Eva Douzinas, the president of the Rauch Foundation, sits at the helm of an organisation focused on two global priorities: promoting healthy food systems and advancing financial literacy for rising generations. Through partnerships and innovative strategies, the Rauch Foundation is working to drive change both on land and at sea. From addressing the impact of industrial fish farming to tackling education challenges, the foundation is as multi-dimensional as the issues it seeks to solve. Douzinas delves into how the Rauch Foundation navigates the complex, often contentious waters of global sustainability and policy in this wide-ranging conversation.

Balancing Two Global Priorities   

When asked about the foundation’s dual focus on food systems and financial literacy, Eva explained that while both are essential, their work in food systems takes precedence. “Our work in financial literacy is more straightforward,” she notes. The Rauch Foundation has identified two leading organisations working in this space: Next Gen Financial Literacy, which has successfully advocated for mandatory financial literacy education in 26 states, and Champlain College’s Centre for Financial Literacy, which trains teachers to implement these new programs. By contrast, their food systems work is much more hands-on. The foundation is actively involved in global movements against industrial fish farming and is a partner in campaigns with Don’t Cage Our Oceans and the Global Salmon Farming Resistance. These partnerships reflect a commitment to addressing environmental and sustainability concerns through research, advocacy, and public education.  Investigative journalism is another way of shining a spotlight on this issue and so the foundation has been funding the Outlaw Ocean Project, whose wide reach includes a younger and more international audience.

"We’ll continue to present facts and work with our partners to ensure the research is unbiased and solid."

Simplifying Complex Issues 

One of the biggest challenges facing the foundation is simplifying the complexities of global food systems, especially aquaculture. “Aquaculture is a massive industry,” Eva says, “and the majority of it isn’t harmful.” She explains that the real issue lies with carnivorous fish farms, which require vast amounts of fishmeal and fish oil, depleting wild fish stocks. By focusing its message on carnivorous fish, like salmon, sea bream, and shrimp, the Rauch Foundation makes it easier for the public to grasp the environmental stakes.

Aerial view of industrial fish farm

The Poseidon Project: Setting the Stage for Change 

One of the foundation’s flagship initiatives is the Poseidon Project, which will soon launch. The goal is to create a central hub of reliable research for policymakers, journalists, and consumers. “We want to present solid, unbiased research,” Eva emphasises, which will help shape policy and public opinion. While offering evidence on the consequences of industrial fish farming, it will also highlight the sustainability of small-scale aquaculture while critiquing industrial fish farming.  

While the Poseidon Project is still in its early stages, the foundation has already faced scrutiny from the fish farming industry. Eva remains undeterred, noting, “We’ll continue to present facts and work with our partners to ensure the research is unbiased and solid.” 

Concept Visual for Poseidon Project - Coming Soon

Countering Industry Misinformation 

Like many environmental organisations, the Rauch Foundation faces an uphill battle against misinformation spread by the fish farming industry. Eva is particularly critical of the industry’s claim that carnivorous fish farming is feeding the world. “They’re actually taking fish from poor communities, reducing it to fishmeal, and feeding it to farmed fish for wealthier countries,” she says. This inefficiency, she argues, is at the heart of the problem. 

The foundation focuses on education to counter these false narratives. Eva describes how shocking it is for people to learn that more wild fish are used to produce less farmed fish—a revelation that often changes minds. Fortunately, she says, there is a great deal of information coming out right now from scientists, journalists, and others with solid evidence highlighting the unsustainability of this practice. 

Under Threat - Many facilities in Greece illegally operate over Posidonia meadows, despite the clear provisions of Greek and European legislation.

1.2 kg of Wild Fish Required to produce 1kg of Farmed Fish

Seas of Change Conference: Creating Global Collaboration  

One of the most impactful initiatives organised by the Rauch Foundation are the Seas of Change conferences, which bring together scientists, NGOs, and political representatives to discuss the environmental challenges of fish farming. The first one, held in April 2024, resulted in real, tangible outcomes. An EU Parliament member who attended the event posed a question in Parliament challenging current positions on industrial fish farming, and a letter was sent to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to advocate for removing carnivorous fish from the definition of sustainable aquaculture. 

Eva sees these collaborative efforts as crucial to the foundation’s natural role as a convener. “We’re hoping to continue these convenings,” she says, noting plans to host another event in London this coming January.

Design materials for the Seas of Change held in Poros, Greece

Addressing the Challenges of Global Communication 

Communicating a global issue like industrial fish farming is no small task, especially when different regions have different concerns and priorities. Eva explains that the Rauch Foundation has chosen to start small, focusing on Greece, where industrial fish farming has had particularly devastating effects. However, as the foundation’s reach expands, they hope to bring their message to a broader audience across Europe and beyond.   

Poseidon Project, Aktaia and Seas of Change branding by Bold Studio

Aktaia is a Panhellenic Alliance composed of citizen groups, non-profits, scientists, and individuals from over 20 communities across Greece. 

Ensuring Credibility and Trust 

In an age of disinformation, maintaining the credibility of the foundation’s work is essential. Eva describes the rigorous process of fact-checking and validation that underpins all their research. The foundation works with top experts, including environmental firms and researchers, to ensure that their findings are as accurate as possible. 

“We double-check everything,” she says, noting the importance of trust in the environmental movement. She also points out that the firm used in Greece to review the environmental reviews of the proposed fish farms has a stellar reputation and has in fact conducted work on behalf of the aquaculture sector.

Eva speaking at the Mother Sea concert in Poros, Greece

Artists Thodoris Voutsikakis, Eleni Dimopoulou and a four-piece orchestra performing at Mother Sea.

The Role of Social Media and Partnerships 

Social media plays a crucial role in spreading the foundation’s message, but Eva acknowledges its limitations. “If someone doesn’t get it right away, we move on,” she says. Instead, the Rauch Foundation focuses on engaging people who are already interested in health and environmental issues. From there, the message spreads organically through networks, creating a ripple effect. 

Collaborations also play a significant role in the foundation’s strategy. In addition to their partnerships with Don’t Cage Our Oceans and Global Salmon Farming Resistance, the foundation is actively seeking new collaborators to launch an Off the Table campaign in the U.S., modelled after the one in the U.K from WildFish and similar initiatives in Canada and Australia. 

Performers and Eva on stage with Lina Nikolakopoulou at Mother Sea (Poros, Greece)

Looking Forward: What’s Next? 

As the Rauch Foundation looks ahead, Eva is excited about expanding their reach. The Poseidon Project will be a cornerstone of their efforts, providing policymakers and the public with the tools they need to make informed decisions about the future of aquaculture. Additionally, the foundation is eager to bring their Off the Table campaign to the U.S., starting in the Northeast. 

Eva remains optimistic about the future, despite the challenges ahead. “We’re fighting a big battle, but we’re not alone,” she says. With a network of like-minded organisations and a commitment to evidence-based advocacy, the Rauch Foundation is poised to continue driving meaningful change in the years to come. 

In a world facing complex environmental challenges, the Rauch Foundation is leading the charge for sustainable solutions. By focusing on research, collaboration, and public education, they are shaping the future of global food systems—one project, one conference, and one partnership at a time.