International Artemia Aquaculture Consortium

Profile

ECO ARAL (Ecologically Oriented Development in the Aral Sea Region) is a regional initiative implemented by GIZ in partnership with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The project supports sustainable economic development, spatial planning, and climate-resilient livelihoods for around 2 million residents in the Aral Sea region.

A key component is the Artemia pilot introduced in Karakalpakstan, where the project piloted artisinal pond-based Artemia culture using saline groundwater as a new, eco-friendly income source. This initiative aims to demonstrate Artemia pond farming's viability and support local job creation, land rehabilitation, and value-chain enhancement in former Aral Sea zones. A second phase will extend culture to an artificial reservoir and natural salt lake.

GIZ is also supporting coastal community development in several countries in Africa where artisanal salt farming is present, with interest in opportunities for Artemia