ENHANCING LOCAL FISHING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES AND INNOVATIVE KNOWLEDGE-SHARING PATHWAYS 

Project:
PN FEAMPA 2021–2027– Local Development Strategy GALPA Costa Emilia-Romagna, ACTION 1.A.1 “Studies, Education and Events – Studies, Educational Programmes”
Intervention Code 331214 | Operations 21, 22, 56 | Year 2024

Beneficiary:
University of Ferrara – Terra&Acqua Tech Laboratory

Location:
Goro and Comacchio (FE), northern area of the FLAG Costa dell'Emilia Romagna

General Objective:
The overall objective is to strengthen the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of local fishing communities by enhancing their autonomy and capacity to adapt to change, through the development and adoption of shared, knowledge-based strategies. The project aims to establish a territorial model capable of promoting local best practices, strengthening interaction between the fisheries sector and other economic sectors, and fostering broader awareness of the value of the fisheries sector at different community levels.

Specifically, the project aims to:

1. enhance the sustainability of fishing communities in the Goro and Comacchio areas by promoting knowledge dissemination and the development of a shared territorial identity through a participatory approach and the valorisation and sharing of local excellence;

2. increase awareness of the importance of local production and lagoon and coastal ecosystems, the environmental risks they face, and the impact of such risks on the very survival of local value chains;

3. promote knowledge of fisheries as a cultural model and a driver of community development, foster education on sustainability and biodiversity, and strengthen awareness of environmental heritage among young people and the wider community through immersive experiences and interactive activities.

Timeline:
12 months, from 01/01/2026 to 31/12/2026

Project Budget:  €49,998.00

Expected Results:

• Dissemination of knowledge on the importance of the local fisheries sector as not only an economic resource but also a socio-cultural asset within a context of European and global relevance;

• Increased awareness among stakeholders of the impacts of climate change on local production systems and of invasive alien species on fisheries, providing accurate and scientifically validated information to counter widespread misinformation on social media;

• Contribution to the development of a culture of sustainability (both planned and applied) extending beyond the fisheries sector, positively influencing consumption habits and citizens’ care for the environment;

• Provision of free and accessible lifelong learning opportunities on blue economy topics;

• Promotion of innovative, game-based learning approaches through the development of immersive and interactive virtual reality tools, featuring a narrative and multimedia approach to modern environmental education capable of integrating history, nature, and local fisheries into a single, highly innovative digital product suitable for a wide range of users (varying by age, background, education level, and potential disabilities).

Expected Territorial Impacts:

• Definition of guidelines and a replicable strategic process model for the sustainable development of fishing communities, adaptable to similar contexts;

• Measurable increase in knowledge and skills among members of the fishing communities of Goro and Comacchio, assessed through questionnaires, workshops, and direct feedback;

• Direct involvement of local schools to raise student awareness and promote the recovery of fishing traditions and typical products, including mapping and analysis of schools within the target area;

• Active participation of citizens in educational pathways (including through citizen science) and the development of accessible and replicable tools for promoting sustainability and local cultural heritage.