Time to build another Aquaponic Farm!
This one is for the people of Gales Point, Belize.
For a while now… we’ve had our sights set on a multi-phase project in a little Belizean village called Gales Point. Well, the time has finally come to begin phase one of this exciting project, so here’s a little backstory on the village!
Gales Point was established in the early 1800’s by first generation African slaves fleeing from their colonial “slave masters” to live in a self-sufficient community free of colonial influence. Rich in African culture, Gales Point maintains many cherished traditions like storytelling, culinary arts, and a unique ceremonial drum rhythm called “Sambai.” It’s a beautiful heritage that deserves to be seen and preserved.
Fishing and farming has always been the main source of livelihood for the villagers, but over the past several decades this has become an unsustainable way of life. With very few jobs available in Gales Point, villagers have been forced to leave their families and travel to the nearest towns and cities to find work. The village has seen a rapid decline in overall health and a significant rise diabetes, theft, vandalism, and the exploitation and abuse of women and children. The population has declined from 500 to less than 300 in the past two decades. Those who still live in Gales Point are in great need of new ways to make a living.
We have a two-phase plan to partner with this extraordinary community:
Phase One is to team up with the village council to renovate the run-down community center, which has great potential to be a tourist destination and generate investment and awareness for the village. Phase One launches on May 17th with a team of 8 volunteers.
Phase Two will be building a farm at the community center that will provide a continual source of food and income. We hope to complete both of these Phases by the end of 2021.
If you’d like to donate to this Aquaponic Farm project, you can do so on our giving page.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Bucky Buchstaber, Executive Director