Comparison Environmental Conditions and Economic Efficiency Between Organic and Non-Organic Integrated Mangrove-Shrimp Farming Systems in Ca Mau Province, Vietnam

Abstract

Mangrove forest protection is an essential solution for mitigating the impacts of natural disasters in coastal zones and climate change. Integrated mangrove-shrimp farming (IMSF) system has been promoted as a sustainable livelihood that can provide income for farmers and protect mangrove forests. However, the productivity of shrimp is limited. Therefore, to enhance the revenue for farmers, improving the value of shrimp products is a good option. Organic shrimp farming practices following the EU aquaculture organic standards have been previously applied in some areas of the Mekong delta. This study was conducted to compare technical, financial characteristics and environmental parameters between the applied (i.e., organic farms) and non-applied (i.e., non-organic farms) standards of Naturland, aiming to support the development of ecological shrimp farming and contribute towards green development. The study was carried out in Nhung Mien mangrove forest, Ngoc Hien district, Ca Mau province, Vietnam. Fifty organic farms and 50 non-organic farms were directly interviewed using structured questionnaires. And then, three farms in each system were selected for monitoring water quality. Results showed that the average mangrove coverage was 54.1% in the organic IMSF system and significantly different from the non-organic IMSF system (p<0.05). Total shrimp yield, total income and total profits tended to increase in organic IMSF system and the selling shrimp price increased by 10% compared to the conventional price. The study showed that following organic farming methods could provide higher income for farmers and a better chance to mitigate natural disasters and climate change impacts.

Farming Practices and Environmental Quality of Integrated Mangrove-Shrimp Farming Systems in Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam

“…The present study assessed the quality of surface water in shrimp ponds and nearby rivers and demonstrated that the shrimp ponds' environmental parameters (pH, DO, TSS, N–NH 4 + , and P–PO 4 3– ) were satisfactory to the national standard. These results aligned with previous studies reported in Ca Mau province's mangrove forests (Binh, Phillips, and Demaine, 1997; Cong and Khanh, 2022). Notably, higher DO and lower N–NH 4 + in shrimp ponds indicates a better environmental quality compared to the adjacent rivers.…”

“…) were satisfactory to the national standard. These results aligned with previous studies reported in Ca Mau province's mangrove forests (Binh, Phillips, and Demaine, 1997;Cong and Khanh, 2022). Notably, higher DO and lower N-NH 4 þ in shrimp ponds indicates a better environmental quality compared to the adjacent rivers.…”

“…The lower N-NH 4 þ could be attributed to the vigorous consumption of algae because it is an essential nutrient source for microalgae growth in the IMSF systems. In the IMSF systems, the nutrient basis was mainly attributed to the decomposition of fallen leaves and debris (Cong and Khanh, 2022). It is noticeable that higher salinity was commonly found in the shrimp ponds in comparison to vicinity rivers.…”

“…Understanding the farming practices and environmental background could lead to improved management, minimizing environmental influences, and perfecting mangrove forest ecosystem conservation. Several studies were conducted to investigate mangrove forest structures, farming practices, and environmental conditions in the several provinces of VMD (Baumgartner, Kell, and Nguyen, 2016; Cong and Khanh, 2022; Ha et al ., 2012; Lai et al ., 2022; Nguyen et al ., 2018; Tran et al ., 2021; Trang et al ., 2022). However, technical practices and environmental characteristics in the Long Khanh Mangrove Forest Reserve Area have received little attention.…”

Adaptive management reporting system in inter-organizational relations of agricultural enterprises according to ESG principles

“…In the agrarian sphere, entrepreneurs are to focus on compliance with specific requirements regarding the preservation and increase of the productivity of land assets and biodiversity, the use of water resources, the limitation of the use of mineral fertilizers and chemical plant protection agents, the use of appropriate fuels by agricultural machinery and electricity in processing facilities, the ensuring of the welfare and health of farm animals, etc. (Shcherbak et al, 2020;Cong and Khanh, 2022). Aside from the above, the principles of corporate governance and responsibility, good neighborliness of businesses with local territorial and community formations, as well as dissemination of best practices of ESG criteria compliance among suppliers and consumers of agricultural products must find their application in the operation of agribusinesses in the Russian and international markets as the basic rules of conduct and relationships.…”