Promoting mangrove-friendly shrimp farming in Ca Mau, Vietnam

Ca Mau, Vietnam - On 4-8 June 2018, SNV organised a training course for local shrimp farmers on the use of technologies in organic shrimp farming following certification standards. The event was attended by representatives of Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kien Vang Forest Protection management team, Minh Phu Co. Ltd., SNV MAM project team, and more than 500 local shrimp households.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy - MAM Project Manager opened the event introducing MAM project's objectives and implementation activities taking place in the past few years, including how to improve the productivity of mangrove shrimp farming in Ca Mau province. With the great support of project specialists present at the event, many local shrimp farmers acquired sufficient knowledge and skills on how to build and improve shrimp ponds with increased survival rate and productivity, also how to set-up hyper-intensive nursery systems in ponds and shrimp farming management skills. In addition, the participants had the opportunity to practice seed shrimps selection and water quality testing (salt, alkalinity and PH levels).

The training course encouraged local shrimp farmers to learn more about the importance of mangrove ecosystems and Vietnam's PFES program (Payments for Forest Environmental Services), which incentivise individuals and communities to a sustainable management and protection of the forest. During the event, participants were trained on how to build hygienic toilets, prevent diseases, protect the environment and the health of their community. Representatives of the Minh Phu company shared with them information on shrimp farming models and organic certification procedures. They also discussed with project specialists about shrimp farming management and sustainability for extra income.

In the upcoming months, SNV will work with Kien Vang Forest management team and Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to organise additional training courses to support local shrimp farmers.