Ecuadorian shrimp sector launches mangrove restoration project for climate resilience

The National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) and the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) have formalized a collaborative partnership with Conservation International Ecuador (CI-Ecuador) to promote sustainable and climate-resilient shrimp aquaculture.

Thanks to this agreement, mangrove conservation and restoration will be strengthened, contributing to the climate resilience of the country's coastal ecosystems and communities.

Under the Mangroves for Climate initiative, the organizations plan to restore 250 hectares of mangroves, thereby reducing approximately 112,870 metric tons of CO₂ emissions.

Among the methods to achieve these objectives are the use of scientific data for mangrove monitoring and the implementation of pilot restoration projects in collaboration with coastal communities and private-sector partners.

Regarding this initiative, Carolina Rosero, Vice President and Executive Director of CI-Ecuador, said: "This agreement establishes a framework for collaboration to advance joint actions in coastal and marine areas, with a focus on the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems, which are critical natural assets for climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and the livelihoods of coastal communities."

Likewise, José Camposano, Executive President of the National Chamber of Aquaculture, stated: "As an industry, we have taken on the responsibility of protecting these ecosystems and recognize that doing so is an investment in the long-term sustainability and resilience of our sector."

Finally, Pamela Nath, Director of SSP, added: "Sustainable shrimp aquaculture requires an understanding of how production systems interact with surrounding ecosystems and continuous efforts to improve environmental performance."

Given the possibility of a new El Niño phenomenon, the latest edition of SustainED was focused on prevention strategies, health management, and adaptation measures to increasingly variable climate conditions.