The Olive Branch Project Inc. (?OBP?) is introducing into the primary and secondary schools of Grenada a new scientific and environmentally friendly method of farming. Edible plants are grown in water in control spaces and the nutrients for the plants are provided from fish waste. No fertilizer which we know are harmful to the environment is used. As the fish mature they also are harvested for human consumption.

The implementation of the project into the school curriculum is part of an initiative by the OBP to assist organisations in the Caribbean region to cope with the growing dilemma of environmental problems and also to increase food security. Some of the more pressing environmental problems which has been highlighted: destruction of coral reefs; overfishing; soil erosion; climate change and dumping of waste into the sea and rivers.

All these environmental problems could be eradicated or reduced by the aquaponics initiative. The destruction of coral reef and the diminishing of specific fish species by the lion fish is an additional problem which has surfaced in recent years. This is another environmental problem that can be reduced by the aquaponics system of farming.

Also, the rise in unnatural methods of consumerism has increased in urban areas as individuals do not rely on backyard or other types of farming. These areas may benefit from the aquaponics system of farming.

The Aquaponics Project is part of a wider concept under the OBP Healthier Living Programme and is designed to educate students in the use of aquaponics as a combined science and agricultural tool. The aquaponics technique of raising fish and crops at home and in the community requires no soil or large storage area. Also the fish waste provides an organic food source to grow and maintain plants. The technique will tackle many of the environmental problems listed above and will permit particular species of fish to replenish themselves.

As the aquaponics technique will be taught in primary and secondary schools, the students will learn a new science skill. The skills and knowledge provided, initially, to young persons of St. George?s will invariably be advanced in their communities. The OBP Aquaponics Project will initially commence in the parish of St. George?s as a pilot project and is earmarked to begin in November 2016.

The pilot project will start at primary school level for a period of approximately two terms and thereafter will be implemented in the targeted primary and second schools the Ministry of Education has assigned to the OBP.

At the end of the project funding period, the aquaponics project will be satisfactorily self-sufficient and self-financing to be implemented in primary and secondary schools in other parishes. The time frame envisaged will permit the OBP to impart the necessary skills to individuals so they can be allocated positions as trainers within learning establishments and communities.

Arrangement is made with the Chemistry Department of UWI in Trinidad that they provide technical expertise to the OBP as it initiates the project to the targeted Government schools within the Parish of St. George?s are: Grenada Boys Secondary School, St. Joseph?s Convent, Presentation Boys College, Happy Hill Secondary School, Grand Anse R.C, Woburn Methodist, Calliste Government, Anglican High School, South St. George.

After the completion of the pilot scheme period it is anticipated the aquaponics project will extend to the other parishes of Grenada. Thus adults, children and young persons will be exposed to the aquaponics technique of fishing and farming. The technique will teach students to monitor and maintain a system so they can independently advance the technique at home and in their communities.

The total budget is estimated at EC$180,189.00 (USD66, 737.00) and will be financed by the GEF SGP with in-kind assistance from community groups and willing volunteers.

Goal:
To Improve food and nutrition security and reduce environmental degradation by building capacity in aquaponics systems establishment in primary and secondary schools and communities in the St. George area

Objectives:
(i) To build capacity among primary and secondary students to construct aquaponics systems
(ii) To contribute to soil erosion reduction through the impartation of training in soil management and aquaponics
(iii)To contribute to improving food security in Grenada through aquaponics systems training and establishment
(iv)To contribute to employment creation through aquaponics training and building of aquaponiscs systems
(v) To contribute to the enhancement of the lives of the youth and other persons in the area of St. George.