Estonian University of Life Sciences to showcase research-based solutions and seek new partners at UN climate conference

The Estonian University of Life Sciences aims to use the international climate conference as an opportunity to raise awareness of research-based solutions that help mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts. Equally important is establishing new connections with research institutions, businesses and other organisations to develop joint projects and support the practical application of research findings.

From water reuse to sustainable food production

One of the Estonian University of Life Sciences' key contributions to COP31 will be a discussion at the Estonia Pavilion entitled "From Shower Water to Food: Estonia’s Circular Aquaponics Testbed", showcasing aquaponics solutions developed at the university.

Aquaponics combines fish farming and soilless plant cultivation in an integrated system that recirculates water and nutrients. Waste produced in fish farming is converted into nutrients that plants can absorb, while the treated water is returned to the fish farming system. This reduces water consumption and enables more efficient use of available resources.

Mait Kriipsalu, Professor in Water Protection and Waste Management, and Merrit Shanskiy, Professor in Soil Science, will present two aquaponics systems constructed at the university that use reclaimed water. The solutions are linked to the international projects Interreg TransFarm and LIFE AdaptEst. Researchers from all of the university's institutes have contributed to their development, bringing together expertise from different disciplines to create integrated practical solutions.

Such technologies offer particular potential in regions where freshwater resources are limited or climatic conditions make conventional food production difficult. Water reuse helps reduce dependence on additional freshwater resources, while indoor food production makes it possible to grow food closer to consumers. Aquaponics solutions can therefore contribute to both water and food security. Their adoption is particularly relevant in Middle Eastern countries, where freshwater scarcity and extreme climatic conditions pose significant challenges to conventional food production and increase the need for water-efficient technologies that support local food production.

University representatives welcome new partnerships

The Estonian University of Life Sciences will be represented at COP31 by Vice Rector for Research Kalle Olli, Professor in Water Protection and Waste Management Mait Kriipsalu, Professor in Soil Science Merrit Shanskiy, and Katrin Kepp, Head of the Department of Innovation and Knowledge Transfer.

The university's representatives welcome meetings with potential partners and are also ready to share their expertise in discussions organised by other organisations. Their aim is to identify shared interests and opportunities to further develop and implement research-based solutions through international collaboration.

The university's discussion, "From Shower Water to Food: Estonia’s Circular Aquaponics Testbed", will take place at the Estonia Pavilion on 12 November.

The Estonian University of Life Sciences is the only university in Estonia whose research and teaching cover the entire bioeconomy value chain – from water, soil and primary biological resources to food, biomaterials, energy and ecosystems. Its researchers combine expertise in agriculture, forestry, natural sciences and engineering to develop solutions for the sustainable use and valorisation of natural resources.

Learn more about the university's discussion at COP31link opens in new page and the speakers at the COP31 Estonia Pavilionlink opens in new page.