Vietnamese aquaculture farmers receive training on RAS technology

The International Union for Conservation of Nature, an organization based in Switzerland that works for nature conservation, has organized training seminars on sustainable aquaculture in the provinces of Bạc Liêu and Sóc Trăng, Vietnam.

In this area of Vietnam, shrimp is intensively farmed at no more than 0.5 meters above sea level. In recent years, rising sea levels have caused the phenomenon known as “coastal squeeze” and rapid erosion in coastal areas. Also, mangrove forests are diminishing, trapped between earthen dikes and concrete dams.

For this reason, the seminars aim to expand mangroves behind the dykes through their restoration combined with sustainable aquaculture using RAS and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (RAS-IMTA). This also helps save water and reduces the need for groundwater extraction.

This initiative is part of the project Increasing coastal resilience in the Mekong Delta through Mangrove Restoration and Hybrid Nature-based Solutions, funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation from 2024 to 2026.

More than 200 participants and seven households

During the first seminar, practical guidance on RAS technology and the farming of shrimp, crabs, and other aquatic species was provided to a total of 51 people in Vĩnh Hậu Commune, Bạc Liêu.

Additionally, IUCN has assisted seven households in the installation and operation of RAS systems. Interested parties received technology transfer, operational training, and practical guidance.

Subsequently, the Soc Trang Sub-Department of Fisheries (Sub-DFISH) organized events for more than 200 participants in the Vĩnh Châu and Cù Lao Dung districts. The topics covered included how to prevent and treat microsporidian disease (EHP) and White Faeces Syndrome (WFS).

Finally, a representative from Soc Trang Sub-DFISH presented the provincial aquaculture activities from the past four months and the implementation plan for the second and third quarters.