MY JOURNEY IN THE AMAZON

Deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where nature remains largely uncontaminated, Achuar women farmers and community leaders are proving that protecting the forest and feeding their families can go hand in hand.

Together, we are co-creating Amazon Aquaponics, a youth-led, cross-continental initiative that connects Ireland and the Ecuadorian Amazon to tackle food insecurity while protecting one of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems.

As a 16 year old climate advocate, I began creating this project in 2024 with the Achuar Indigenous people, the project merges traditional ecological knowledge with modern regenerative design to produce food sustainably in isolated rainforest communities. 
-Paddy 

Me receiving an Achuar crown from Domingo Peas

The System

WHAT IS AQUAPONICS? 
Aquaponics is an innovative, soilless agricultural method where fish feed plants and plants clean water for the fish, creating a circular loop with no chemicals, super high yields, and low water use.

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION IN THE AMAZON? 
Modular, replicable structures that float on top of fish ponds and suspend roots into the water, sucking up nutritious water, growing lots of healthy crops and fish, and addressing key protein and food sovereignty issues.

Impact

Amazon Aquaponics directly reduces deforestation and biodiversity loss by eliminating the need for over-hunting and agricultural land clearage. Each floating farm system uses existing water surfaces, preserving soil structure, and protecting surrounding vegetation. The ability to grow high-protein crops like beans and spinach is fighting protein deficiency caused by the decrease in hunting, while enhancing indigenous food sovereignty.

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