Key Terms
– Freshwater fish species ( Alburnus sp., Cobitis sp. etc.)
– Underutilized fish resources
– Surimi production
– Water lentils ( Lemna sp.) cultivation
– Ecosystem restoration
– Water quality enhancement
– Sustainable aquaculture
– Biodiversity conservation
– Mediterranean diet integration
– Healthy nutrition
– Digital educational tools (VR, gamification)
– Children-focused nutrition awareness
– Local producer engagement
– Sustainable food supply
– Public meal services
– Policy innovation and sustainability
– PRIMA, Horizon Europe compatibility
Project Title: FreshMed – Sustainable Mediterranean Diet Based on Freshwater Resources
The FreshMed project aims to integrate economically underutilized small freshwater fish species ( Alburnus sp., Cobitis sp. etc.) and water lentils ( Lemna sp.) into the Mediterranean diet to create sustainable, healthy, and innovative food solutions. The project’s key components include:
– Sustainable freshwater fish cultivation, where part of the stock is returned to its natural habitats to support ecosystem balance.
– Processing undervalued fish species into surimi-based and protein-rich food products, making them accessible to children and consumers.
– Growing water lentils to enhance water quality and incorporate them into nutritious food products.
– Educational programs with gamified and digital learning tools to promote healthy eating among children.
– Supporting local producers and sustainable food supply chains, integrating freshwater-derived foods into public meal services.
The project combines aquaculture, ecological restoration, food innovation, and education to enhance dietary sustainability while protecting aquatic ecosystems. It aligns with PRIMA and Horizon Europe initiatives, fostering policy development and sustainable food systems at the European level.
Partner Selection Criteria
1. Academic and Research Institutions
– Universities specializing in aquaculture, ecology, biotechnology, and sustainable food systems.
– Research centers focused on food science, processing technologies, and ecosystem restoration.
– Environmental institutes working on water quality and biodiversity conservation.
2. Food and Aquaculture Industry
– Surimi and fish-based processed food manufacturers.
– Companies specializing in water lentil processing for nutrition.
– Sustainable freshwater fish farming enterprises.
3. Educational and Technology Partners
– Tech firms developing digital education tools (VR, AR, gamification).
– Organizations creating school-based nutrition education programs.
– Social innovation projects promoting healthy eating among children.
4. Public Sector and Policy Makers
– Governments focusing on sustainable food policies and public meal services.
– Institutions involved in PRIMA and Horizon Europe-funded projects.
– Policy research organizations contributing to EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy.
5. Local Producers and NGOs
– Small-scale fishers and farmers advocating sustainable production.
– NGOs promoting ecosystem protection and sustainable food practices.
