Flood protection: A natural defense system

Globally, mangroves provide an estimated $855 billion in flood protection services, according to the research of Center for Coastal Climate Resilience at UC Santa Cruz. The Sundarbans itself plays a pivotal role in this contribution, offering irreplaceable protection to Bangladesh’s vulnerable coastal areas, where densely populated communities face recurring threats from cyclones and flooding. Its value extends far beyond national borders, exemplifying the critical importance of preserving such ecosystems for global climate resilience. The Sundarbans, spread over 6000 square kilometers in Bangladesh and about 4000 square kilometers in India, is a critical shield against floods and cyclones for the densely populated coastal regions of Bangladesh. Using advanced flood risk models, researchers have shown that mangroves, such as those in the Sundarbans, reduce storm surges and protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

The research, conducted by project co-lead, Pelayo Menendez and center director, Michael W. Beck, is featured in the World Bank’s 2024 edition of The Changing Wealth of Nations. As highlighted by the research, the value of mangroves for flood-risk reduction has grown exponentially due to rising coastal populations and increasing climate threats. For Bangladesh, which experiences frequent cyclones, the Sundarbans is a natural barrier that significantly mitigates the impact of these disasters. The devastating Cyclone Sidr in 2007 serves as a stark reminder of how mangroves save lives—areas with dense mangrove cover reported fewer casualties and less infrastructure damage. Furthermore, these natural defenses minimize the long-term economic losses often associated with such disasters.

Biodiversity and livelihoods

The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to iconic species such as the Bengal tiger, spotted deer and countless aquatic organisms. It serves as a nursery ground for fish and crabs, ensuring the sustainability of local fisheries. This biodiversity directly supports the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing, honey collection, and eco-tourism. Beyond these tangible benefits, the Sundarbans also holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for local communities.

However, human activities specially brackish water shrimp farming and deforestation have contributed to the degradation of mangroves. Despite this, studies show that the protective benefits provided by mangroves have grown—protecting 61% more people and safeguarding 109% more capital assets from floods in 2020 compared to a decade earlier. This underscores the increasing reliance on these natural assets for coastal resilience. The Sundarbans’ ecosystem services act as a safety net for many vulnerable communities, making its conservation a matter of both ecological and human survival.

Economic and climate benefits

Mangroves, including the Sundarbans, are crucial for Bangladesh’s climate adaptation strategies. By sequestering large amounts of carbon, they help combat global warming. The Sundarbans plays a key role in reducing the country’s vulnerability to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Moreover, mangroves offer a cost-effective alternative to artificial infrastructure like seawalls, which require significant financial investments and maintenance.

Sustainable aquaculture is gaining momentum as a means of balancing food security with environmental conservation. In Bangladesh, organization like FISHBYTE, an aqua-tech impact startup pioneering efforts to modernize shrimp farming, enabling higher yields from existing land while integrating mangrove restoration into farming practices. Their innovative approach demonstrates how Bangladesh’s low-yield aquaculture can be transformed into climate-smart solutions, supporting biodiversity, enhancing carbon sequestration and reducing the need for land conversion. By incorporating mangrove plantations into aquaculture systems, it exemplifies how environmental restoration can align with economic development, creating a win-win scenario.

The economic benefits of the Sundarbans extend beyond flood protection. The World Bank’s Changing Wealth of Nations report emphasizes mangroves as natural capital assets with long-term value. For Bangladesh, preserving the Sundarbans is not just an environmental necessity but also a smart economic choice. It safeguards fisheries, promotes tourism, and ensures the well-being of coastal communities. The region’s fisheries, for instance, contribute significantly to local and national economies, underscoring the forest’s role in food security and job creation.

Challenges and the way forward

Despite the Sundarbans’ immense value, it faces threats from illegal logging, industrial pollution, and climate change. Rising salinity and reduced freshwater flow from upstream rivers are deteriorating the forest’s health. Additionally, unchecked industrial activities and unplanned urbanization exacerbate these challenges, putting both the ecosystem and the communities it supports at risk. Bangladesh must prioritize mangrove conservation and restoration as part of its national climate-adaptation policies.

