On the morning of 21st September 2022, the conference titled “Conservation of Coastal Wetlands for Local Communities and Biodiversity in the South” was held at VNUHCM-University of Science.

The conference aimed to mobilise stakeholders in Viet Nam, particularly in the Mekong Delta. It focused on sharing knowledge regarding migratory water birds, especially endangered species in coastal areas of southern Viet Nam; the identification of threats to coastal wetlands, particularly in the Mekong Delta; and the exchange of knowledge and experiences in the management and protection of these environments.

Simultaneously, the conference sought to identify and agree upon activities necessary to strengthen the protection of wetland ecosystems in Viet Nam, concentrating on the implementation of Directive 04 and Viet Nam’s commitment to the Ramsar Convention.

The seminar was attended by leading researchers, scientists, conservationists, and representatives from related disciplines, including the University of Science, the Southern Institute of Ecology, the Asian Development Bank, BirdLife International, the Thailand Bird Conservation Association, as well as representatives from the Departments of Natural Resources and Environment, the Forest Protection Department in Ho Chi Minh City, and numerous localities such as Ben Tre and Tien Giang, representing national parks like Xuân Thủy and Tràm Chim.

During the conference, Associate Professor Trần Lê Quan, President of VNUHCM-University of Science, stated that Viet Nam contains some of the most significant coastal wetlands for migratory birds across Southeast Asia along the East Asia-Australasia flight route. Many of these wetlands are situated along the coast of the Mekong Delta and are integral to local communities. However, the coastal wetlands in the region predominantly remain unprotected, as Viet Nam has very few designated areas to preserve mangrove forests and coastal tidal flats.

The importance of coastal tidal flats for aquaculture and ecotourism activities highlighted the necessity of safeguarding these ecosystems. Moreover, protecting coastal wetlands bolstered resilience to climate change and rising sea levels.

Discussing the importance of coastal wetlands, Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Thiện, an independent expert on the ecology of the Mekong Delta, remarked that these areas represent the ecological connection between the sea and the hinterland, serving as crucial breeding grounds for aquatic species and foraging areas for migratory birds.

According to Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Thiện, some challenges that the ecosystems in these areas faced included the disconnection between the sea and the river as a result of dyke construction and sluice works, undertaken during agricultural and coastal encroachment planning. Climate change was leading to rising coastal water temperatures, alongside environmental pollution and land subsidence due to overexploitation of groundwater.

Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Thiện proposed several strategies for conserving and developing coastal wetlands, such as ensuring connectivity between the sea and the mainland, protecting the biodiversity of coastal wetlands which include mudflats, sandbanks, and mangroves, and establishing a ‘retreat zone’ to provide space for mangrove forests to relocate inland in response to climate change. Finally, he advocated for diversified, structured afforestation rather than monoculture in these areas.

Additionally, Dr. Vũ Ngọc Long, former head of the Southern Institute of Ecology, stated that effective conservation of coastal wetlands necessitated the preservation of local livelihoods, the implementation of a co-management model, and the involvement of enterprises in the sustainable use of coastal wetlands programme. He also cautioned against the construction of industrial zones and coastal wind power areas, advising that such developments should be carefully assessed to minimise their impact on the surrounding ecosystem and the migration and feeding patterns of birds.

Source: e-journal of Rural Viet Nam, “Conservation of Wetlands and Coastal Ecosystems” (nongthonviet.com.vn)