HCMC – The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Ben Tre Province has recently held a ceremony to award the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification to the province for its sustainable management and production in the clam farming sector.
This certification marks the third time the province’s clams and clam exploitation have met MSC standards, with the certification valid from May 23, 2024 to May 22, 2029.
Previously, Ben Tre’s clams received MSC certification in 2009 and 2016.
According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the MSC certification contributes positively to resource protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development, stabilizing the coastal intertidal ecosystem.
The Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre has a 65-kilometer coastline across three districts: Ba Tri, Binh Dai and Thanh Phu. The current area used for clam farming is 4,200 hectares, with average annual production of 7,500-8,000 metric tons certified by the MSC. This generates an estimated value of VND200-250 billion per year.