Environment and Sustainability

Global population is forecast to reach around 9 billion by 2050. To feed the world, global agricultural output must increase by around 60% from present levels. This must be achieved against a background of increasing competition for natural resources such as water, feed ingredients and farming sites.

Maintaining environmental integrity while massively increasing food production will require farming systems to reduce their unit production environmental footprint. Many farming practices that are regarded as sustainable today will not be acceptable when scaled up. Sustainable intensification of aquaculture means doing more with less. The Environment and Sustainability Programme aims to help aquaculture become a more efficient user of natural resources, both in terms of farm productivity and environmental efficiency.

The programme develops better management practices for major aquaculture farming systems, and promotes aquaculture as a secondary or additional use of water resources. The programme focusses on practical interventions that can be directly achieved by small-scale farmers in a developing country context.

Key activities

Key activities of the programme are:

  • Development of better management practices for key aquaculture production systems.
  • Organising small-scale farmers into associations to facilitate cluster-based approaches to extension.
  • Development of culture-based fisheries as a secondary use of water bodies.
  • Development of strategic policy frameworks to guide governments and development agencies in promoting sustainable intensification of aquaculture.

Creative Commons Attribution.

Related

Subject tags

A collection of subject tags relating to technical matters.

In this collection

Report of the Workshop on Research Needs in Sustaining the Aquaculture Sector in Asia-Pacific to Year 2025 and Beyond

IDRC and NACA convened a workshop to identify the main research issues and needs to sustain Asian aquaculture into the first quarter of the 21st century, and also to bring them to the notice of relevant planners, managers and policy makers, and potential donors. The workshop was held in Rayong, Thailand from 4-7 June 2007. This report contains the issues papers drafted in preparation for the meeting and a summary of the discussions.

Practical Manual on Better Management Practices for Tambak Farming in Aceh

This practical manual provides better management practices for the farming of shrimp in tambak systems in Aceh, Indonesia. The manual addresses the formation of farmer groups, crop planning, and specifies better management practices. These include: Location of tambaks, design and construction of tambaks, pond preparation practices, shrimp seed selection and stocking practices, feed management practices, water management practices, health management practices, harvest and post-harvest handling practices, keeping records and improved marketing practices.

Aquaculture Asia Magazine, April-June 2007

In this issue:

Sustainable black tiger shrimp farming in Sri Lanka. An economic analysis of Persian sturgeon stock enhancement. Aquaculture and environmental sustainability in Thailand: Food or financial security? Cage fish culture - successful income generation in manmade reservoir Kulekhani, Nepal. Diversification of rice farming alleviates poverty in a Bangladesh village. Sea-pineapple aquaculture in Japan. Green mussel cultivation in Thailand. Selective breeding for growh and fillet yield in Vietnamese catfish. Producing quality fish seed in rural Asia.

Presentations from The 3rd INDAQUA 2007, 11-13 January 2007, Chennai, India

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA) jointly hosted a special session on Better Management Practices (BMPs) at the 3rd INDAQUA 2007, 11-13 January 2007, Chennai, India. The presentations made in the session include i) International principles for responsible shrimp farming; ii) MPEDA-NACA Village demonstration programme, India; Aquaculture rehabilitation and implementation of BMPs in tsunami affected Aceh, Indonesia; and Markets, certification and traceability and small-scale farmers.

NACA Newsletter Volume XXII, No. 1, January-March 2007

In this issue:

Iranian officers train in advanced marine shrimp farming and meet Iraqi delegation at NACA. Green award recognises NACA work on sustainable shrimp farming. International Principles for Responsible Shrimp Farming now available in Spanish. Building capacity on aquatic animal epidemiology in I.R. Iran. NACA Fisheries Team meets with new Governor of Aceh. Aquaculture Certification: Programme to implement the COFI Sub-Committee on Aquaculture recommendation. Recent Developments in the Aquaculture Feed Industry. Global Advances in the Ecology and Management of Golden Apple Snails. NACA mission to Myanmar. Workshop on Insurance in Aquaculture to be held in Bali, May 2007. Catfish 2007 Vietnam. Tilapia 2007 Kuala Lumpur.

Principes Internationaux pour l'Elevage Responsable de la Crevette

L'élevage de la crevette est l’un des secteurs d'aquaculture le plus en essor dans beaucoup de régions du monde, il est également l’un des plus controversés. L'expansion rapide de ce secteur a généré, certes, des sources de revenus pour plusieurs pays, mais elle a été accompagnée par une préoccupation croissante sur les impacts environnemental et social. Les Principes Internationaux pour l'Elevage Responsable de la Crevette fournissent la base sur laquelle les parties prenantes peuvent collaborer pour un développement plus durable de l'élevage de crevette.

负责任虾类养殖国际准则

在世界许多地方,虾类养殖是水产养殖业增长最快,而且也是最具争 议的部门之一。这一部门的快速发展为许多国家创造了收入,但也伴随着 对环境和社会影响的忧虑。《负责任虾类养殖国际准则》在以更可持续的 方式发展虾类养殖方面为利益相关者之间开展合作提供了基础。《国际准 则》由虾类养殖与环境协作计划制定。该协作包括联合国粮食及农业组织 (粮农组织)、亚太水产养殖中心网、联合国环境规划署保护海洋环境免 受陆上活动污染全球行动纲领协调办公室、世界银行和世界自然基金会。

International mechanisms for the control and responsible use of alien species in aquatic ecosystems

The use of alien species is a proven means to increase production and value from aquatic ecosystems. However, alien species are now recognised as one of the most significant threats to aquatic biodiversity. There are a range of international mechanisms that have been established to assist countries in meeting international obligations and responsibilities. Implementation is often difficult due to lack of awareness and problems with enforcement. Regional coordination of policies is needed for effective national management.

Guidelines for environmental management of aquaculture investments in Vietnam

This document provides an analysis of the environmental impacts and risks associated with aquaculture development in Viet Nam and guidance on better environmental management and monitoring for its future development. Part 1 provides a summary of the main findings, and guidelines for future development of the aquaculture sector. Part 2 provides the detailed case study findings. The guidelines presented in Part 1 are based on cases studies of all major aquaculture commodities in Viet Nam.

Princípios Internacionais para a Carcinicultura Responsável

O Cultivo de Camarão é um dos setores de mais rápido crescimento na aqüicultura em várias partes do mundo e também o mais controverso. A rápida expansão deste setor possibilitou a geração de renda para muitos países, entretanto, ela tem sido acompanhada por crescentes preocupações sobre seus impactos ambientais e sociais. Os Princípios Internacionais para a Carcinicultura Responsável provêm a base sobre a qual todas as partes interessadas poderão colaborar para um desenvolvimento mais sustentável do cultivo de camarão.