Toward Environmental Responsibility of Thai Shrimp Farming through a Voluntary Management Scheme

The implementation of voluntary adoption of the Code of Conduct (CoC) to promote environmental responsibility and sustainable development of Thai shrimp industry is examined. Farmers' perceived- benefits, risks and uncertain-ties associated with the adoption and their perceived extra fixed cost are found to be the critical conditions to the success of the program. Improvement of farmers' perception through increased information and knowledge, develop-ment of supportive policies and mechanisms (i.e. a "Group CoC" system, insur-ance program, a combination of environmental policy approaches) and strengthening farmer organizations and networks among and between the play-ers throughout the market chain are suggested as to enhance the adoption and implementation of the scheme.