Transitioning SCAs to Marine OECMs in the North of Vietnam

Quat Lam and Hon Ne are seasonal closed areas (SCAs) in Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, and Thanh Hoa provinces in Northern Vietnam’s Red River Delta. These SCAs are critical for safeguarding aquatic species and sustaining local communities’ livelihoods, including fishing, tourism, and aquaculture. Overfishing, infrastructure development projects, lack of enforcement, and illegal fishing all pose challenges to biodiversity and ecosystems in these sites. The purpose of this project is to secure the preservation of coastal and marine ecosystems through transitioning 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. The adoption of sustainable fishing practices, promotion of alternative livelihoods, and increased community awareness and knowledge of marine conservation will decrease illegal fishing and restore coastal ecosystems such as mangroves. The project will ensure the participation of both men and women in the project activities and governance of OECMs.