Aquaponics is an important method used to grow plants and raise fish in Hawaiʻi. Check out the work of the Backyard Aquaponics Research in Waimanālo, Malama Waimānalo. This project is working to build community aquaponics systems to increase access to fresh foods in a sustainable way. Aquaponics systems resembles the ahupua‘a, a system from the mountain to the sea that ancient Native Hawaiians developed to sustainably grow plants and fish. With this connection, Malama Waimanālo seeks to promote food production and agriculture through a Native Hawaiian lens. You can read another article about how Queen's Partnerships Promote Native Hawaiian Health.
"The MALAMA research study aims to test a culturally grounded family-based backyard aquaponics intervention with Native Hawaiian families living in Waimānalo. The study innovatively merges the modern technology of aquaponics with traditional Native Hawaiian practices to create a “mini ahupuaʻa” system in families’ backyards to provide constant access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish."
Some other resources about aquaponics in Hawaiʻi:
Refer to page 32 in the pdf document to read more about ancient aquaculture.
Check out these research articles about the connection of aquaponics to traditional ways of knowing. |