Aquaponics is a technique of cultivation in water that reproduces a natural ecosystem.
An aquaponic system is a recirculation system where the same water acts both as an environment for the life of the fish and for cultivating plants of all kinds. The fish dejections, contained in the water, supply the nutrients to the plants. the plants in turn filter the water ensuring the welfare of the animals, all thanks to the action of bacteria that transform ammonia (produced by fish) into nitrites and nitrates.
It is a simple process with numerous advantages including high returns, the most rational use of soil and water (water saving up to 90% compared to traditional agriculture) and above all the possibility of keeping the pollutants under control to ensure greater safety food.
According to ISTAT in Italy in 2014 130,000 tons of plant protection products were used (fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, etc.) equal to about 2 kg for each Italian. With aquaponics the nutrients for the plants are provided by an organic source, sustainable or the wastewater deriving from the fish; therefore the use of chemical substances for fertilization will no longer be necessary.

This system represents an opportunity to achieve local food self-sufficiency, a condition that will be increasingly necessary as international production needs increase (from the current 7.4 billion to 9.6 expected in 2050). In Italy there is a growing aquaponic market. However, there is a lack of attention to the awareness of people to understand the gains that would have a consolidated market both in economic and environmental terms. Our goal is to spread the benefits that can be achieved and raise awareness on the issues of environmental sustainability linked to food production. Hence the desire to share and spread the aquaponics system also in the redevelopment of disused urban spaces. In the world as in Italy there is a great availability of abandoned spaces, which conversion to agricultural land would be too burdensome. With these conversion projects, revenues can be obtained from the sale of products (fish and vegetables) to a short chain to restaurants or shops. This will create a network of loyal customers to ensure healthy products, consultancy and design services. To appreciate the benefits of the aquaponics we want to work on several fronts, or create social gardens, work with a large production facility and finally exploit the potential of this system by organizing activities and events involving voluntary bodies from around the world. To date we have created the first Italian restaurant containing a Vertical Farm aquaponics that will produce top-quality aromatic herbs produced at zero kilometer and we are working on a sustainable project proposal for the treatment of water near the Palazzo Fagnoni.