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A climate-adaptive aquaculture model from West Bengal’s Sundarbans — the Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) initiative — has recently received Global Technical Recognition from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This recognition highlights a successful nature-based livelihood model that integrates aquaculture with mangrove restoration.

About the SAIME Initiative

The SAIME programme is a unique multi-stakeholder partnership aimed at promoting sustainable, mangrove-linked shrimp aquaculture while restoring fragile coastal ecosystems. By combining aquaculture practices with mangrove conservation, it seeks to build climate-resilient livelihoods in the vulnerable Sundarbans delta region.

• Focus: Climate-adaptive, ecosystem-based livelihood system
• Key Approach: Integrates brackish-water shrimp farming with mangrove plantation
• Objective:
  • Protect mangrove forests
  • Enhance biodiversity
  • Provide sustainable income to coastal communities
• Implementation Partners:
  • Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS)
  • Global Nature Fund (GNF)
  • Naturland (Germany-based standards organisation)
  • Bangladesh Environment & Development Society (BEDS)

This model demonstrates how community-driven conservation can coexist with economic activity, reducing ecological pressure on mangrove ecosystems while supporting rural incomes.

Significance

Environmental Benefits

• Restores mangrove cover in cyclone-prone Sundarbans
• Enhances carbon sequestration, aiding climate mitigation
• Prevents coastal erosion and acts as a buffer against storm surges
• Supports rich biodiversity, including fish and crustacean populations

Socio-Economic Impact

• Offers a stable income source to local fishers and farmers
• Reduces dependency on destructive practices
• Strengthens climate resilience and livelihood security in vulnerable communities

Mangroves: Key Features

• Salt Tolerance:Specialised roots and salt-excreting mechanisms
• Aerial/Pneumatophore Roots: Enable respiration in waterlogged soils
• Prop Roots: Provide support against tides and cyclones
• Viviparous Seeds: Germinate on parent plant for survival in saline water
• Carbon Storage: Among the most carbon-rich ecosystems globally

Mangroves play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, protecting coasts, and supporting marine life — making their protection vital for ecological balance and disaster resilience.