Adoption of innovative technology

In order to sustain their productive activities in the face of climate change and economic uncertainties, oyster farmers quickly adopted an innovative technology: new platforms for oysters’ growth. The characteristics of these platforms are that: a) they are more durable than the traditional ones, increasing the lifetime from 3 years to up to 25; b) they replace the use of local mangrove trees by synthetic materials; c) since they move up and down with the tide and water levels, they are more resistant to hydrological events.

  • CONANP set up a forum for exchange of innovative ideas between oyster producers;
  • evidence that the new platforms work in the field;
  • the capacity for local producers to associate and gather the required resources to pay for the new type of platforms;
  • awareness of climate change impacts.

The major lesson learnt was that working with the existing cooperatives can produce a powerful ally for conservation; in this case, it made possible the adoption of new techniques and regulations in the existing productive activities. It also made clear that it is possible to produce enough economic revenues for all members of the cooperative and, at the same time, preserve the surrounding natural resources. The oyster cooperative has been spreading a collective vision for sustainable management and use of natural resources in the Camichin area, a task that CONANP would not be able to perform by itself due to lack of staff and budget.