Guide to the co-construction of sustainable development indicators in aquaculture

The many guides, indicators and standards produced in the field of aquaculture are still often seen by players as constraints rather than as shared objectives. In view of this observation, which also applies to other fields, this guide sets out to suggest a generic approach that uses a collective construction process to foster the implementation and adoption of sustainable development.
This original approach associates the various players and takes account of their views. It covers both aquacultural systems and the territories into which they fit. It is backed up by a stacked selection process using principles and criteria to link indicators with issues and players' views, and thus fosters the adoption of sustainable development and of the indicators generated.
The guide is the fruit of field work by a group of French researchers working with teams of scientists and players in France, Europe and developing countries. A wide range of aquacultural systems representative of farming systems and governance methods was studied. The guide uses the same rationale for analysing the factors of aquacultural development as the "EVAD" project (evaluation of the sustainability of aquacultural systems) completed at the end of 2008.
It is intended for aquacultural producer groups, the authorities governing the sector, and research organizations, NGOs and any body wishing to implement sustainable development in its field. It should be very useful to teachers and students keen to study how aquaculture functions in a given region.

Guide to the co-construction of sustainable development indicators in aquaculture
Rey-Valette H., Clément O., Aubin J., Mathé S., Chia E., Legendre M., Caruso D., Mikolasek O., Blancheton J-P., Slembrouck J., Baruthio A., René F., Levang P., Morissens P., Lazard J.
CIRAD, IFREMER, INRA, IRD, University of Montpellier 1
2008
Also available in French.