Empowering sustainable aquaculture through Farmer Field and Forest Schools in Sidoarjo
Date:
22 Dec' 2025Share:
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In Sidoarjo, Indonesia, the Farmer Field and Forest Schools (FFFS) programme is demonstrating how nature-based solutions can strengthen sustainable aquaculture and coastal resilience. The initiative brings together local government bodies, private sector partners and Blue Forests to support fish farmers in adopting environmentally sound practices. Through hands-on, participatory learning, farmers have developed practical skills in pond water and soil management, mangrove integration and organic aquaculture methods.
Despite challenges such as shrimp disease outbreaks and tidal flooding, participating farmers showed strong resilience and motivation. Many are already applying their new knowledge to improve water quality and productivity, and several have expressed interest in continuing with future FFFS cycles. The programme builds on EcoShape’s scoping recommendations, lessons learned from the successful FFFS implementation in Demak, and ongoing collaboration with local stakeholders. In doing so, Sidoarjo is paving the way for wider replication and scaling of the FFFS approach.
More information on EcoShape’s scoping recommendations can be found in the following report.
Local authorities are now exploring how insights from the FFFS can be integrated into new coastal field schools, with interest in expanding the initiative to additional sub-districts. A key factor behind this progress has been the dedicat
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Partners for Water is a Dutch government programme enhancing water security internationally in long-term cooperation with local partners and the Dutch water sector. By facilitating strategic planning and support in the early stages of innovation, the programme aims to contribute to systemic change for sustainable water management and infrastructure. This is how we initiate impactful changes for a better living environment.
