Mangroves are being endangered by climate change and salinity intrusion

The Workshop on "Assessing the potential of economic development models based on mangrove forests for sustainable development and climate change mitigation" garnered significant interest. The workshop was jointly organized by Nong Lam University - Ho Chi Minh City and Adelaide University (Australia) on August 22 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ass.Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tat Toan, Rector of Nong Lam University - Ho Chi Minh City, stated that mangroves have a significant impact on mitigating and adapting to climate change, promoting environmentally friendly and low-emission economic growth, and fostering socio-economic development.

Mangrove forests are recognized as breeding grounds for numerous marine species and function as very efficient natural defenses for coastal regions against storms and tsunamis. Nevertheless, in the present circumstances, mangrove forests in numerous locations, particularly in the Mekong Delta region, are facing substantial strain, endangering both their extent and biodiversity.

"Mangrove forests are facing significant pressure due to population growth, rapidly accelerating climate change, shifts in policies, consumer preferences for mangrove-associated products, and the economic and social development process," explained Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tat Toan.

According to Mr. Nguyen Nam Son, a representative from the Department of Forestry (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), our country possesses approximately 160,000 hectares of mangrove forests distributed across 28 provinces and cities. The majority of these forests are located in the Mekong Delta, Southeast region, and the Red River Delta.

Mangrove forests have been experiencing a decline in both their quality and quantity for an extended time, mostly due to a range of factors. Climate change surpasses regional and national boundaries, posing an international concern that affects the entire world. Hence, the most important concern is to adjust to climate change, which necessitates the collaboration of both local communities and nations.

An essential strategy for Vietnam for achieving the Net Zero goal, which entails eliminating net emissions, by 2050 is to allocate resources toward the preservation and expansion of forests, namely mangrove forests. Through the successful implementation of forest conservation measures, mangrove forests can significantly increase their worth and make a good contribution to the national adaptation plan and the objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"Mangrove forest areas are declining primarily due to natural disasters such as storms, erosion, and saltwater intrusion." "Mr. Nguyen Nam Son shared that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has recently provided guidance to the Government regarding various policies and plans aimed at safeguarding and enhancing coastal forests in order to address climate change and foster sustainable growth,"

Mangrove forests facilitate the natural growth and development of numerous economically significant aquatic and marine species. Furthermore, mangrove forests excel in their capacity to sequester carbon, offering substantial prospects for areas that have mangrove forests.

In order to address climate change and reduce the impact of natural disasters, areas with mangrove forests must implement comprehensive and efficient measures to safeguard, rehabilitate, and enhance these ecosystems.

Conserving and enhancing mangrove forests are essential for maintaining biodiversity and protecting people's livelihoods. It is important to focus on building livelihood models under the forest canopy in order to achieve a balance between economic development and forest protection.

Implementing models such as shrimp, crab, and shellfish farming inside mangrove canopies serves the dual purpose of stabilizing the local economy and providing educational opportunities for tourists to learn about the significance of mangrove forests, especially when combined with well-structured tourism. Nevertheless, experts stress the importance of implementing precise restrictions to prevent the encroachment of forest areas, the disruption of planning, and the adoption of incorrect farming practices that fail to meet market demands.