Shrimp farming has expanded rapidly over the last decades. Today it is among the most traded seafood products in the world.
Despite its economic benefits, the impact of unsustainable shrimp farming methods on ecosystems and biodiversity has been devastating. In Indonesia, this form of food production has damaged or degraded around 70% of the country’s mangrove forests.
A sustainable Nature-based Solution for people and planet
Shrimp aquaculture does not have to have a negative impact on ecosystems. When properly implemented, it presents a resilient income stream in regions with little alternative economic opportunities while protecting and restoring biodiversity.
In Kalimantan, Indonesia, Blueyou are working to expand their already proven concept “Selva Shrimp”. Selva Shrimp focuses on producing high-quality, sustainable seafood for a high-end market by integrating a no-input aquaculture approach with mangrove conservation and restoration.
By incentivising local shrimp farmers to replant mangroves on their ponds, the project will enhance the associated forest’s ability to provide ecosystem services while simultaneously boosting the natural productivity of the system.
The system’s higher productivity coupled with improved pond management will lead to increased shrimp harvests, which will generate higher revenues for farmers at no additional cost, resulting in increased incomes.
How BNCFF supports
Funding from the Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility is helping the project build the business case for the roll-out of this sustainable shrimp farming approach in the Kalimantan.
BNCFF is also supporting a feasibility assessment to determine the possibility of adding carbon credits as an additional income stream, as well as the potential follow up planning and set up.
BNCFF will also fund explorations into different sustainable seafood certifications, which will help position the shrimp as a high-end, sustainable product that can command a higher market price.
Now a proven business model in Kalimantan, Blueyou can seek to expand in the wider region with the help of a mixture of private and public funding.
Impacts created
Nature
Nature
The restoration of mangroves has many benefits for nature. First of all, they provide a key breeding ground for shrimp as well as other species and allow for no-input aquaculture. Mangroves are also crucial carbon sinks and mangrove restoration thereby increases carbon sequestration.
People
People
Converting to the Selva Shrimp method will help triple income for farmers, providing a stable income for the local population. Restoration of the surrounding ecosystems will also provide more protection and resilience against natural disasters. On a global scale, it will combat climate change.
Business
Business
Selva Shrimp is a certified sustainable seafood production approach (Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), EU organic, Ocean Wise approved), which can be sold at a premium in market with increasing demand for sustainable options. This makes it a viable business opportunity.
More information
Want to know more about their business model? Read the BNCFF Blue Print on sustainable shrimp farming:
Hear Blueyou’s Thomas Egli speak about sustainable shrimp farming: