Mission Shrimpossible: Vietnam’s Carbon-Absorbing Shrimp Farms Amongst the Mangroves

In a groundbreaking initiative, WWF is collaborating with shrimp farmers in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta to enhance productivity while safeguarding vital mangrove ecosystems.

• WWF supports shrimp farmers in the Mekong Delta to boost yields and protect carbon-absorbing mangroves.
• Maintaining mangroves on shrimp farms has increased shrimp quality and quantity while protecting coastal communities from extreme weather events.
• WWF urges UK retailers and consumers to support sustainably sourced shellfish producers to benefit both local communities and the planet.

At the southern tip of Vietnam, the shrimp farming community in Ca Mau province is leading a transformative approach to aquaculture that not only safeguards their livelihoods but also combats climate change by integrating farming practices within mangrove ecosystems.

Mangrove forests serve as crucial ecosystems in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. They protect coastal communities from severe weather impacts, offer a rich habitat for marine life, and play a vital role in absorbing atmospheric carbon.

However, challenges such as insufficient funding and years of unsustainable farming practices have led to the clearing of vital mangroves. This has resulted in contamination of land and water, increased disease in shrimp populations, and inconsistent incomes for farmers.

Reimagining Shrimp Farming

In response, shrimp farming is being revolutionized into a sustainable livelihood that can benefit farmers, enhance fish populations, and protect forests. In 2024, Vietnam’s former Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development publicly endorsed the shrimp-mangrove model developed by WWF-Vietnam, providing farmers with the necessary knowledge and resources to practice sustainable farming methods.

With support from WWF-Vietnam, farmers are now integrating their shrimp ponds into mangrove forests. This innovative approach not only protects critical mangrove habitats and their coastal communities but also improves productivity and income for shrimp farmers.

Success Stories

One notable success is Le Van Dieu, a shrimp farmer who allocated one-third of his farm to the shrimp-mangrove model in 2022. He reported a remarkable 30% increase in yield during his first year.

“Not long ago, I had a vague idea of the connection between forests and shrimp farming. Now, I know just how important mangrove forests are for environmental protection and boosting shrimp production,” said Dieu.

Now, Dieu is in the process of converting his entire 13-hectare shrimp farm to this sustainable method.

Empowering Local Communities

Nguyen Phuong Duy, Project Manager for Food Production at WWF-Vietnam, emphasized the significance of shrimp farming as a way of life for families in the Mekong Delta, stating:

“By helping to increase incomes for shrimp farmers, solutions like the shrimp-mangrove model empower people to take an active role in protecting the ecosystems they live and work in.”

Duy also highlighted the role of UK consumers in this initiative, urging them to look for ASC-certified shellfish in supermarkets and encourage retailers to offer more sustainably sourced products.

Building Resilience Against Climate Change

Through the shrimp-mangrove model, WWF-Vietnam aims to enhance resilience against climate change for coastal communities while fostering sustainable income opportunities for shrimp farmers like Dieu. This initiative coincides with Vietnam’s plans to introduce a legal framework for carbon credits by 2027, paving the way for new revenue opportunities tied to the preservation and expansion of mangrove forests.