As part of the programme on “Ecosystem Services Valuation and Diverse Values of Nature in the Indian Sundarban Mangrove Ecosystem,” organised by Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) with support from Axis Bank Pvt. Ltd., a field visit was conducted to the SAIME project sites at Chaital on 26 September 2026. The visit brought together Prof. Ramachandra Bhatta, Former ICAR Emeritus Professor (Economics); Prof. Dr. Mahadev G. Bhat, Professor of Natural Resource Economics, Departments of Earth and Environment and Economics, Florida International University; Dr. Prasanna Surathkal, Ajim Premji University; and Dr. T. K. Ghoshal, Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR-CIFE, Kolkata Centre.
During the visit, the experts observed the SAIME aquaculture farms and interacted with the project team and local stakeholders to understand the ecological and livelihood dimensions of the initiative. The field discussions focused on the ecosystem services supported by sustainable aquaculture practices, the role of mangrove ecosystems in sustaining local livelihoods, and the broader ecological and economic values generated through the SAIME model. The visit provided an opportunity for meaningful exchange on how sustainable aquaculture and ecosystem-based approaches can contribute to both conservation and community well-being in the Indian Sundarban.