With rising pressures from climate change on marine ecosystems, biodiversity in the Sesayap River Delta is at risk. This project introduces a sustainable model by integrating mangrove restoration with aquaculture to protect vital habitats and offer local communities a sustainable income source. The project supports a balanced ecosystem, financial sustainability, and resilience against climate impacts by combining shrimp farming with blue carbon initiatives.
Advancing sustainable seafood through mangrove restoration in Sesayap River delta, Indonesian Borneo
Building sustainable aquaculture in the Sesayap River delta
As climate change intensifies, the Sesayap River Delta’s marine ecosystems face critical threats. This project merges sustainable aquaculture with mangrove restoration, offering a resilient approach to secure livelihoods, biodiversity, and carbon storage in Indonesian Borneo.
Project Info
Location
BNC focus
Sustainable seafood production and Blue Carbon initiatives
Funding duration
24 months (2023 – 2024)
Project Partner
More information
Podcast
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The BNC solution
In this second phase of a successful pilot, Blueyou Consulting is scaling regenerative aquaculture by expanding shrimp farms and restoring mangroves, creating investible models that combine seafood production and blue carbon credits. This approach boosts production capacity and mangrove area, enhancing financial and environmental viability. By 2030, the project aims to cultivate 5,000 hectares of aquaculture zones with at least 50% mangrove coverage, ensuring ecological and economic gains. With Selva Shrimp certification as a goal, the initiative sets a benchmark for sustainable aquaculture.
How BCAF supports the Sesayap River Delta Initiative
BCAF aids Blueyou by developing financial models and carbon credit frameworks essential for the long-term scaling up of the Selva Shrimp Indonesia Program. This allows the initiative to expand sustainably and attract investment.
Impacts created
Nature
Combining aquaculture with mangrove restoration in the Sesayap River delta creates natural carbon sinks and self-sustaining ecosystems, reducing dependency on feed and fertilizers that harm local environments. Mangroves also offer habitat to marine life and shield coastlines from erosion and extreme weather impacts.
People
The project empowers local shrimp farmers by building cooperative capacity and aligning production with investor demands. This benefits communities by fostering sustainable business opportunities and expanding food production capabilities.
Business
This model integrates restoration with revenue streams from sustainable aquaculture, benefiting local cooperatives and attracting investors. Blue carbon credits enhance profitability, positioning Indonesian Borneo as a leader in renewable food production.
Calls for Proposals
There are no open calls for proposals. Sign up for email alerts to be notified of the next call and receive updates on BNCFF and BCAF projects, lessons learned, and more, or email us at bluenaturalcapital@iucn.org.
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