PKSF’s crab hatchery activities showcased live at COP-26

PKSF’s crab hatchery activities showcased live at COP-26

In an extraordinary feat, the activities of the country’s first-ever crab hatchery, established and operated with active support from PKSF, has been showcased live at the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-26) held in Glasgow, UK.

On 03 November 2021, the activities were aired at the world’s biggest climate summit attended by heads of states and governments, climate experts and activists. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) managed the live showcasing of operations from the crab hatchery premises in Shyamnagar of Satkhira district.

Being highly salinity-tolerant, crab farming has gained immense popularity in the salinity-prone coastal areas of Bangladesh. The people of Satkhira, Khulna, and Bagerhat districts traditionally relied on the Sundarbans for collecting crablets. Unplanned resource extraction from the Sundarbans, especially collection of crabs, harms the unique biodiversity of the world’s biggest mangrove forest that protects coastal communities from cyclones, floods, and tidal surges, the intensity and recurrence of which has clearly been aggravated by climate change. Besides, entering the Sundarbans is equally risky for crab farmers. In view of this, PKSF, with IFAD’s support, is implementing a value chain sub-project titled ‘Technology Transfer to Entrepreneurs for Operating Crab Hatchery’ under the Promoting Agricultural Commercialization and Enterprises (PACE) project at Shyamnagar in Satkhira district through Nowabenki Gonomukhi Foundation (NGF), a Partner Organization (PO) of PKSF. It is at this place that PKSF sponsored establishment of a crab hatchery, the first in the country.

During the live transmission, three crab farmers described their struggles for survival due to shrinking livelihood opportunities due to climate change. However, with the sub-project’s help, their lives took a turn for the better. They soon experienced financial progress and improved acceptability in their families and communities. The PKSF officer concerned also shared his experience there. Later, a video documentary on the crab sub-sector was played.

IFAD conveyed its appreciation in writing for successfully organizing and presenting this live event at COP-26. PKSF Chairman Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, who was at the summit as part of the Bangladesh delegation, enjoyed the live event which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Rgo8TFcKsyg.