The Mekong Delta is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world, though it is also the most vulnerable. Vietnam has used the “International Principles” to adapt legislation and develop its national program toward better management of shrimp farming. However, it was reported by small-scale farmers in Tra Vinh province that the Principles were difficult to apply, as they focus on ecology and ignore the adaptation and social aspects. Shrimp farmers have been experiencing declining yields and incomes, along with the continued clearance of mangroves. Vietnam has lost half of its mangrove forests over the past 30 years, notably to make way for shrimp ponds. A worrying trend, as healthy mangroves make important contributions to both climate change adaptation and mitigation, forms a natural habitat for many aquatic and terrestrial species, and provides a source of livelihood for coastal communities. To reduce the pressure on mangroves and enhance shrimp farmer livelihoods and resilience, this project supports the development and introduction of sustainable aquaculture models which coexist symbiotically with mangrove forests. This project achieves the sustainable transition of shrimp farming in Tra Vinh based on the requirements of the ASC international standard, through a detail-oriented analysis of the environmental, social, and economic conditions of the region and context-specific capacity-building methods that target relevant local stakeholders in shrimp farming.
Phan Thi Ngoc Diep, Vietnamese Institute of Fishery Economics and Planning
“The project initially contributed to Tra Vinh province's implementation of Decision No. 3168/QD-UBND, No. 1925/QD-UBND and Plan No. 69/KH-UBND on action plan for fisheries development to 2030, vision 2050 in the province. In addition, the project has also contributed to raising awareness for local managers and farmers about aquaculture development trends in the new era, encouraging them to boldly and confidently change their minds and traditional farming habits to responsible, ecologically certified shrimp farming, and link up with value chain partners to increase product value and contribute to household income. The project also helps maintain and protect mangrove forests, contributing to environmental protection and reducing negative impacts of climate change.”
Head of the Long Khanh Mangrove-Shrimp Cooperative Group
“I have attended several training courses on organic shrimp farming and my household has also been raising shrimp for many years. However, we still do not follow the right farming technique, shrimp are not stocked according to the seasonal schedule, leading to high mortality. Moreover, we don't know how to get a certificate of organic shrimp farming so that we can sell it in the supermarket. Participating in this project, I have learned a great deal from simple things such as how to collaborate with each other and more importantly how to work as a team to receive eco-shrimp farming certification. Today, hearing the story of Tai Thinh Phat Farm Cooperative, I am inspired and we will definitely convert shrimp farming according to the model of Tai Thinh Phat. Only then can we have organic shrimp farming certification and only with organic shrimp certification can we sell finished shrimp in big supermarkets in Vietnam before we can export it abroad.”
Project publications
Towards sustainable mangrove-shrimp aquaculture through capacity building and partnership in the Mekong River Delta
Needs Assessment Report: Stakeholder consultation workshop on the Code of Sustainable Shrimp Farming Assessment of training needs on sustainable shrimp farming
Training on sustainable mangrove shrimp with certification and field trip to certified shrimp model in Bac Lieu
Policy Brief: Towards sustainable mangrove shrimp aquaculture through capacity building and partnership in the Mekong River Delta
Policy Dialogue, Tra Vinh Province: Towards sustainable mangrove-shrimp aquaculture through capacity building and partnership in the Mekong River Delta
Literature review: Sustainable shrimp farming in the world and in the Mekong River Delta
CBA2020-04MY-Le Inception Workshop
CBA2020-04MY-Le Consultation Workshop
