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ABOUT USSee also: Foundation Group; Previous Aquaculture without Frontiers web site PREFACE The formation of a new non-governmental aquaculture organisation (NGO) to assist in the alleviation of poverty in developing countries was first proposed in Salvador, Brazil, in a keynote paper presented by Michael New, OBE at the annual meeting of the World Aquaculture Society in May 2003. The concept received a favourable reception in the aquaculture press and generated considerable interest in and beyond the aquaculture community. Subsequently, a ‘foundation group’ was formed to assist in the development of a strategy for this purpose. The NGO was named Aquaculture without Frontiers (AwF) and launched at the World Aquaculture Society meeting in Hawaii by Michael New, OBE in March 2004. AwF Structure Patron: M.S. Swaminathan FRS (India) AwF (UK) Structure Patron: M.S. Swaminathan FRS (India) RATIONALE Aquaculture (the farming of aquatic organisms, including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants) is included in the programmes of other NGOs that work in developing and transition countries. However, the scope of these NGOs is usually very broad, and it is difficult for them to divert much of their resources specifically to aquaculture development. Many also lack the technical background to do so effectively. Aquaculture without Frontiers has been established for the specific purpose of promoting and supporting responsible and sustainable aquaculture to assist in poverty alleviation through improving rural livelihoods in developing and transition countries. In its work, Aquaculture without Frontiers draws on the experience of respected professionals from every relevant discipline. Aquaculture without Frontiers is unique in devoting all of its resources and attention to aquaculture; however, it does not seek to promote aquaculture in isolation, but as a component of integrated rural and coastal development plans, and of strategies to alleviate poverty. Aquaculture without Frontiers encourages interaction, cooperation and linkages with other organisations. MISSION STATEMENT Aquaculture without Frontiers is an independent non-profit organisation that promotes and supports responsible and sustainable aquaculture in the alleviation of poverty by improving livelihoods in developing countries. PRINCIPLES Aquaculture without Frontiers: -Provides technical and managerial experience from individuals in the existing aquaculture community, utilizing all age strata, from students to retirees, as appropriate. -Supports responsible and sustainable aquaculture practices -Pays special attention to forms of aquaculture (and associated activities) that have the potential to alleviate poverty and improve health through the provision of ‘home-grown’ food and the enhancement of livelihoods. -Recognises and supports the role that women play in aquaculture and linked activities. -Ensures that its activities are targeted at benefiting ‘grass-root’ farmers and SMEs. -Is culturally sensitive, and non-discriminatory and non-aligned in religion and politics. -Carries out projects that are carefully monitored and assessed for efficacy. -Is transparent and accountable in its work. AwF has been established as an independent ‘stand alone’ NGO, although one of its key principles will be to assist existing NGOs, which have a wealth of experience in developing countries. Cooperation need not necessarily be confined to NGOs that already include aquaculture in their portfolio of project work; those that use common resources will also be targeted. OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES Aquaculture without Frontiers supports aquaculture development for poverty alleviation through improving livelihoods in developing countries by: -Promoting and introducting practical techniquest 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. THE FOUNDATION GROUP A foundation group, composed of persons working in their own individual capacity, continues to assist in the development of AwF . Some of members of the foundation group are currently employed in the public or private sectors, not necessarily in aquaculture; others are ‘retired’ but still willing to provide their expertise. Some are members of existing aquaculture societies, such as the World Aquaculture Society, the Asian Fisheries Society and the European Aquaculture Society. Management experience (in governmental and non-governmental organisations, or in commercial companies, or in research and training) is a pre-requisite for those working as trustees or advisers to AwF. Experience in the aquaculture and capture fisheries sectors is desirable; however, expertise in other critical important disciplines, such as sociology, economics and business management, is also required. Those involved in AwF are working in their individual independent capacity and on a voluntary basis. The trustees and the members of the foundation and technical advisory groups that are employed (either full-time or as consultants) do not seek to promote the specific aims of their employers or clients. Similarly, the views that they provide in helping AwF shall not be construed by others as representing the official stance of their existing employers or clients. CHARITY STATUS AND REGISTRATION AwF is incorporated in California (No. 2671553) and State and Federal tax-exempt status has been grnated. AwF (UK) is registered as a charity in the United Kingdom (Charity Commission No. 1107062). BOARD The Board of AwF and the Trustees of AwF (UK) are responsible for guiding the development and operation of AwF and reviewing its mission, strategies and principles. TECHNICAL ADVISORY GROUP This group has been set up by AwF Director Geoff Allan. The primary function of the Technical Advisory Group is to provide management with advice on the emerging and dynamic needs of the selected target groups and the appropriate technical means to honour the principles and achieve the operational strategy of the organisation. Its members also advise on the selection of suitable projects and field activities, including opportunities for cooperative programmes with existing NGOs. They also assist both trustees and management in the identification of funding for project work and specific activities. In addition, advisors assist the trustees in monitoring and evaluating the work of AwF. PATRONAGE Our distinguished patron is Professor M.S. Swaminathan. Professor Swaminathan has been acclaimed by TIME magazine as one of the twenty most influential Asians of the 20th century and one of the only three from India, the other two being Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. He has been described by the United Nations Environment Programme as "the Father of Economic Ecology" and by