Hanoi (VNA) – The UK's University of Stirling has announced a 3.5 million GBP (4.55 million USD) initiative named AquaSoS to develop digital tools to support sustainable aquaculture in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, according to the British Embassy in Vietnam.
The information was unveiled during a recent visit by British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew to the university’s Institute of Aquaculture (IoA).
During the visit, Frew held a discussion with Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling Prof. Gerry McCormac, and heard from scientists who are working on projects to improve aquaculture in Vietnam.
He underlined the role of the university’s decade-long research undertaken in Vietnam, saying that it has contributed significantly to the livelihoods of fishermen and communities throughout the Mekong Delta region.
The ambassador expressed high expectations for the AquaSoS project in tackling disease outbreak in Pangasius and efforts to overcome Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR), thus ensuring that aquaculture in the Mekong thrives for decades to come.
According to McCormac, aquaculture is an important sector in Vietnam, where the University of Stirling's researchers have been working to support a more efficient and sustainable industry.
The new AquaSoS project, which combines the internationally renowned work of the IoA with its expertise in earth observation and water quality, is another example of how the university is applying its research and innovation results around the world to support environmental sustainability and global food security.
The AquaSoS project, funded by the British Government and led by Prof. Simon MacKenzie, Head of the IoA, will carry out research in the Mekong Delta.
Drawing on earth observation and water quality expertise from Stirling’s Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BES), the interdisciplinary project will utilise data from satellites, sensors and labs to address challenges such as pollution, climate change and disease.
AquaSoS will ultimately create a digital tool to protect ecosystems and promote sustainable aquaculture. This will equip scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders with vital information required to balance environmental protection with food production.
AquaSoS is one of the four projects to be announced as part of a 12-million-GBP initiative funded by the British Government to enhance sustainable aquaculture in Southeast Asia. The projects are funded through the British Government’s International Science Partnership Fund Official Development Assistance budget and delivered by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)./.
