Aqua-Farms Organization (AFO) has marked a transformative year in 2024, establishing key partnerships that strengthen its position in marine conservation and environmental sustainability. Through strategic alliances with Maliasili, the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA), 1% for the Planet, and the OCEAN Grant Programme, AFO has catapulted its impact on marine ecosystem protection and community development.
Strategic Partnership Highlights
Maliasili Collaboration Powers Organizational Growth
The partnership with Maliasili enhances AFO’s organizational capacity through specialised leadership development, strategic planning, and more, putting the organization on the findability map. This collaboration provides access to extensive African conservation networks and strengthens AFO’s operational foundation for sustainable growth.
ORRAA Membership Advances Global Marine Protection
This year, AFO successfully stepped up to ORRAA’s full-member board. As a full member of ORRAA, AFO collaborates with international leaders in finance, conservation, and policy. This partnership amplifies African coastal communities’ voices in global marine conservation initiatives while providing access to innovative solutions for our climate-related challenges.
1% for the Planet Membership Expands Funding Channels
AFO’s membership in 1% for the Planet will connect the organization with a global network of environmentally conscious donors and partners. This alliance looks to strengthen AFO’s credibility while opening new channels for sustainable funding and collaborative conservation initiatives.
OCEAN Grant Programme Drives Project Innovation
Selected among 20 global organizations for the First Cohort, AFO is implementing the “Matumbawe-Hai: Revitalizing Livelihoods in SOMAKI-CFMA” project in southern Tanzania. This partnership will enable larger-scale marine habitat restoration and sustainable fisheries management initiatives.
This year, AFO achieved a significant milestone by also establishing a partnership with the Sall Family Foundation. A collaboration that is focused on enhancing the implementation of AFO’s interventions, particularly in areas intersecting marine conservation and sustainable community livelihoods. Through this partnership, AFO aims to leverage the Sall Family Foundation’s expertise in building transformative, locally-driven solutions. The joint efforts will prioritize innovative, long-term strategies tailored to empower coastal communities, ensuring that conservation initiatives align with their social and economic well-being.
NGOsource Equivalency Determination Enhances Global Trust
Cheers to this one, AFO’s successful completion of the NGOsource Equivalency Determination process establishes its equivalency to U.S. public charities. This certification streamlines access to U.S.-based funding and validates AFO’s governance standards internationally.
Now, the Impact on Marine Conservation
These partnerships will strengthen Aqua-Farms Organization’s capacity to:
- Scale sustainable marine conservation initiatives
- Champion African perspectives in global environmental dialogue
- Drive innovation in ocean protection strategies
- Build resilient coastal communities
- Secure long-term organizational sustainability
AFO looks forward to continuing to advance its mission of creating a more sustainable and equitable future for our oceans while amplifying its impact on marine ecosystem conservation and community livelihoods.
Javis Bashabula
Communications & Knowledge Management Lead
