Opportunities and challenges for mangrove restoration in the Mekong Delta: Status, policies and stakeholder outlook
06/09/22 12:05PM
Pham Thu Thuy, Vien Ngoc Nam, Vo Quoc Tuan, et al. CIFOR Occasional Paper 233, 2022. Free full text https://www.cifor.org/publications/pdf_files/OccPapers/OP-233.pdf.
Abstract: The Mekong Delta is home to the largest mangrove area in Vietnam and is also highly exposed to climate change and coastal squeeze. Vietnam’s Nationally Determined Contribution (2022), as well as forestry and sectoral policies, positions mangrove restoration as a national priority for mitigating climate change and achieving sustainable coastal development. While policymakers have established national and provincial targets for mangrove restoration, and a significant number of foreign and national projects are already underway, questions remain over where restoration should take place. Mangrove restoration is a complex undertaking that requires political, social, economic and biophysical enabling conditions. It should also be conducted on the basis of local knowledge and expertise, and involve participatory decision-making processes. Based on a literature and policy review, spatial analysis, participatory mapping and stakeholder consultations, this paper identifies potential sites for mangrove restoration; looks at policy planning, possibilities for natural regeneration, and stakeholder perceptions; and discusses opportunities and challenges for mangrove restoration in the Mekong Delta.
