Building an Aquaponics farm for Orphans in Mexico
In 2010, Emattan helped to construct an aquaponics system for, Rancho Maranatha, an orphanage in Mexico. Aquaponics — a technique with roots in anceint farming traditions, including Aztec agriculture — uses nutrient rich water from fish waste to feed and water crops, creating a closed, self-sustaining cycle.
This system included four small vegetable tables, two large ones, and a 4,500-gallon pool built to house tilapia. Rather than purchasing fish stock, the team caught their own tilapia at a local lake to start the breeding population. Once established, the pool can hold up to 1,500-2,000 tilapia — a substantial, ongiong source of protein for the orphanage and surrounding community, alongside a steady supply of fresh vegetables grown from the same system.
