KMI Concludes Korea-Las Palmas International Maritime Cooperation Seminar in Spain

Discussion on Sustainable Fisheries and Food Security
Through New Seaweed-Based Industries

The Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), led by President Cho Jeonghee, announced that it held the "Korea-Las Palmas International Cooperation Seminar" at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) in Spain on June 17.

This seminar was held under the theme of promoting sustainable fisheries development and ensuring food security through new seaweed-based industries, in response to global supply chain instability caused by the climate crisis and international conflicts.

Since signing its first memorandum of understanding with ULPGC in 2014, the Korea Maritime Institute has continued to pursue joint research and exchange cooperation in the maritime and fisheries sector between Europe and Africa, renewing the agreement in 2023.

The event was attended by domestic and international maritime and fisheries organizations, including the Korea Maritime Institute, Spain's ULPGC, the government of Las Palmas, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Las Palmas, Casa Africa, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Bank, the Ghana Fisheries Association, and the Korean Association in Las Palmas. The participants engaged in in-depth discussions on international cooperation measures.

At the opening ceremony, Llu?s Serra Majem, President of ULPGC, stated, "I hope that the cooperation, which was temporarily suspended due to COVID-19, will be further strengthened through this seminar." Ko Moonhee, Consul General at the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Las Palmas, emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries, saying, "Since 1966, when Korea first entered the distant-water fisheries sector, the Canary Islands have served as an important hub connecting Korea and Africa."

Carolina Darias, Mayor of Las Palmas, said, "Las Palmas is a strategic bridgehead for advancing into Africa, and I hope that the trilateral cooperation system among Korea, Spain, and Africa will become even stronger in the future."

During the keynote presentations, the OECD introduced the current state of food security in Africa and emphasized the need for tailored infrastructure support. The following sessions featured presentations on cases of fisheries ODA in Africa, the status of tilapia aquaculture, the future prospects of the seaweed industry, and examples of international cooperation.

The Canary Islands are home to more than 700 species of seaweed, of which about 100 species are edible, giving them high value as marine biological resources. Participants focused on the region's seaweed ecological resources and industrial utilization potential, and agreed on the need for joint research and practical action in the areas of carbon reduction using seaweed and blue carbon-based carbon credits.

Cho Jeonghee, President of KMI, stated, "Fisheries and food security are not immune to global crises," and added, "This seminar shed light on the potential of new seaweed industries and served as a meaningful opportunity for Korea, Spain, and Africa to unite and cooperate in addressing sustainable fisheries and food security issues."