Exploring Aquaponics Systems as part of Food Planning and Environmental Management Strategy, Policy and Sustainable Placemaking: Examining Chinese and UK Food Growing Project Case Studies

Abstract

This study aims to analyse several factors concerning the role of aquaponics in contributing to food availability in urban, suburban, and rural areas from the perspective of food planning and environmental management strategy and planning policies. When considering the usage of non-arable land in cities and communities to access locally grown fresh food, the hypothesis of this research is that the combination of aquaponics with community gardens and green roofs could be a sustainable approach to local sourced food and, therefore, benefit urban food system. The research applied a case study approach to conduct five semi-structured interviews with aquaponics practitioners in the UK and China. Aiming to explore the potential contribution of aquaponics to the urban environment and food systems as part of food planning strategy and policy and an approach to sustainable planning and placemaking. The results of the study show that the differences in policy and culture between the two countries have led to some similarities and differences in the outcomes of the cases. The development of aquaponics can bring benefits to cities in terms of education, water conservation and place-making in both UK and China. Despite aquaponics offers many benefits to cities, the lack of specific policy support, site availability and high entry cost have limited the development of aquaponics in cities in both UK and China. There are many more examples of aquaponics in China, some of which are in or near cities. Participants from China demonstrated that they utilized the grants and subsidies more effectively.