TEMPO.CO, Donggala – The Indonesian Conservation Foundation, in partnership with Jala, has launched a groundbreaking Climate Smart Shrimp Farming (CSSF) project in Lalombi Village, Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi. This green initiative, inaugurated on February 19, 2025, is the first of its kind in Asia, aiming to create shrimp farms that are productive and environmentally friendly.
Budiati Prasetiamartati, the Ocean Program Director of the Indonesian Conservation Foundation, explained that this method blends effective pond management with vital ecosystems like mangroves. This unique approach takes into account the size of the shrimp ponds and the area designated for mangrove protection.
The CSSF project will use a 6.5-hectare shrimp farming area and set aside 3.5 hectares for mangrove restoration. Seawater is pumped into the shrimp ponds, and once the shrimp are harvested, the water is treated before it is returned to the sea, first passing through the mangrove area to benefit the environment.
Budiati expressed optimism, stating that this method could help boost shrimp production sustainably and aid in restoring the local mangroves, which currently cover only 0.24 hectares. Preliminary research shows that if the 3.5-hectare planting goes well, the mangroves could absorb carbon at 14 times the current rate.
Aryo Wiryawan, Chairman of Jala, noted that out of the total 6.5 hectares, only 3.2 hectares will be used for shrimp ponds. The remaining land will house labyrinth ponds and facilities for managing wastewater, improving the farm’s environmental footprint.
This pilot CSSF project spans across 12 hectares with an investment of 1.2 million dollars from Jala. Aryo emphasized that this approach distinguishes itself from conventional shrimp farming by also prioritizing environmental health. “If this works, it could set a new standard for sustainable shrimp farming,” he said.
During the inauguration, community members participated in a tree-planting activity at the mangrove restoration site. Currently, four of the constructed shrimp ponds are filled with shrimp larvae, with plans to introduce 3.5 million larvae for the initial cultivation cycle.
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Shrimp, Climate-Friendly, Shrimp Farming, Donggala
