An ambitious endeavour, funded by the 2022 Climate Change AI Innovation Grants program, has yielded a pioneering solution to the challenges facing shrimp aquaculture and mangrove ecosystems. A collaborative effort involving a diverse array of experts has resulted in the development of a groundbreaking rapid assessment tool, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and earth observation data. This tool aims to identify and validate Climate Smart Shrimp (CSS) sites in Indonesia and the Philippines, presenting a holistic approach to sustainable aquaculture and coastal conservation.
The rapid expansion of shrimp aquaculture in recent decades has come at a significant environmental cost, particularly to vital coastal ecosystems like mangroves. Recognizing this issue, the Climate Smart Shrimp (CSS) program, spearheaded by Conservation International (CI), offers a multifaceted solution. By incentivizing small- and medium-sized farmers to adopt sustainable practices in exchange for mangrove restoration, CSS seeks to bolster livelihoods, enhance food security, and fortify coastal resilience.
Teaming up with organizations such as Thinking Machines, Arizona State University, and Konservasi Indonesia, the project harnesses the power of machine learning and earth observation data to pinpoint suitable aquaculture sites for CSS. Through a comprehensive analysis of factors including sea level rise, flood risk, and historical mangrove cover, the team identifies optimal locations for CSS implementation.
At the heart of the project lies an interactive web-map tool, serving as the main output. This tool evaluates aquaculture sites based on specific criteria, offering a streamlined approach to CSS implementation. Beyond facilitating sustainable shrimp farming, the tool also guides conservation efforts by identifying areas ripe for mangrove restoration.
The fruits of this innovative approach have been swift and significant. Pilot projects on the ground have already validated the environmental, social, and economic benefits of CSS. Looking ahead, plans for a dedicated Climate Smart Shrimp Fund aim to support the global expansion of this transformative initiative.
Thanks to the support of the Innovation Grants Program, Conservation International and its partners are at the forefront of a paradigm shift in shrimp aquaculture and coastal conservation. With their innovative tool in hand, they are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for coastal communities worldwide.
