Photo:FAO

A new aquaculture-focused non-governmental organization (NGO), has been established to assist in the alleviation of poverty in developing countries.

Aquaculture without Frontiers (AwF) was officially launched at a meeting held in conjunction withWAS Aquaculture 2004 in Honolulu on March 3, 2004. Over 100 people came to voice their unanimous support for the aims of this new non-profit organization. Many people have already volunteered their services to AwF and donations have started to arrive. The next stages in the development of AwF are to register it in the U.K. and other countries, to seek patronage, and to request assistance from philanthropic organizations. This will enable AwF to establish a base and to recruit a small core staff to develop specific proposals and raise money from the public and other sources.

Aquaculture without Frontiers (AwF) was first proposed in Salvador, Brazil in a keynote paper presented at the annual meeting of the World Aquaculture Society in May 2003. According to the group's new website, Aquaculture without Frontiers will support aquaculture development for poverty alleviation through improving livelihoods in developing countries by:
·         Promoting and introducing practical techniques for small-scale responsible aquaculture.
·         Demonstrating appropriate technology for farm construction and operation, including responsible resource use and integration with other income and food generating activities.
·         Assisting in product development for consumption and sale/marketing.
·         Providing technical and management training for new and existing small-scale farmers, farm workers, extension workers, and agencies (including other NGOs) working to develop aquaculture.
·         Increasing awareness of the importance of the aquatic environment, animal welfare, and the potential of aquaculture.
·         Helping to build capacity for ‘seed’ supply.
·         Promoting the development of micro-credit schemes to support the purchase of ‘seed’, and to assist women to establish aquaculture-based activities designed to provide additional family income.
·         Recognising the frequently landless state and lack of legal rights to water use of the economically poor by maximising the potential of natural productivity.
·         Wherever possible, avoiding ecosystem degradation by turning eutrophication into productivity.
·         Working for long-term stability, not just short-term relief.

For more information, contact Michael New,
E-mail: Michael_New@compuserve.com
www.aquaculturewithoutfrontiers.org