In order to maximize to the maximum extent possible, all that a resource has to offer, a group of researchers proposed to adopt the approach of circular economy with three proposals that can be applied in La Paz.
Within the framework of the ConCiencia La Paz Forum the paper was presented Peace towards the circular economy: opportunities and challengesThe participants in this research were Alba Eritrea Gámez Vázquez, Elena Palacios Mechetnov, Crisalejandra Rivera Pérez, Alejandra Nieto Garibay, Paola Magallón Servín, Fernando Aranceta and the coordinators César Salvador Cardona Félix and Liliana Rojo Arreola.
"The notion of circular economy has become attractive as a solution to the contemporary environmental and economic crisis. Its most common starting point is the recognition that the linear model that has sustained the economy (based on extract, produce, use, and dispose) is leading to environmental collapse, and that a change is required that goes beyond mere recycling," notes the research presentation.
In view of this, in the document the academics put forward three proposals that promote circular economy exercises, based on some scientific research carried out regarding the best use of resources in the Bay of La Paz area.
Integral use of mollusks
The mollusk fishery is emblematic in the La Paz area, with the exploitation of different species of clams, mussels, oysters and scallops.
In the case of the ax callusThe fishermen emphasize that the viscera, gonads and shells can be used as an additional source of income for the fishing communities, especially for the women who clean the tripe.
"The callus or marketable muscle of an organism of 400 grams (with shell) is 25 grams, only 6% of the total weight, so approximately 120 grams of viscera are discarded. One of the proposals proposed here is the use of viscera as an additional income resource," they state.
The research presents a prototype solar dryer for these by-products, as a first step for their use as an additive in the feed of laying hens, since it has been proven that this practice significantly improves the nutritional value of eggs, with up to five times the level of DHA and three times the levels of EPA (omega-3 fatty acids).
Axe viscera have approximately 52% of protein and 14% of lipids. Proteins are rich in essential amino acids that humans do not synthesize, and lipids have essential fatty acids not only for humans, but for other vertebrates, such as chickens and cats, as well as farmed marine animals, such as fish and shrimp, they argue.
In addition to the use of the shells as an input for handicrafts or the manufacture of ornamental pieces, the researchers propose that minerals such as calcium carbonate can be obtained, which is used to improve the yields of all types of animal feed; or for use in the construction of floors and mosaics, for which there is already previous experience with the use of catarina clam shell.
Development of low impact shrimp farming
Around the world, several technological innovations are applied to make shrimp farming systems more efficient and reduce environmental impact.
In a recent study on the efficiency of shrimp farms in Sonora, energy consumption and feed formulation were identified as having the greatest environmental impact.
"To solve this problem, innovative protein sources have been proposed as being more sustainable, among these is seaweed meal, as they are an excellent source of protein, carotenoids, minerals, polysaccharides and vitamins, which makes their use as shrimp feed additives attractive," the document says.
Another proposal is to adopt an integrated multi-trophic cropping scheme, a system with two or more different species whose functions are complementary.
"Under this scheme, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the system and, above all, reduce the amount of waste water generated, since the water is recirculated and bio-recycled within the system itself," according to the research.
In La Paz, the shrimp-macroalgae and shrimp-shrimp-oyster-macroalgae schemes have been tested at an experimental level, proving the feasibility of including seaweed from the culture in shrimp feed, with the additional advantage of replacing up to 20% of fishmeal in conventional formulations of crustacean feed.
"In these schemes we have been able to determine optimal culture density (1 oyster for every 10 shrimp), finding conditions in which the efficiency in controlling the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphate compounds is comparable to continuous water replacement, reducing the amount of waste water by up to 80%," he explains.
Community food production models
The third proposal is the implementation of a community model for the production of high nutritional quality food, integrated to urban community kitchens operating in Baja California Sur.
It is an intensified, efficient and sustainable food production system that does not require arable land, and has a reduced consumption of water, energy and fertilizers, which contributes to the food security and health of families in urban and peri-urban areas, with great potential as an aid to development, the research highlights.
"Within the different types of food circuits, there is a model that are called 'proximity', the configuration of these involves or includes food flows oriented towards local and regional markets, whose characteristics are linked to a greater proximity of the productive origin of the food and consumers, this type of food systems reduces waste generation and allows communities to establish systems based on the circular economy," explains the document.
The proximity between food production and the consumer significantly reduces the amount of fuel needed for transportation, reduces transportation costs and improves freshness, generates leadership and community and family ties.
The strategy consists of implementing highly intensified production systems that make it possible to achieve a virtuous and sustainable circle for food production.
The proposal establishes a production model integrated to the structure of community kitchens in Baja California Sur, where there is already a social unit to insert sustainable production systems that generate high quality protein and vegetables, contributing to the health of consumers.
The academics conclude that the circular economy model proposes the integral use of resources and the reduction of waste generation, with the purpose of curbing the current environmental deterioration, economic and social inequality, incorporating the efficient use of resources, knowledge, and local talent to promote the development of La Paz.
Source: ConCiencia La Paz Forum
