Vinh Long plants 10,000 mangrove apple trees on Hung Long islet

On August 28, at My Long Ferry Terminal, a working delegation comprising representatives of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Vinh Long Forest Protection and Biodiversity Sub-Department, and local forest-planting teams traveled by boat to Hung Long islet (Long Hoa commune, Vinh Long province) to implement a mangrove apple tree planting project.

The first phase includes planting 10,000 mangrove apple trees across 5 hectares of newly deposited coastal land. The goal is to restore the mangrove ecosystem gradually, stabilize the alluvial area, and create additional habitat for coastal aquatic species.

The activity is part of the project “Building resilience through sustainable livelihood support and mangrove restoration in the coastal area of Vinh Long Province,” implemented by IUCN in coordination with local agencies.

Hung Long islet lies near a river mouth where it meets the sea. It is regularly exposed to strong monsoon winds, high tides, and large waves. Fluctuations in water flows mean the alluvial area is constantly undergoing both sediment deposition and erosion.

According to the forest status report published by the Vinh Long People's Committee, the province currently has 16,121.71 hectares of forest land, including 4,196.33 hectares of natural forest and 11,311.96 hectares of planted forest. Forest cover stands at 2.3%. As climate change increases pressure on coastal areas, restoring mangrove forests on newly deposited land is important to protect soil, maintain ecosystems, and support local livelihoods.

IUCN project management officials consider mangrove forests around river mouths natural buffers that reduce wave impacts, limit erosion, and create habitats for aquatic species, supporting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

As the tide recedes, workers quickly carry out the work step by step: digging holes, planting seedlings, driving stakes to secure them, and compacting soil around the roots. Planting mangrove forests on coastal alluvial land requires considerable experience. Soft soil that is regularly affected by tides makes young trees vulnerable to being uprooted without proper techniques.

“The mangrove apple is well suited to local ecological conditions. The species adapts relatively well to muddy, saline soils and areas subject to frequent inundation. With proper care, its survival rate can reach approximately 85-90%,” said Truong Thanh Son, Director of Dong Hung Phat Forestry and Environment Co., Ltd. - the contractor responsible for planting and caring for the forest.

From Son’s experience, the most important step when planting on alluvial land is to complete the work immediately after each hole is dug. As the soft soil is easily affected by water currents, workers cannot dig all the holes in advance. Instead, they must work sequentially at each planting location. The holes must be spaced appropriately. After placing each seedling, workers remove the nursery bag, adjust the roots, and compact the soil around the base to provide support.

Another technique is to use melaleuca stakes instead of bamboo stakes to secure the trees. Melaleuca stakes initially hold the trees in place and gradually decompose as the roots develop. Bamboo stakes, meanwhile, remain very sturdy after prolonged exposure to water, potentially causing injuries if caretakers are not cautious when moving around the planting area.

From 2026 to 2028, the planted forest area will undergo regular inspections and maintenance. During the first three months, maintenance teams will conduct inspections every 20-30 days to straighten leaning trees, collect floating debris, retie securing cords, and replant areas where trees have died.

Besides protecting the coastline, mangrove forests also provide livelihoods for many coastal households. Under the forest canopy, aquatic species such as crabs, goby fish, sea catfish, and Venus clams thrive, providing a familiar source of income for residents. During forest protection activities, the contractor coordinates with local authorities to allow residents to harvest aquatic resources appropriately without affecting the newly planted trees.

“By 2028, the project will continue supporting the planting of 10 hectares of protective forest on alluvial land in Long Hoa and Dong Hai communes. In addition, 20,000 seedlings will be provided to 15 households for intercropping in their aquaculture ponds,” said IUCN project officer Chu The Cuong.

Beyond reforestation efforts, the project will provide technical training to more than 60 extensive shrimp-farming households on water environment management, promoting integrated mangrove-aquaculture models to reduce disease risks and improve production efficiency.

The mangrove apple trees planted today mark the beginning of the mangrove restoration process on Hung Long islet. Once the forest becomes established, it will help retain soil, protect the coastline, maintain aquatic resources, and support local livelihoods.