PARTNERSHIP ADVANCES MANGROVE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE SHRIMP FARMING

Partnership advances mangrove conservation and sustainable shrimp farming. The Ecuadorian shrimp industry, through the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) and the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP), has formalised an alliance with Conservation International Ecuador (CI-Ecuador) to strengthen mangrove conservation and restoration efforts, promote sustainable shrimp aquaculture, and contribute to the climate resilience of Ecuador’s coastal ecosystems and communities.

 Through this agreement, the organisations will establish a framework for collaboration and implement joint actions under the Mangroves for Climate initiative. By 2030, the partnership aims to restore 250 hectares of mangroves within shrimp farming landscapes, contributing to the reduction of an estimated 112,870 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, while promoting the adoption of certified production practices across 20,000 hectares of shrimp farms.

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

José Camposano, Executive President of the National Chamber of Aquaculture, stated: 

“Mangroves are not only essential for biodiversity; they are also part of the environmental balance that supports productive activities in coastal areas. As an industry, we have embraced our responsibility to protect these ecosystems and recognise that doing so is an investment in the long-term sustainability and resilience of our sector.”

Pamela Nath, Director of SSP, added: 

“Sustainable shrimp aquaculture requires understanding how production systems interact with surrounding ecosystems and continuously working to improve environmental performance. Strengthening ecosystem resilience and promoting responsible production practices are essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.”

This agreement builds upon the commitment made by Ecuador’s shrimp sector in 2022 to maintain ecosystem conversion-free aquaculture and reinforces ongoing industry efforts to protect and restore mangrove ecosystems. These efforts include generating scientific information to support mangrove monitoring, implementing pilot restoration projects in collaboration with coastal communities and private-sector partners, and advancing initiatives that strengthen the environmental sustainability of shrimp production.

About CI-Ecuador

Conservation International Ecuador (CI-Ecuador) works to advance sustainable development through nature-based solutions that support biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and human well-being. Since 2001, the organisation has collaborated with communities, governments, academia, and the private sector to protect and restore critical ecosystems while promoting sustainable livelihoods. under the highest social and environmental standards, through increased collaboration and transparency.

 About SSP

The Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) is a group of leading companies committed to transforming the future of shrimp aquaculture. As pioneers in Ecuador, SSP members are dedicated to achieving and promoting products of the highest quality, produced under the highest social and environmental standards, through increased collaboration and transparency.

 About CNA

The National Chamber of Aquaculture is a non-governmental organisation that has been uniting and representing the Ecuadorian shrimp sector for over 30 years. One of its objectives is to promote knowledge exchange and drive innovation through its AQUAEXPO programme, a technical-commercial event held since 1995 in several provinces of the country dedicated to shrimp production.

Image; Representatives from C-I Ecuador, CNA, and SSP during the launch of the partnership.