GAA, IDH Further Collaborative Relationship
The Global Aquaculture Alliance and IDH, The Sustainable Trade Initiative announce at the Seafood Expo North America that they are furthering their collaborative relationship. GAA is to build an iBAP “pillar” within the IDH operated FIT Fund, which is designed to catalyze change and co-fund aquaculture improvement worldwide. GAA intends to act as an “implementing partner,” being responsible for technical supervision, monitoring and reporting and execution of the iBAP projects qualifying for the Fund.
Aldin Hilbrands, IDH Aquaculture Program Director comments: “IDH endorses GAA’s iBAP program as it supports producers to move towards more responsible farming practices by achieving BAP certification. Key issues for our FIT Fund are health management and feeding practices, both are captured within the BAP standard. We look forwards to developing this partnership and expanding the joint impact of our programs.”
Added GAA Development Director Iain Shone, “IDH has such great experience in creating and co-funding successful aquaculture improvement programs through so many sectors worldwide. With their experience and support we can get many more facilities to enroll into iBAP. The beauty of this partnership is being able to move quickly into training on the ground and help facilities progress quickly and onto successful certification.”
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.
For more information, contact iBAP@gaalliance.org and see fitfund.com.
About GAA
The Global Aquaculture Alliance is an international, nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture. Through the development of its Best Aquaculture Practices certification standards, GAA has become the leading standards-setting organization for aquaculture seafood.
About IDH
The overall purpose of IDH is to accelerate sustainability within the value chains of various program sectors under the IDH strategy 2016 – 2020 ‘Innovating Impact @ scale’ through the development of impact coalitions of companies, NGOs, governments, trade unions, financial institutions, and universities that strive for impact on public good.
