Community-based Mangrove Reforestation and Management in Da Loc, Vietnam

Background

In 2005, the Da Loc commune in Vietnam was hit by Typhoon Damrey, causing major flooding and the destruction of agricultural lands. The dikes that upheld through the storm were surrounded by mangroves, thus a program was devised to increase adaptation and mitigation strategies to strong storms through mangrove reforestation.

Goals & Approach

The project has three aims: to improve local awareness and ability to manage a local natural resource, generate livelihoods through the management of mangroves, and improve quality and quantity of mangroves. These were achieved through a series of trainings, creation of 'green teams', replanting & the creation of a mangrove nursery, and, finally, the formation of alternative livelihood activities.

Reported Takeaways

In three years, the program successfully established a formally recognized community-based mangrove management system. This success is strongly associated with the participatory planning and implementation approach that the project focused on. There has been indication that the project will be replicated in other regions of Vietnam.