Community joins hands to restore Quang Ngai coastal ecosystems

As climate change increasingly affects natural ecosystems, Quang Ngai province is gradually restoring its coastal "green lungs" by empowering local communities to participate in conservation efforts. From Bau Ca Cai mangrove forest to Ganh Yen coral reefs, ecosystem restoration models are not only delivering environmental benefits but also creating sustainable livelihoods for local residents.

The Bau Ca Cai mangrove forest, with a total area of more than 70 hectares of white-flowered black mangrove trees, has long been regarded as a "green lung" that regulates the climate and purifies the coastal environment. However, over time, under the pressures of climate change and development, this indigenous species has declined significantly. Since 2014, the Bau Ca Cai mangrove forest restoration project has been implemented through cooperation among the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Government, and the Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee.

Beyond afforestation and forest restoration, Quang Ngai province approved a sustainable livelihood project for coastal communities in Binh Son commune in 2022, adopting a people-centered approach. The Bau Ca Cai Mangrove Forest Protection Community Group was established with more than 50 members, engaging in both environmental protection and ecotourism services.

According to Mr. Nguyen Do, a resident of Binh Son commune (Quang Ngai province), this project provides livelihoods for local people. It helps mitigate climate change while creating a green, clean, and beautiful landscape. Thanks to the community group, residents receive training and learn how to develop tourism. Most importantly, people directly participate in, understand, and comply with regulations on ecosystem protection. With planning and training, the community reaches consensus, and awareness of forest and environmental protection is significantly improved.

Not only in Bau Ca Cai, but also in Ganh Yen (Van Tuong commune), which was once home to a rich coral reef ecosystem and a shared habitat for many valuable marine species. However, prolonged uncontrolled and even destructive exploitation practices, such as the use of explosives and electric shocks, have caused severe damage to the ecosystem.

The "Sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities in Binh Son through community empowerment in ecosystem and indigenous knowledge conservation" project, funded by the Global Environmental Facility (UNDP/GEF SGP), has contributed to changing this situation. One notable outcome is the establishment of the Ganh Yen Coral Reef Protection Community Group.

Mr. Vo Thanh Tung, Head of the Community Group, said, "We have agreed with local residents to protect Sargassum seaweed and coral reefs, allowing harvesting only after June 1 each year. This ensures that the seaweed can fully grow while marine species have enough time to reproduce and develop, securing long-term resources."

According to Mr. Tung, the group plans to gradually professionalize operations, zone conservation areas, and install marker buoys to delineate no-take zones for coral reef protection. The community group will also coordinate aquaculture and the restoration of high-value marine species in association with ecotourism development.

Mr. Ung Dinh Hien, Chairman of the Van Tuong Commune People's Committee, stated that the establishment of community groups is highly significant. When local people directly participate in management and monitoring, awareness of marine environmental protection improves markedly. Conserving coral reefs not only protects the environment but also lays the groundwork for regenerating aquatic resources. As ecosystems recover and seafood stocks increase, residents gain more stable sources of income.

According to the Quang Ngai Department of Agriculture and Environment, the restoration and conservation of ecosystems such as Bau Ca Cai mangrove forest and Ganh Yen coral reefs not only hold environmental significance but also provide a foundation for sustainable economic development. When communities are empowered and directly involved, conservation effectiveness is enhanced while creating stable, long-term livelihoods for local residents.