SAIME Model from Sundarbans Wins Global Recognition from FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has awarded Global Technical Recognition to the Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) model developed by the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS), a West Bengal-based NGO.
The honour was announced on October 15, 2025, during FAO’s 80th Anniversary Celebrations and the World Food Forum at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

About the SAIME Initiative

The SAIME model, implemented in the Indian Sundarbans, represents an ecosystem-based, climate-adaptive, and conservation-linked livelihood approach.
It integrates mangrove conservation with sustainable aquaculture, ensuring 5%–30% mangrove coverage in aquaculture ponds.

Implementation and Impact

• Implemented across 29.84 hectares of farm area by 42 fish farmers in the Sundarbans region.
• The annual average net profit of farmers increased by over 100% due to reduced production costs.
• The success stems from the use of mangrove litter as natural fodder, minimizing dependence on commercial feed.

Locations and Practices

Farmers at Chaital (North 24 Parganas) and Madhabpur (South 24 Parganas) districts practice sustainable aquaculture under SAIME.
They primarily cultivate Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) through good aquaculture practices (GAPs) that balance:

• Mangrove restoration and protection
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Climate resilience in the face of sea-level rise

Community-Based Approach

SAIME promotes a community participatory model, empowering local farmers to jointly manage aquaculture ponds while maintaining mangrove health.
This participatory framework strengthens social ownership, biodiversity conservation, and economic sustainability.

Source: TH