Shrimp, salt & rice can help save mangroves, if they choose to

Mangroves may not look like much at first glance. Their tangled roots grow in muddy water. Their small leaves don’t stand out. They grow quietly where the land meets the sea. But mangroves are one of the most powerful tools we have to fight climate change and protect nature.

They protect coastlines from storms, store huge amounts of carbon in their roots and soil, help fish and shrimp grow and clean the water. They also support the lives of over 120 million people around the world.

Yet, for decades, we have treated them as disposable components of the ecosystem. Industries like shrimp farming, salt production and rice cultivation have cut down mangrove forests to make space for their work.

These three industries often operate in coastal areas where mangroves grow. Between 2000 and 2020, they caused 43 per cent of all mangrove loss. Since 1950, we have lost over half the world’s mangrove forests.

But interestingly, these same industries can also help mangroves grow back. And they have a lot to gain by doing so.

These natural systems protect everything around them. Mangroves store 3-5 times more carbon than rainforests. They reduce damage from storms by up to 70 per cent, and their loss could cost the global economy an additional $82 billion annually in flood damages alone. They stop seawater from ruining farmland. And they provide homes for 80 per cent of young fish, crabs, and shrimp, helping secure our food supply.

When we destroy mangroves, we lose these benefits. But when we bring them back, we gain long-term protection for communities, nature and businesses.

Tools like carbon credits and a newer solution called biodiversity credits or bio-credits make it easier than ever for industries to support mangrove restoration and earn financial rewards in return.

This means restoring mangroves is not only good for the planet, it can also make business sense.

Shrimp farms have often been blamed for cutting down mangroves. But now, some shrimp producers are trying to change that. In Ecuador, the National Chamber of Aquaculture, with help from WWF and Clark University, has promised not to cut down mangroves for shrimp production.

They use satellite maps to show that their farms don’t harm forests. This helps them build trust with buyers and protect Ecuador’s shrimp exports.

In Thailand, companies in the Seafood Task Force are doing something similar. They are making sure their shrimp supply doesn’t destroy mangroves. These companies now understand that mangroves help keep their ponds healthy, improve water quality, and protect farms from floods.

Even better, farms that restore mangroves can now earn carbon credits and bio-credits. These credits can be sold or used to meet sustainability targets. This means shrimp farmers can earn income by protecting nature, something that once seemed impossible.

Salt is often made in shallow ponds near the sea. To build these salt pans, mangroves are usually cleared. But that creates problems. Without mangroves, salt pans are more exposed to storms, erosion and pollution.

Some salt producers are now realising that keeping mangrove forests nearby can actually help their business. Mangroves act as natural walls, protecting salt pans from damage and keeping water clean. This saves money in the long run.

Companies are even looking at biodiversity credits. These credits are given to projects that protect or restore nature. If salt producers help restore mangroves, they could earn credits they can sell or use. It’s a new way to turn good environmental work into real value.

Rice farmers near the coast often suffer when mangroves are cut. Without mangroves, seawater flows into fields, making the soil salty and poor for growing rice. Farmers then have to spend money on pumps, chemicals or walls to protect their crops.

In parts of Southeast Asia, farmers are now working with non-governmental organisations to plant mangroves near their fields. This helps stop saltwater from entering, keeps soil healthy and improves rice harvests. These farmers are also earning money through blue carbon finance and biocredits.

This is a smart model for climate-friendly farming. It protects crops, helps nature and improves people’s income.

Biocredits, the new reason to care for nature?

Carbon credits reward efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biocredits reward projects that help nature by restoring ecosystems, protecting species or improving habitats. They recognise the full value of healthy ecosystems, not just in storing carbon but also in cleaning water, supporting wildlife and improving human wellbeing.

Mangroves are perfect for this. They’re home to fish, birds, crustaceans and even endangered species. Restoring mangroves means bringing entire ecosystems back to life.

For companies in shrimp, salt or rice industries, this is a great opportunity. By investing in mangrove restoration, they can earn credits, meet sustainability goals and become known as leaders in nature-positive business.

In the Philippines, the Verde Island Passage is one of the world’s most important places for ocean biodiversity. It has coral reefs, seagrasses and mangroves that support the lives of millions.

Here, companies like San Miguel Corporation, Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Metro Pacific Investments have partnered with the government. Together, they are investing in research centres, climate-resilient infrastructure and ecosystem restoration, including mangroves.

Industries like shrimp, salt and rice that were once seen as threats to mangroves, have the tools to become champions of restoration.