Olazul Ornamentals

Innovating coastal livelihoods that drive marine ecosystem restoration

Overview

Olazul is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing sustainable livelihoods in balance with healthy ecosystems through the principles of ecological aquaculture. The ecological aquaculture is a framework that mixes the scientific knowledge of aquatic ecosystems experts with the social ecological knowledge of the coastal communities engaged in aquaculture. This results in economic environmental and social benefits from producing seafood in a way that is good for humanity and our oceans. This framework helps businesses produce high quality seafood and become more economically stable. It also encourages high quality research on fisheries supports innovative solutions driving change in the aquaculture sector and provides a way for communities to continue applying and deepening their knowledge of local ecosystems.rnrnThe model behind Olazul resembles that of an incubator in that it helps develop skills and create economic opportunities for fishermen to ensure the long term sustainability of their ocean based livelihoods. The organization runs projects around the world but each targets the most destructive activities and creates alternative production systems through aquaculture. For instance one project is in the sustainable livelihood development of ornamental fish in Indonesia. Rather than destroying corals with cyanide fishing coastal communities protect them as a way to grow fish for the aquarium trade. This project will reinforce ecological conservation and provide employment opportunities for both men and women