, members of educational and/or social organisations, or individuals pursuing personal development. The goal was to strengthen their green skills and empower them to improve plant and fish production systems by combining them through aquaponics and implementing various environmentally friendly techniques to increase yields. These improvements benefit both communities and individuals by enhancing personal training, boosting the economic capacity of organisations and individuals, and supporting self-sufficiency. In doing so, individuals and enterprises became more resilient within their local contexts by creating greater opportunities for those who often have fewer—such as people living in remote rural areas—or who are at risk of social exclusion. Beyond promoting the cultivation of fish and plants, the project also prioritised fostering human connections and cooperative systems at local, regional, transnational, and global levels through digital platforms.

The FISH project implemented six main activities. These included the development of educational materials to support learning and training for individuals aiming to engage in more sustainable production practices. The manual was produced following extensive research into best practices across Europe and was informed by the content generated during three training courses—each hosted in one of the project’s partner countries. Building on this collective knowledge, a multiplier event was organised to present the project's outcomes and conclusions, alongside the final version of the manual, which was translated into multiple languages. The final activity focused on the management and dissemination of both the project’s activities and its educational resources. These materials are publicly accessible via Erasmus+ platforms and the project website: www.hydroedulab.eu

The implementation of in-person training activities across three countries engaged over 110 participants and delivered more than 36 hours of instruction. In addition to the theoretical and practical content explored during workshops and guided visits, the project produced a dedicated website and a comprehensive manual. These resources address the subject matter in a clear and accessible format, enriched with demonstrative tutorial videos. This enables individuals and organisations alike to improve the cultivation of plants and fish at a domestic level, or to scale up their efforts through social initiatives—such as community gardens—or even entrepreneurial ventures. Lastly, a wide-reaching dissemination campaign ensured that information and outcomes from the project reached over 1,000 European organisations, primarily educational institutions, thereby contributing to enhanced environmental awareness and improved training for European citizens. This promotional work was strongly supported by tutorial videos uploaded to YouTube that have already garnered more than 2,000 views.