Leveraging climate-smart shrimp aquaculture as an inclusive nature-based climate solution for small-scale farmers in coastal Indonesia

 

Globally, Indonesia is the third-largest producer of farmed shrimp and forms an essential component of the seafood industry. It also stands at the crossroads of economic growth and environmental sustainability; the shrimp aquaculture sector is not only a critical food and livelihood source for many climate-vulnerable communities, it is also a primary driver of the destruction of its coastal ecosystem.

This project aims to identify the most cost-effective, gender-responsive and nature-friendly climate-smart strategies for increasing production of small-scale shrimp aquaculture while simultaneously restoring the critical mangrove ecosystems. The project will be located in two key coastal regions for shrimp farming in Java and will be implemented in collaboration with shrimp farmers, coastal communities, government, supply chain companies, the private sector and other stakeholders.

The project aims to generate knowledge on climate-smart processes among producers; implement a pilot study utilizing the climate-smart strategies; share results with internet-based, real-time data; strengthen capacities of stakeholders to implement the new strategies and mangrove restoration; and facilitate policymakers’ active use of the evidence to drive policies and interventions in the aquaculture sector.

The project is part of the Nature-based Climate Solutions in Aquacultural Food Systems in Asia-Pacific initiative (AQUADAPT), a four-year, CAD23-million initiative, co-funded by Global Affairs Canada and IDRC. It is aimed at driving research action toward inclusive nature-based aquaculture solutions and at a better understanding how such solutions can contribute to climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation and food security across the Asia-Pacific region.