Javier Perez de Cuellar, Secretary General of the United Nations, as "a living legend who will go into the annals of history as a world scientist of rare distinction". He was Chairman of the UN Science Advisory Committee set up in 1980 to take follow-up action on the Vienna Plan of Action. He has also served as Independent Chairman of the FAO Council and President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. He is the current President of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs. A plant geneticist by training, Professor Swaminathan's contributions to the agricultural renaissance of India have led to his being widely referred to as the scientific leader of the green revolution movement. His advocacy of sustainable agriculture leading to an ever-green revolution makes him an acknowledged world leader in the field of sustainable food security. The International Association of Women and Development conferred on him the first international award for significant contributions to promoting the knowledge, skill, and technological empowerment of women in agriculture and for his pioneering role in mainstreaming gender considerations in agriculture and rural development. Professor Swaminathan was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1971, the Albert Einstein World Science Award in 1986, and the first World Food Prize in 1987. Professor Swaminathan is a Fellow of many of the leading scientific academies of India and the world, including the Royal Society of London and the U S National Academy of Sciences. He has received 46 honorary doctorate degrees from universities around the world. He currently holds the UNESCO Chair in Ecotechnology at the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai (Madras), India and Chairman of the National Commission on Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security of India. FIELD OF ACTIVITIES Aquaculture without Frontiers: 1. Working for long-term stability, not just short-term relief. 2. Concentrates its activities in LIFDCs and in the poorest regions of other developing and transition countries. 3. Tackles aspects of aquaculture development that, in the opinion of the Board of Trustees, merit high priority because of their potential to benefit the poor and/or their inadequate support by others. 4. Applies the individual skills of its foundation group, board of trustees and technical advisory group. These skills not only include specific technical aquaculture experience but also economics, sociology, small-business management, etc. 5. Insists that independent (i.e. post-project) economic viability is ensured in the projects that it supports and that they promote sustainable and responsible forms of aquaculture. Aquaculture without Frontiers sees the following specific opportunities: 1. Working with governmental or non-governmental agencies involved in extension. 2. Working with existing NGOs that include (or wish to include) aquaculture in their portfolio by assisting in general aquaculture guidance, project design, management and evaluation. 3. Providing technical, economic and sociological expertise, either directly or through existing NGOs or other partners. 4. Providing guidance on processing and marketing that takes account of real (not imaginary) local and wider markets. 5. Providing training in the general management and operation of small enterprises. 6. Applying research results whose implementation is constrained by lack of training and/or extension. 7. Working with local and national government agencies to ensure a favourable macro-economic and legal environment to support aquaculture development. 8. Increasing the political and social visibility of the poor by providing a voice for small-scale aquafarmers. 9. Executing the aquaculture plans of other organisations, where appropriate. FUNDING Donations Initial donations were received from the friends, families and colleagues of the Board, through personal contact and the publicity generated during meetings of international aquaculture societies. Since it inception, many donations have been received from the aquaculture industry, philanthropic foundations and the general public A donors list and donation appeal are posted on this website. Appeals The primary source of funding for AwF is through appeals to the general public. Although appeals are generally targeted at people living in the industrialized countries, many developing countries have substantial ‘upper and middle classes’ that may respond to appeals that potentially benefit the poor in their own countries. Clearly, AwF may not have the immediate broad ‘appeal’ for the public of some NGOs, such as medical charities. A degree of public education on the potential benefits of responsible aquaculture in alleviating poverty through improving livelihoods in developing and transition countries must form an essential part of publicity and appeal campaigns. Our appeal to the public is enhanced by creating an image of independence from commerce or government, and as a provider of employment, economic empowerment, and improved nutrition for the poor. In order to create trust in the ethics of AwF a maximum level of administration costs will be set (currently - 2008 - there are no administrative expenses; these are borne by the members of the Board). It is increasingly important for the public to be sure that their money is reaching the stated target; some NGOs absorb too much of their donations in administration and advertising. Project funding Project work is funded mainly through AwF's own funds. Applications to donors for specific field programmes may also be made. VOLUNTEERS Field work is executed by a mixture of volunteers (who work without remuneration or are paid wages at local levels, similar to the practice of the Peace Corps and the VSO) and paid staff (employed on a project by project basis). Use is also be made of opportunities to involve people who could combine research with AwF work (both professionals during sabbatical years and students undertaking field-based research). Those that are taking a ‘gap year’ between university and permanent employment are another potential labour resource. Such sources of expertise and labour will include TCDC. COMMUNICATIONS Volunteers A database of volunteers ready to conduct field work for AwF has been established. Registration forms for new volunteers on this website. General enquiries General enquiries about AwF should be addressed to: Carol Mendoza (carolm@was.org) Appendix 1. Members of the Foundation Group for Aquaculture without Frontiers
*Members of the Foundation Group are acting in their personal capacity; thus the specific names of their employers or organisations are not listed. The word ‘retired’ does not imply inactivity !
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