Bangladesh – Working With Coastal Communities Toward Resilient Aquaculture
From 2020, I helped launch the first Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) in Bangladesh under the ASC Improver Programme, in partnership with LENK Frozen Foods and Luna Shrimp Farms. Today, more than 125 farmers across five clusters are part of this initiative, working together to improve practices in the cultivation of black tiger shrimp, known locally as bagda.
Unlike much of Asia, where aquaculture is dominated by Pacific white shrimp, Bangladesh has a unique heritage of producing black tiger shrimp in extensive, natural systems. These systems hold enormous cultural and economic value, but they also face challenges in meeting modern sustainability and market requirements. My work here has focused on connecting these traditions with global frameworks—helping farmers improve water quality, animal health, and community engagement, while also building pathways to premium markets that value responsible production.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been witnessing the community dimension of sustainability. Beyond farm-level improvements, the AIP has supported the renovation of schools, investment in clean water and sanitation, and new opportunities for women’s livelihoods, such as sewing cooperatives. These actions remind me that sustainability is not just about certification or compliance, but about improving lives and strengthening resilience in rural communities.
Bangladesh is now positioning itself to develop a premium identity for black tiger shrimp on the international stage. By scaling this AIP to include 300–400 farmers and reinforcing improvements along the supply chain, we are opening doors for shared value creation—better returns for farmers, stronger local economies, and recognition of Bangladesh as a leader in responsible aquaculture.
For me, this project is about more than shrimp. It is about showing that when global markets, local farmers, and communities come together, aquaculture can drive not only environmental improvements but also social and economic transformation.
