Empowering communities to become stewards of coastal and marine resources
Vietnam’s Northern Coast is an area filled with vivid ecosystems and lush mangroves teaming with life. Yet unsustainable fishing practices, unsustainable tourism activities, land-based pollution and coastal development are leading to the rapid depletion of marine resources.
The project focuses on residents within Seasonal Closed Areas (SCAs), empowering them to become stewards of coastal and marine resources. Fishers will receive training in sustainable practices and alternative livelihoods to reduce pressure on overexploited stocks. Women will be actively included in training and decision-making, recognising their vital economic and household roles. Youth will engage in environmental education and skills development, fostering a new generation of environmental stewards. Local government officials will participate in capacity-building workshops to strengthen sustainable resource management and support collaborative governance, ensuring the long-term success of conservation efforts.
The project is working in two SCAs along the Red River Delta – Quat Lam and Hon Ne, located in Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa provinces. These SCAs are critical for safeguarding aquatic species and sustaining local communities’ livelihoods, including fishing, tourism and aquaculture.
The project is working to secure the preservation of coastal and marine ecosystems by transitioning these SCAs to OECMs (Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures), as well as the sustainability of local populations’ livelihood, by involving coastal communities in decision-making and resource management. By encouraging the adoption of sustainable fishing practices, the promotion of alternative livelihoods, and increased community awareness and knowledge of marine conservation, the project also aims to decrease illegal fishing and restore coastal ecosystems such as mangroves.
Photo credit: People and Nature Reconciliation
