A Collaborative Effort for Mangrove Restoration in Ecuador
In a significant move towards environmental stewardship and responsible aquaculture, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Labeyrie Fine Foods, and Ecuadorian shrimp producer Omarsa have forged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership will focus on a 10-hectare mangrove restoration initiative in Ecuador.
Significance of the MoU
Signed at the Seafood Expo Global 2025 in Barcelona, the agreement highlights a collective commitment to rehabilitate one of the world’s most essential yet vulnerable coastal ecosystems. Through this partnership, the involved parties aim to enhance the recovery and protection of mangroves, crucial for both biodiversity and community sustainability.
Community-Based Conservation Efforts
Under the newly established MoU, ASC, Labeyrie Fine Foods, and Omarsa will collaborate on long-term restoration efforts targeting degraded mangrove areas in Ecuador. This initiative prioritizes community-based conservation and seeks to incorporate mangrove protection into sustainable seafood supply chains. The benefits extend beyond environmental restoration to empower local communities reliant on healthy coastal ecosystems for their livelihoods.
Creating Local Employment and Engagement
This community-driven project will generate local employment opportunities through active participation in mangrove restoration efforts. Residents will engage in seedling cultivation and planting, supported by expert guidance and robust community backing. The initiative aims not only to restore vital ecosystems but also to deliver benefits such as carbon sequestration and habitat regeneration.
Statements from Leaders
ASC CEO Chris Ninnes commented, “This partnership represents a positive step in showcasing how seafood farming can support efforts to combat climate change and habitat loss. It’s a reminder that meaningful impact begins when we choose change.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Labeyrie Fine Foods and Omarsa on this important commitment—to restore mangroves through community action, nurturing a healthier future for people, marine life, and our planet. I eagerly anticipate a long-term partnership that others can join in pursuing this impactful journey.”
Details of the Reforestation Project
The reforestation initiative will be undertaken near one of Omarsa’s shrimp farms located in the Gulf of Guayaquil. It aligns with Omarsa’s sustainability strategy, focusing on Community Relations and Environmental Care. Omarsa General Manager Sandro Coglitore explained, “Cerrito de los Morreños is home to 140 families with around 570 residents. Community leaders have offered us land from the Ministry of Environment to oversee the protection of local flora and fauna, including crabs that thrive in the mangroves and which they harvest sustainably.”
Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals
The mangrove trees, specifically Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove), will come from a nursery that Omarsa helped establish within the community. This aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
“This project will allow us to contribute to the ecosystem services provided by mangroves, supporting SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life Below Water and Life on Land. We hope to plant 10,000 trees over 10 hectares to improve carbon capture from the atmosphere,” Coglitore added.
Mangroves: The Coastal Guardians
Mangroves, often referred to as coastal guardians, are pivotal in stabilizing shorelines, fostering biodiversity, and sequestering significant amounts of carbon. Recent assessments indicate that over half of the world’s mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse. Historically, shrimp farming has posed severe threats to these vital ecosystems, with mangroves being removed to create farming ponds.
Commitment to Sustainability
The ASC Farm Standard prohibits any mangrove removal since 1999 and mandates reforestation efforts for previously removed mangroves. The ASC has also contributed to developing the Best Practice Guidelines for Mangrove Restoration, in partnership with Wetlands International, integrating these guidelines into its Farm Standard Interpretation Manual.
As the world grapples with climate change and biodiversity loss, initiatives like this highlight the critical intersection of responsible aquaculture and environmental conservation. This partnership marks a vital step towards rejuvenating coastal ecosystems, ensuring a balanced and sustainable future.