Innovative approaches like integrating mangrove restoration with aquaculture demonstrate how sustainable practices can balance economic needs with environmental conservation. By promoting climate-smart aquaculture and integrating mangrove restoration Bangladesh can address the twin challenges of food security and ecosystem preservation.

Investing in the Sundarbans will yield dividends in disaster risk reduction, biodiversity conservation, and economic growth. Learning from global initiatives, such as the Coastal Resilience Explorer tool developed by the Center for Coastal Climate Resilience, can help Bangladesh implement innovative strategies to protect and expand its mangrove cover. Moreover, community engagement and education are critical to fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for mangrove conservation among local populations.

Global perspectives and local actions

The Sundarbans is part of a broader global network of mangroves that collectively act as climate regulators and biodiversity hotspots. Countries like Vietnam, India, and Indonesia have implemented successful mangrove restoration programs, offering valuable lessons for Bangladesh. These initiatives highlight the importance of government support, community involvement and private sector partnerships in achieving sustainable outcomes. Bangladesh can draw inspiration from these models while tailoring strategies to its unique socio-economic and ecological context.

International collaboration also plays a pivotal role. As climate change knows no borders, global efforts to fund and support mangrove conservation are essential. Bangladesh can leverage its position as a vulnerable yet resilient nation to advocate for increased international assistance and knowledge-sharing platforms focused on mangrove preservation.

Last but not least

The Sundarbans is more than a mangroves forest; it is Bangladesh’s first line of defense against climate-induced disasters and a cornerstone of its environmental and economic resilience. By recognizing the Sundarbans as a natural asset and integrating its conservation into national development plans, Bangladesh can secure a sustainable future for its people while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

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Globally, all areas, with the exception of Latin America and the OECD Pacific, are anticipated to experience a rise in per-capita seafood demand that surpasses the consumption of terrestrial meat and plant-based meals, including eggs and dairy products. Nonetheless, this alteration in consumption patterns will not represent a significant nutritional transition towards seafood.

Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a Norwegian risk management and assurance firm, forecasts that by 2050, global population is anticipated to exceed 9 billion. At the same time, per capita seafood demand will peak in South-east Asia, with marine and freshwater seafood constituting over 30 percent of total protein intake.

With a projected population of about 1.5 billion by 2050, Greater China may become the largest marine seafood market in terms of absolute figures.

In order to satisfy this demand, it will be necessary to implement a variety of strategies. This might include some that can meet the demand without further depleting fish stocks and causing harm to marine ecosystems.

While alternative proteins have mostly concentrated on chicken, pork, and beef, seafood possesses a competitive edge over meat due to its potential to sell for higher prices. 

Alternative seafood is more environmentally sustainable to produce, provide omega-3 without elevated mercury levels seen in fish, and are not subject to fishing quotas or aquaculture licenses.

Thus experts emphasized that a combination of wild-caught fish and shellfish, aquaculture, and plant-based and produced alternatives may substantially enhance the world protein supply while addressing demand without overexploiting fisheries.

In this instance, aquatic food tech, a sector dedicated to new advancements in fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood alternatives, can significantly help to this cause.

Aquatic food tech encompasses a diverse array of advances focused on food derived from aquatic habitats, including its plant-based, cultured, and fermented substitutes.

However, a continuous funding is required to promote research in the aquatic food tech sector.

Aquatic food tech companies raised $1 billion in 2022 and $500 million in 2023, a 136% increase from 2020. Since 2014, 730 transactions have garnered $3.6 billion for aquatic foodtech businesses, accounting for 1.63% of all agrifoodtech financing worldwide.

Nevertheless, investments in aquatic foodtech businesses’ innovations only totalled $150 million in 18 agreements during the first half of 2024, a 40% decrease from the same period in 2023.

Two notable advancements in 2024 are Agriloops, a French firm creating environmentally friendly saltwater aquaponic farms, which received $14 million, and Iceland’s LAXEY, which funded $49 million to construct a land-based salmon farm.

In order to expand sustainable seafood production, Innovative Foods firms such as BlueNalu, a cellular aquaculture company, have raised $33.5 million. In addition, other aquaculture robots and farm management firms are gaining pace, and EFishery, an Indonesian aquaculture software company, secured $30 million in loan capital.

