Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development Program (SATREPS)

Background

Due to the increase in the world population and economic development in emerging countries, the demand for aquaculture is increasing as a food supply method. Currently, the aquaculture industry using exotic species (such as tilapia and baname shrimp) is making a significant contribution in developing countries. However, due to the cultivation of non-native species, competition with wild species by fleeing individuals and genetic disturbances are becoming a problem in some areas.

Therefore, in this project (SATREPS*), technology development will be conducted to breed Asian sea bass and banana shrimp as natives to Southeast Asia, aiming to build a sustainable and environmentally friendly "Kitchin of the world."

World population growth and expectations for aquaculture production

According to reports from the International Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and others, while demand for seafood is expected to increase in 2007, an increase in aquaculture production is expected. However, it is anticipated that the current increase will not be enough to meet future demand; thereforefurther increase in production by aquaculture is expected, which is a global challenge.

Expectations for aquaculture production in Thailand and Southeast Asia

Thailand is a developed country on fisheries science in Southeast Asia, and because it is geographically at the center of Southeast Asia, Thailand is conducting a third country training and other projects and is in a leading position for fisheries science in Southeast Asia. Bu showing the successful examples of joint research on this subject widely to Southeast Asian countries, it is expected to further strengthen its leadership position in Southeast Asia in the field of fisheries, and have a more global ripple effect in terms of increasing food production.

*SATREPS

SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development) is a Japanese government program that promotes international joint research on global issues. Global challenges cannot be met by a single country or region acting on its own, so engagement by the international community is essential. To address these issues, SATREPS works through three- to five-year projects involving partnerships between researchers in Japan and researchers in developing countries. SATREPS projects are expected to lead to outcomes with potential for practical utilization, and to enhance research capacity in developing countries. The program is a collaboration between two Japanese government agencies: the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).