Integrated systems in the world aquaculture: the experience of millennia for the benefit of the whole world

Abstract

The article reveals the meaning and essence of the concept of multitrophic systems in aquaculture; provides an overview of historical information on ancient integrated agro-aquatic systems; considers examples of multitrophic agro-aquatic systems in the UNESCO World Heritage List and in the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). Current issues and current ways of preserving unique agro-aquatic systems in different regions of the world are discussed; the main principles and current options of polyculture application in hydrobionts breeding, as well as the importance of multitrophic technologies in world aquaculture are discussed. It is concluded that the development of multitrophic agro-aquatic systems is one of the most promising options for the interaction of water management and the agricultural sector. At the same time, the implementation of this concept of environmental management is fully consistent with the international principles of the green economy, the tasks of resource conservation, ensuring stable growth of food production and creating conditions for sustainable development. In general, this direction ensures the achievement of at least nine of the seventeen UN declared Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, such SDGs as: hunger eradication, good health and well-being, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industrialization, innovation and infrastructure, responsible consumption and production, conservation of marine ecosystems, conservation of terrestrial ecosystems, partnership for sustainable development [16]. The support and development of multitrophic agro-aquatic systems affect not only the overall efficiency of environmental management, but also have an impact on the socio-economic sphere — in particular, through the activation of international tourism. In turn, tourism, in addition to expanding the service sector, ensures the preservation of accumulated knowledge about unique technologies of environmental management and makes a significant contribution to the preservation of these systems by increasing people’s awareness of the traditions of various cultures.