The potential of aquatic foodtech firms to transform the seafood industry is drawing attention, especially in fields like Ag Biotech, Farm Robotics & Mechanisation, and Ag Marketplaces & Fintech.

Furthermore, aquaculture is changing thanks in part to technologies such IoT-powered systems for fish farm management and biological treatments for aquatic pest control.

Given the generally gloomy venture capital market in agrifoodtech and beyond, it may be premature to call 2024 a down year and may not seem noteworthy, but it’s important to remember that aquatic food tech did significantly better than most agrifoodtech categories last year, raising close to $500 million, or 17% more than it did in 2020. 

Despite a drop in financing in 2024, aquatic foodtech is still a promising industry that might be crucial in meeting the demand for seafood in the future. The industry’s contributions to aquaculture system innovation, sustainable food production, and the creation of alternate seafood alternatives are becoming more widely acknowledged.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

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Crab farming has surged in recent years across the salinity-prone coastal district of Satkhira, with many farmers shifting from shrimp farming to crabs due to the species’ resilience to climate conditions and high commercial value. However, the increased farming activity has led to a growing environmental problem, as discarded crab shells were often left to rot, causing pollution and odor issues. Aslam Hossain saw a solution where others saw waste and launched a venture that turns these shells into a commercially viable organic fertilizer.

Aslam’s innovation addresses two key issues: it reduces waste from crab farming while providing a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. His business has been financially supported by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the World Bank under their Sustainable Enterprise Project (SEP), with additional local backing from the Nawabenki Ganamukhi Foundation (NGF).

The production process for Magiccompost is relatively straightforward. Crab shells are collected from local farms, dried, and ground into powder using a machine. These are then mixed with decomposing vegetables, collected from local markets and households, and left to decompose for up to two months. The final product is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, which is sun-dried, packaged, and sold at a profit. Magiccompost costs between $0.11-$0.13 to produce per kilogram, and is sold for $0.25 per kilogram.

Since its inception in 2021, the fertilizer has gained a growing customer base, with local shrimp farmers and vegetable growers using it to improve yields. Aslam’s enterprise has already caught the attention of 30 local shrimp farms and 20 commercial vegetable growers, who are utilizing the fertilizer to boost their production. The demand for Magiccompost is also rising among urban gardeners, many of whom place their orders through social media platforms like Facebook.

Crab farming in Satkhira has been on the rise due to the species’ climate resilience and lower susceptibility to diseases compared to shrimp. However, the increased production of crabs has also led to a rise in waste, with most crab shells previously discarded in rivers and landfills, leading to environmental degradation. By transforming this waste into a valuable fertilizer, Aslam is not only contributing to sustainable farming but also earning a monthly income of $250-$420.

Aslam Hossain’s long-term goal is to expand Magiccompost’s reach across the country, under his own brand name. He is currently in the process of obtaining approval from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), which will allow him to market the fertilizer more widely. He also plans to scale up production, but requires additional infrastructure and investment to meet growing demand.

“Crab shell fertilizer has the potential to revolutionize sustainable farming in Bangladesh,” Aslam said. “With the right investment, we can expand production and provide farmers with an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, while also tackling the waste problem in the crab farming industry.”

Aslam’s family has a long history in shrimp farming, with seven acres of land currently under shrimp cultivation. However, his success with Magiccompost has prompted him to focus more on sustainable solutions for agriculture.

The initiative stands as a prime example of how innovative thinking can turn environmental challenges into profitable and sustainable ventures. It is a story that not only benefits the local economy but also contributes to the global movement towards sustainable farming and waste management.

In a region grappling with the dual pressures of climate change and environmental degradation, Aslam Hossain’s Magiccompost is proving that solutions can be found by looking at challenges from a new perspective. With support from local organizations and potential investors, the future looks promising for this sustainable initiative.

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As South Korea cements its position as a global hub for technology and innovation, it offers abundant opportunities for startups, even for foreign entrepreneurs. However, navigating the uncertainties and addressing certain governmental challenges pose unique obstacles, particularly for foreigners and international students venturing into entrepreneurship in a foreign land.

