The greenhouse initiative began through GAAQ's hope to increase understanding and awareness of the natural world within our school setting. Negotiations with the NAAAS Agricultural Group began in August of 2018 as they were piloting a new innovative aquaponic agricultural system suitable for the extreme desert climate.

By January 2019, GAAQ was the first school in all of Qatar to have an aquaponic greenhouse in their school. 

The first 6 months brought many challenges as we attempted to set up this ecosystem and help it find its equilibrium. We had several red spider infestations that destroyed many of our plants and we had to start over a couple of times. Eventually we struck that delicate balance that nature requires and were not only able to introduce fish to the tanks but produce several harvests. Over the past two years, we have harvested bells peppers, carrots, beets, turnips, radish, a variety of lettuce and herbs, tomatoes, strawberries, kale, fennel and much much more!

It is our hope that instead of guppies we are able to introduce tilapia to the tanks in order to produce a sustainable, organic source of fish protein to our school community. 

It's important that we are all aware of where our food comes from. It is our hope that this project helps students make the connection of food's journey from seed to plate.