World Aquaculture Safari 2025

June 24 - 27, 2025

Kampala, Uganda

Add To Calendar 26/06/2025 15:00:0026/06/2025 15:20:00Africa/CairoWorld Aquaculture Safari 2025SCHOOL FARMING: GROWING MINDS AND FOOD THROUGH AQUAPONICSMburo HallThe World Aquaculture Societyjohnc@was.orgfalseDD/MM/YYYYanrl65yqlzh3g1q0dme13067

SCHOOL FARMING: GROWING MINDS AND FOOD THROUGH AQUAPONICS

Margarida Saavedra1,2, Lígia Louro3 and João Cotter4

 

1Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, I.P (IPMA), Division of Aquaculture and Upgrading,

Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, nº6, 1495-006 Lisboa; Portugal

2MARE- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET- Aquatic Research Network Associated Laboratory, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal

Fonseca Benevides Secondary School, Rua Jau, 1300-312 Lisbon

4Aquaponics Iberia Ecocampus Pólo 2, Rua da Estr. Militar – Escola Básica de Casal de Barbas, 2565-782 Torres Vedras, Portugal

 



The role of aquaculture in ensuring the future supply of fish is undeniable. Aquaponics, a sustainable integration of aquaculture and hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation), creates a closed-loop system where nutrient-rich water from fish waste fertilizes plants, while the plants, in turn, purify the water for the fish. This symbiotic ecosystem exemplifies efficient water use and the principles of the circular economy. School Farming is an educational project launched in 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal, designed to inspire children’s interest in nature through hands-on learning. The project involves building an aquaponic system within a school, consisting of a fish tank, a plant-growing bed, and filtration and pumping equipment. Students actively participate in growing various vegetables, such as lettuce, basil, and peri-peri, with plant selection tailored to different school levels. This interdisciplinary program offers practical learning opportunities across multiple subjects, including biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and economics, among others. While School Farming serve as valuable learning tools in developed countries, its application in developing regions, where food insecurity is a pressing issue, could have a profound impact. By equipping children with practical knowledge and skills, school farming not only encourages small-scale replication at home but also fosters entrepreneurial thinking, helping to combat poverty and strengthen food resilience.