Andrua Haque, a 24-year-old student from Bangladesh currently studying at Seoul National University, is embracing the entrepreneurial journey with his startup, MFM Korea, established in May. The startup aims to create job opportunities for women through resource recycling, specifically focusing on upcycling byproducts of tiger shrimp to produce premium pet food. The venture, currently in its pre-production phase, is actively engaged with investors and refining operations through various startup incubation programs.

In an interview with the Korea JoongAng Daily, Haque shared insights into Korea’s startup culture and infrastructure.

Q. Can you introduce yourself and your startup to our readers?

A. I am Andrua Haque, a 24-year-old majoring in political science and international relations, in my final semester as an undergraduate. I was born and raised in Korea, though originally from Bangladesh. Our startup, MFM Korea, focuses on upcycling Black Tiger shrimp (shells and waste) byproducts to produce premium pet food, contributing to reducing water pollution caused by illegal dumping.

Do you have a particular reason for choosing the pet food-tech and upcycling industry?

Our initial goal was to address a social issue in Bangladesh related to the shrimp sector. Upon research, we discovered significant challenges, such as the exploitation of women in the shrimp sector and environmental issues arising from illegal dumping. To tackle these issues, we explored the growing pet food market and leveraged the nutrient-rich tiger shrimp byproducts to create premium pet food.

Does Korea provide a good environment to launch a startup?

Yes, Korea offers a significant advantage due to its high-quality upcycling technology and substantial investment funds, particularly in food tech and upcycling businesses. Despite being a pre-stage startup, we have access to substantial funds available in Korea.

How is Korea’s upcycling industry more competitive?

Korea’s advanced technology sector and its commitment to addressing environmental issues have positioned it at the forefront of the upcycling industry. The rapid growth of the upcycling sector, doubling in market size from 2014 to 2020, reflects Korea’s capacity for research and development in this field. The upcycling industry in Korea is more competitive compared to other countries, especially in Asia.

How did your entrepreneurial journey start in Korea?

My friend and I, both interested in startups and social issues, participated in a global non-profit organization program by SK Happiness Foundation. This experience laid the foundation for our startup, MFM Korea. Subsequently, we joined various incubation and acceleration programs, winning prizes and gaining support.

Have you used other support available for startups in Korea, such as governmental programs or university-linked programs?

We participated in programs by SK Happiness Foundation, H-On-Dream (Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation), Koica’s CTS Seed 0 program, and Korea Social Enterprise Promotion Agency’s Social Venture Competition. These programs provided the necessary funds and investments for our startup.

Are there enough funding and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs in Korea?

In Korea, there are ample opportunities for funding and investment, especially for tech-based startups. However, social ventures without a tech aspect may face challenges in securing investments due to complex incorporation and funding laws.

How would you describe the networking opportunities available for foreign entrepreneurs in Korea?

Networking can be challenging for foreign entrepreneurs, but various platforms exist. As full-time students, my co-founder and I primarily engage in networking through student startup programs. While there are many platforms, time constraints make it challenging to attend events regularly.

Have you encountered any cultural or business-related challenges during your journey? If so, how did you overcome them?

As a student on a D-2 visa, I cannot generate income as the startup founder. After graduation, I plan to obtain a D-8-4 startup visa, and while there are point systems for this, many foreign entrepreneurs find it relatively easy to acquire.

In which market will you be selling your products once manufacturing and distribution are sorted?

Our target markets are Korea and Bangladesh. Conducting minimum viable product tests, we are analyzing market dynamics and consumer response. Our flexibility as a pre-stage startup allows us to make informed decisions about the future of our company.

How do you think Korea can support its startups better?

I believe there should be more accessible classes or programs at the university level, introducing students to the startup field. These programs, particularly for tech-based startups, could create awareness among students about the vast opportunities available in this booming sector. Simultaneously, understanding the associated risks is crucial.

This interview has first published by Student Reporter Lee Che-Eun [kjd.kcampus@joongang.co.kr]

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While major corporations like Amazon are making efforts to reduce packaging waste, the reality is that approximately half of the 380 million tons of plastic produced each year are for disposable purposes, such as product packaging and Styrofoam.

