Aquaponics in Action     Our vision for the community of Fondwa is to assist a local peasant farmer and community leader in setting up an aquaponics system and then assist in expanding the project into the community if the pilot project is successful.     Prior to implementing the project in Haiti, we built a prototype here in the United States. For the prototype, a greenhouse was required to house the aquaponics system in order to replicate the climate in Haiti. However, in Haiti, a greenhouse is not necessary because the year round atmospheric temperature will be conducive to good health for the fish and plants.    The vegetables that we grew in the prototype greenhouse were those that 1) will flourish in Haiti, 2) are acceptable locally and culturally, and 3) provide a sound basis for nutrition. Based on discussions with local Haitian leaders, we initially grew spinach, lettuce, squash, tomatoes and herbs.     After we established a system for growing vegetables using aquaponic methods, we brought 2 missionaries who were working with the Haitian leaders to the Durham, NC area to see our system. During that visit we jointly tried to anticipate and solve any problems which might occur. They also learned about the daily operation of the aquaponic system and began to plan the introduction of the systems in Haiti.     In June 2003, we sent a small team to work with the local farmer in Fondwa to set up and initiate the system. Materials that were needed to build the aquaponics system were relatively simple - concrete blocks, cement, tarps, PVC pipe, connectors, faucets, and pumps. The system was designed to not require electricity. All items were available in Haiti except the pumps. The American consulting team provided the pumps for the initial system, using a simple hand bilge pump that cost less that $40. (Pumps are needed to move the water through the system. See What is Aquaponics.)     Our plans are that the local farmers will be self-sufficient in maintaining the fish ponds/aquaculture project at some point in the future using revenues from the sales of the vegetables and fish. In addition, a system was set up to put a portion of these revenues aside for a future additional system. The American team is available for consultation for problems at any time. We will make visits to the site several times a year to assess their evolving needs. Vegetables and fish will be produced for the residents of Fondwa as well as for selling in local markets. Tilapia fishponds have already proven to be marketable in a neighboring valley.