The Sundarbans, a region known for its expansive mangrove forests, has recently become the testing ground for a new initiative called the Sustainable Aquaculture In Mangrove Ecosystem (SAIME). This project, introduced by multiple NGOs including the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) and Global Nature Fund (GNF), in collaboration with Naturland and the Bangladesh Environment and Development Society (BEDS), aims to encourage sustainable shrimp farming while also working towards the restoration of mangrove ecosystems.
The SAIME Initiative: A Closer Look
Launched in 2019, the SAIME initiative has seen farmers cultivating shrimp across a 30-hectare area in West Bengal, as well as actively participating in the restoration of mangroves. Although shrimp cultivation and the mangrove ecosystem have been traditionally interlinked, expansion of fisheries resulted in the exclusion of these critical ecosystems. The Sundarbans, which is a complex maze of rivers and low-lying islands experiencing twice-daily tide surges, is home to many shrimp farmers. Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 hectares of this unique ecosystem are used for shrimp farming in India.
Understanding the Sundarbans Delta
The Sundarbans, located on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal, boasts the largest mangrove forests globally. These ecosystems, found between the land and the sea in tropical and subtropical regions, provide habitats for a wide range of species. Numerous animals depend on the Sundarbans for feeding, breeding, and shelter. It provides a home for rare and endangered species, such as the estuarine crocodile, water monitor lizard, Gangetic dolphin, and olive ridley turtle. Out of the total area of Sundarbans, 40% lies in India, with the rest falling within Bangladesh’s borders. The Sundarbans was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 in India and in 1997 in Bangladesh. Furthermore, the Sundarbans Wetland in India received recognition as the ‘Wetland of International Importance’ under the Ramsar Convention in January 2019.
The Role of Mangroves
The 2004 Tsunami highlighted the significant role mangroves play as natural barriers against coastal calamities. Due to their extensive and robust root systems, mangrove trees can withstand the devastation caused by storms and tides, thereby creating a natural shield for coastal regions.
Preserving Mangroves and Maintaining Coastal Ecology
Despite their critical role in coastal protection, mangroves are increasingly subjected to depletion due to various factors. Recognizing their importance in maintaining coastal ecology is crucial for their preservation and restoration. It is in this context that community-based initiatives like SAIME gain significance, providing a sustainable approach to exploit the resources of the region while ensuring the conservation of its unique ecosystems.