Innovative companies like TemperPack, Green Cell, and Cruz Foam, which are leading the charge in creating more eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging solutions. California-based startup Cruz Foam, in particular, stands out by utilizing an unconventional source “shrimp shells”. (news: CNBC)

Cruz Foam CEO John Felts explained, “We’ve developed a process that allows us to transform this waste into large-scale alternatives to plastics.” The key ingredient in their foam is chitin, a substance found in shrimp shells, insects, and fungi. This material is not only biodegradable but can also be composted or naturally degrade in landfills, earning it the label of “earth digestible.” Moreover, as it’s derived from waste, the production costs are lower compared to other bio-based materials. This shrimp shells startup doesn’t manufacture the packaging themselves; instead, they provide the material to packaging companies.

Felts emphasized, “We collaborate with existing manufacturers, which enables us to quickly achieve economies of scale and cost-effectiveness.” Cruz Foam has already formed partnerships with companies like Rivian and Whirlpool, and investors are recognizing the immense potential in this market.

Dan Fishman, co-founder of Regeneration.VC, a firm supporting Cruz Foam, noted, “The market for sustainable packaging is substantial, given the increasing number of municipalities, states, and countries banning polystyrene and single-use plastics. Additionally, with corporate commitments to sustainability, there’s a significant business opportunity.”

Cruz Foam offers a range of products, from eco-friendly cold packaging for food to protective wraps as alternatives to bubble wrap. However, the sustainable packaging industry is diverse, with other companies exploring natural materials such as seaweed, mushrooms, waste wool, and recycled pulp.

Cruz Foam has secured funding from investors including Helena, Sound Waves, At One Ventures, and One Small Planet, with total funding reported at $18 million.

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Atarraya, the first intelligent shrimp farm in the United States who are farming shrimp in boxes. Atarraya calls the world’s first sustainable plug-and-play shrimp farm. Each unit can produce 1.6 tons of shrimp.

The business is the first to harvest shrimp in Indianapolis in November 2022.

Atarraya CEO and creator Daniel Russek said, “It’s great that we were able to celebrate our first harvest in Indianapolis after only four months of operation. This is proof that our Shrimpboxes work.”

It shows that this plug-and-play shrimp farming technology can produce fresh shrimp in landlocked areas.

Before shrimp farms can get their first catch, they have to plan years in advance. Our AI-powered Shrimpboxes reduce that time to a few months.

The shrimp industry is making our oceans worse, even though everyone loves shrimp. Traditional shrimp production causes overfishing, destruction of habitat and ocean pollution.

Shrimp consumption contributes to 3 of the ocean’s biggest threats

The 3 threats to the ocean are:

1. Over fishing: Shrimp lives in the sea. To catch them, we use large nets that go to the surface and take with them everything around the shrimp, like turtles, eels and seahorses. It’s like for every pound of shrimp, 6–9 pounds of other animals are killed.

2. Habitat Destruction: By catching non-targeted species destroys 6 million km2 (square kilometers) of seabed every year (⅔ the landmass of the US).

Farmed shrimp are responsible for 40% of mangrove forest loss worldwide (crucial for marine habitats and human oxygen production). These forests sequester up to 4x more carbon than rainforests.

3. Coastal Pollution: Traditional shrimp farms use huge amounts of water with chemicals and antibiotics that ends up into the ocean, contributing to the pollution and destruction of their surroundings. Instead of using chemicals and antibiotics, modern farms use clean water and sustainable practices to protect the environment and the health of humans and animals.

How it works

1. Sensors measure the concentrations of oxygen, temperature, PH, NO2, NO3, NH4N, turbidity, and alkalinity of the water. These sensors help us understand the health of our water and how to maintain it best.

2. By cloud computing, it connects to software over the internet to feed it with data and receive instructions that are then automatically executed.

3. The only tasks required of farm workers are feeding the shrimp and keeping an eye on the electrical and mechanical systems.

4. Atarraya gives farm administrators the ability to create tasks to be done daily or in special circumstances.

Atarraya got overwhelming support from the government of Indiana through AgriNovus and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation in setting up their U.S. headquarters in Indianapolis.

Atarraya’s mission is to make shrimp the future of protein, and their vision is to found a new industry in the U.S.

According to AgFinder, Indiana is rapidly becoming a major U.S. agtech hub. Many Indiana farmers are already interested in diversifying their operations with Shrimpbox.

Tariq Iqbal
Khulna, Bangladesh

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