More than 30 professors specializing in Aquaculture will gather at Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh) in Valdivia, between September 28th and 29th, to participate in the National Meeting of Aquaculture Teachers: Strengthening Technical and Professional Education for Sustainable Aquaculture. The initiative, organized by the NGO Canales, the Aquaculture Transfer Group (GTA) Patagonia, and INCAR, will bring together teachers from the regions of Valparaíso up to Magallanes, with the aim of promoting collaboration and the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and best practices in the field of aquaculture teaching that positively impact the training of students in this specialty at a national level.
This version will address relevant topics that affect aquaculture on both a national and global scale. These topics have been identified as areas of interest by the teachers themselves, including aquaculture’s relationship with climate change, the importance of Small-Scale Aquaculture (SSA) and diversification within the field, as well as the need to update the curriculum for aquaculture specialization. The meeting will include a tour at Mehuín High School to learn about the educational project ” choro mussel farming” and the general technical training plan from this high school.
One of the outcomes that the organizers hope to achieve from the event is to establish a network of aquaculture teachers at a national level. The formation of a network is always beneficial, primarily for those who are part of it, as they can learn from the experiences of others and also contribute to the professional growth of their fellow teachers.
Personal experiences in education greatly benefit students, allowing them to engage in meaningful learning experiences explains Claudia Paredes, Director of the NGO Canales. Dr. Renato Quiñones, the Director of the INCAR Center, underscores the importance of fostering collaborations between academic institutions and technical schools in Chile to promote sustainable aquaculture. This aligns with INCAR’s mission to generate knowledge and provide training for individuals engaged in environmentally, ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable aquaculture practices. Consequently, establishing connections with specialized aquaculture schools ensures that technicians actively contribute to the sustainability of the sector.
