Ca Mau launches low-carbon shrimp branding project

The project is jointly funded by the European Union (EU) and ActionAid International, with the objective of promoting a greener, cleaner, low-carbon, and socially responsible shrimp industry in Ca Mau.

Ca Mau is Vietnam's largest shrimp farming province, with approximately 411,000 hectares of shrimp farming area and an annual production of around 547,000 metric tons. The shrimp sector is not only the province's leading economic industry but also a key driver of socio-economic development and one of Vietnam's major seafood export sectors.

Despite these achievements, Ca Mau's shrimp industry continues to face significant challenges. International markets are becoming increasingly competitive, while major importing countries are imposing stricter requirements on greenhouse gas emissions, traceability, environmental protection, social responsibility, and supply chain transparency under Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards.

Against this backdrop, shifting the shrimp industry toward higher quality and greater value addition—rather than simply expanding production—is considered an urgent priority. Science and technology, digital transformation, and comprehensive governance are regarded as essential foundations for strengthening the industry's competitiveness.

According to representatives of ActionAid International, the four-year "Sustainable Shrimp Industry Governance" project aims to help Ca Mau enhance governance capacity, promote sustainable shrimp production, and improve the international competitiveness of its shrimp products.

The project, with a total budget of VND 42 billion (approximately USD 1.6 million), will be implemented from May 24, 2026, to March 31, 2029 in five communes: Song Doc, Dong Hai, Khanh Hai, Hoa Dinh Thanh, and An Trach. Nature and Environment e-magazine will participate in communication activities under the project.

One of the project's key objectives is to develop the "Low-Carbon Shrimp" brand for Ca Mau. Under the initiative, shrimp farmers will gradually adopt environmentally friendly farming models, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve farming practices to meet international standards, and strengthen traceability systems to better satisfy export market requirements, thereby increasing incomes and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

For enterprises, cooperatives, and cooperative groups, the project will support the development of transparent value chains, strengthen traceability, improve management capacity, and expand export markets, while gradually building the Low-Carbon Shrimp brand associated with sustainable development.

For government agencies, the project will facilitate the shrimp sector's transition toward greener and more sustainable development by improving policy frameworks, strengthening public administration, and enhancing coordination among stakeholders across the shrimp value chain.

The project consists of three main components.

The first component focuses on strengthening the capacity of local communities and businesses through the establishment and operation of 10 farmer groups, 10 shrimp farming cooperatives, the development of a Green Business Alliance, the training of master trainers, technical training on shrimp farming and ESG standards, and communications activities to raise awareness of the practical implementation of these standards.

The second component aims to enhance community-based monitoring and support compliance with the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) standards for responsible aquaculture. Activities include developing community monitoring tools, providing traceability training, simplifying certification processes, supporting farming households in transitioning to ASC standards, and assisting businesses in integrating ESG principles throughout their value chains.

The third component focuses on market research for certified shrimp products, strengthening sustainable purchasing systems, promoting policy dialogue, connecting domestic and international markets, developing ESG communications, and implementing broader awareness campaigns on sustainable shrimp development.

Under the project's overall targets, 500 shrimp farming households in the Mekong Delta will receive support to improve management capacity, adopt low-carbon farming practices, and meet social responsibility and governance standards. In addition, 300 enterprises operating in shrimp farming and processing will be assisted in improving quality management systems, labor conditions, and traceability to maintain and expand access to export markets.