Page 29 - Connecting cities and communities with the Sustainable Development Goals

United for Smart Sustainable Cities
Connecting cities and communities with the Sustainable Development Goals

3 Conclusions

Aquaponics is an integrated agricultural system that connects producers to consumers in a cohesive manner
due to the short supply chains and to the production of organic food that is fresh and free of pesticides. It
can be a source of economic growth and job opportunities, while at the same time supporting sustainable
agriculture and food supplies and reducing the pressure on arable land. GrowUp Box is an aquaponics
demonstration system that represents a model for sustainable food production, as well as engaging children
and communities, thereby contributing to sustainable development and creating smarter and more
sustainable cities worldwide.
As such, the aquaponics technique used in GrowUp helps promote soil-less agriculture and can reduce pests
and soil-borne diseases which affect land crops. In countries where land and water supply is limited, this
technique could even be considered a viable option for food production. However, it is noted that the
apparatus required for GrowUp Box can be complicated to build and requires holistic knowledge and regular
maintenance. Additionally, implementing projects similar to GrowUp Box could also require substantial start-
up and labour costs. The GrowUp Box team acknowledges that their aquaponics systems are not currently
designed to be a commercially viable farming system. Even if the full production capacity of GrowUp Box was
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utilized, it would take up to eight years to realize a return on investment. While the GrowUp aquaponics
model does eventually aim to generate large scale food production along with revenue, its current activities
are aimed more at enlightening people about sustainable food production. Along with organized tours,
GrowUp Box also hosts events, workshops and lectures to facilitate knowledge on aquaponics with the hope
of promoting sustainable living.
At a technical level, aquaponics is straightforward and has proven to be successful around the world at a
scale suitable for education interventions and hobbyists. However, aquaponics as a business is extremely
location specific, with the availability of inputs and the access to a strong market willing to pay premium
prices for locally produced, nutritious vegetables and fish seen as two key drivers for a successful enterprise.
Given the unique sustainable farming model embedded in the concept of aquaponics, its potential should
not be underestimated and urban stakeholders should strive to build aquaponics farms and formulate an
overall plan taking into account all economic, socio-economic, labour and skills aspects. Following the
principles of efficient resource use to increase the provision of goods and services from agriculture in a
sustainable way, the synergistic effects of integrating separate food production systems reduce inputs,
pollution and waste, while increasing efficiency, earning potential and sustainability. As one of these efficient
and integrated techniques, aquaponics will support economic development and enhance food security and
nutrition and will become one small piece of the collective global challenge.

17 GrowUp Box Project

U4SSC series 23