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Estonian University of Life Sciences and TalTech Kuressaare College cooperated in conducting the workshop “Blue bioeconomy and innovation” at Kuressaare College on November 4th.

The aim of the event was present different blue bioeconomy related projects to the local stakeholders in Saaremaa island, incl. validation of the data collection of the BlueRev project, introduction of ongoing product development projects related to aquaculture and blue bioresources, share the experience of local entrepreneurs and to further facilitate the cooperation between Estonian University of Life Sciences and TalTech Kuressaare College.

Dr. Katrin Kaldre from the Chair of Aquaculture at Estonian University of Life Sciences presented the first results of the project "Interdisciplinary circular bioeconomy: the use of horticultural by-products (sea buckthorn and blackcurrant leaves and shoots biomass) as a phyto- and prebiotic additive in feed mixtures for aquaculture animals (rainbow trout and crayfish)" that is funded by the Development Fund of Estonian University of Life Sciences. Härmo Hiiemäe, PhD student from the Chair of Aquaculture, discussed the development opportunties for aquaponics and presented the INTERREG project TransFarm (TRANSborder cooperation for circular soil-less FARMing systems; https://centralbaltic.eu/project/transfarm/ ), in which three chairs at Estonian University of Life Sciences work together with the test the aquaponics system for growing catfish and vegetables using the grey water of university’s sport facility. RISE, the Swedish partner in the BlueRev consortium, led the discussion on the governance challenges related to the blue bioeconomy in Saaremaa that focused on how to reach the vision for the blue bioeconomy in Saaremaa region in which high added value added and sustainable blue bioeconomy would provide benefits for the local communities. Local stakeholders assessed which governance challenges in the area of the blue bioeconomy are most relevant and what steps should be taken to address them.

Mihkel Urmet, local entrepreneur and representative of NGO Ruhnu Kultuuriruum discussed the culture and historical context of Ruhnu, the project Planet Ruhnu and the ongoing experimental project on macroalgae cultivation and product development. Dr. Anne Põder from the Chair of Rural Economics introduced the results of the social innovation evaluation in the BlueRev project. The workshop was wrapped up by Dr. Kristiina Mark from the Chair of Plant and Crop Science and her presentation discussed the project "Estonian microalgae production and biomolecules study" that is funded by the Development Fund project of the University of Life Sciences. Microalgae is a bioresource with high potential, however, research on microalgae and its valorization potential has been very limited so far. 

On November 5, the meeting of representatives of TalTech Kuressaare College and Estonian University of Life Sciences provided an opportunity to discuss the new curricula. Estonian University of Life Sciences introduced its new BA study program for circular bioeconomy and different ongoing projects on aquaculture and blue bioeconomy. TalTech's Kuressaare College presented its new study program for the sustainable blue bioeconomy technologies and its further plans, and their new lab for valorization of blue bioresources that was opened in spring of 2024.

The event was financed by the European Horizon project BlueRev - "Revitalisation of European local communities with innovative business models and social innovation in the blue bio-based sector" (grant no. 101060537); https://www.bluerevproject.eu/.