Ita Sualia has a diverse and impactful career in Indonesian aquaculture. She is currently the chief operating officer at the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), overseeing projects that support small and medium-sized aquaculture businesses – from hatcheries to export markets. Her mission is to enhance Indonesia’s aquaculture sector, covering aspects like product traceability, shrimp certification and seaweed industry growth, to boost its global competitiveness.
On her aquaculture career:
It all began during my undergraduate studies when I chose to major in aquatic resource management. Following that, I completed a master’s programme in marine and coastal resource management. In 2005 I embarked on a mission to contribute to the post-tsunami recovery efforts in Aceh-Nias Indonesia, joining Wetlands International, an NGO based in the Netherlands. My focus shifted towards initiating projects aimed at restoring mangrove ecosystems and providing livelihoods in aquaculture in coastal areas that had been devastated by the tsunami.
Later, I relocated to Bogor, Indonesia, where my main focus was assessing the applicability of certification schemes such as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Global GAP standards for small-scale shrimp farms.
Following that, I delved into understanding how mangroves could be integrated with shrimp and milkfish farming in Pemapang. Given that 80 percent of Indonesia’s shrimp aquaculture are traditional farms located in mangrove areas, this exploration held significant importance. I had the privilege of developing a guidebook that outlined the steps for implementing this integration, known as “Silvofishery”.
In essence, my career has consistently centred around a balance between preserving the environment and promoting sustainable aquaculture.
Since 2021, I’ve been a part of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), where my role involves supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) along the entire aquaculture supply chain, from hatcheries to export markets.
On women in aquaculture:
Women possess a multitude of capabilities, and in sectors like aquaculture, for example in seaweed farming, they can play a pivotal role in supporting their families. However, to empower women further in these roles, it’s crucial to provide them with enhanced training and skill development opportunities.
For instance, training programmes can focus on teaching and provide women with technical knowledge related to handling equipment like ropes, as well as training in financial and marketing aspects. This involves teaching them not only how to manage the financial aspects of their operations but also how to effectively market their products.
By investing in targeted training initiatives, we can equip women with the practical skills and knowledge they need to excel in aquaculture. This not only benefits individual women but also contributes to the overall development and sustainability of the industry, ultimately improving the livelihoods of families and communities.
Another vital factor to take into account is assisting women in the aquaculture sector in getting just and equitable wages.