The rise in the global population leads to increased demand for food, especially animal proteins. The current food system, primarily built on intensive cattle, pig, and poultry farming, is unsustainable over the long term because of its significant environmental effects: excessive water and soil use, high greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and deforestation.

Some production systems inspired by the circular bioeconomy can offer effective and rapidly applicable solutions. These systems include insect farming to produce food and feed using waste and by-products from local agri-food chains (Errico et al, 2021).

Insects provide several key benefits: higher production efficiency (insects are more effective at converting food into protein), lower environmental impact, high nutritional value, and less waste (Goutam Roy Chowdhury et al., 2017). Many insects, such as Tenebrio molitor larvae, can be farmed using food by-products and organic waste, supporting a circular economy and cutting waste impact.

Promoting insects as an alternative protein source is not just a food issue but a key environmental and social strategy for sustainably addressing future challenges. Schools, as centres of education and innovation, have a crucial role in leading this cultural shift toward greater ecological responsibility.

The FoPA (Alternative Protein Sources) Working Group at the Regenerative Circular Bioeconomy Laboratory of the Sustainability Department at the ENEA Trisaia Research Centre (MT) has gained solid experience in sustainability education through the presentation of our insect farms, where two beetles, Tenebrio molitor and Alphitobius diaperinus, are reared for scientific purposes. Particularly significant was the experience with young people who participated in training courses organised for local schools and universities, through experiential workshops, Open Days and guided tours of the activities of our working group at the Trisaia Centre. These initiatives can help raise awareness among young people about the connections between the environment, society, and the economy. Greater understanding can promote cultural acceptance of environmental sustainability.

References:

1.  Errico, S., Spagnoletta, A., Verardi, A., Moliterni, S., Dimatteo, S., & Sangiorgio, P. (2021). Tenebrio molitor as a source of interesting natural compounds, their recovery processes, biological effects, and safety aspects. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 21(1), 148-197. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12863

2. Goutam R C, Upasana D, Sufia Z, Abhijit M. Ecosystem Services of Insects. Biomed J Sci & Tech Res 1(2)-2017   BJSTR. MS.ID.000228