Have you ever heard of aquaponics?
In the heart of his school, among colorful posters and creative stands, Sebastiano – 10 years old, with curious eyes and busy hands – presented his project for the PIP exhibition with enthusiasm and passion. The absolute star? An aquaponic system that brings together fish and plants in a perfect balance, where both can grow strong, healthy… and happy.
“This is my project,” he proudly explains. “The plants and fish grow together and help each other. It’s like a team!” In front of his stand, besides the carefully made aquaponic system, there are photos from interviews he conducted and even a game designed to engage visitors. A true little ambassador for sustainability!
But what is aquaponics?
Aquaponics is a cultivation system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil). Basically, fish live in a tank and produce waste rich in nutrients. Instead of throwing this water away, it is pumped to the plants: their roots absorb it and feed on what is waste for the fish. In return, the plants naturally filter the water, which then returns clean to the fish tank. A perfect cycle, without waste.
This system has many advantages:
- No soil is needed for growing;
- It saves up to 90% of water compared to traditional farming;
- No pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used;
- Vegetables can be grown all year round, in small spaces, even in cities..
A valid and sustainable alternative, especially in a world where traditional agriculture consumes many resources and increasingly pollutes. This is what impressed Sebastiano, who wrote in his project:
Sebastiano, PYP5 Student
“Plants, people, the planet… we are getting sick because of all the chemicals used in farming. Aquaponics is a healthy, sustainable, almost magical alternative.”
A passion born at home
The spark came thanks to his mom, who has always cared for a vegetable garden at home. “I helped her since I was little, I’ve always had this passion,” he says. But instead of stopping in the past, Sebastiano wanted to look to the future, searching for a new way to grow plants with less impact on the environment. That’s how the project “Aquaponics – The Shine of Sustainability” was born, combining science with imagination.
To tell this story, Sebastiano even wrote a true ecological fairy tale, about a farmer named Klim who accidentally discovers a mysterious house in the woods. There he finds an incredible garden powered by a system he had never seen before. He watches, learns, then goes home to teach everyone about it. Klim becomes a legend… just like Sebastiano hopes to become, at least in his own small way.
A message that left its mark
Sebastiano’s project impressed for its originality, but above all for the sincere passion that guided him from the very first to the last step. Through his aquaponic system, he managed to unite nature, ingenuity, and imagination, showing that even at 10 years old, you can talk about sustainability seriously, creatively, and engagingly.
A work that made people think, smile, and learn. And, like all projects made with heart, it will continue to grow ideas.
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