WWF expand nature-based solutions to restore Dong Thap wetlands

Expanding scale, strengthening resilience

On March 27, at Tram Chim National Park in Tam Nong Commune, WWF-Viet Nam, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Thap province, officially launched Phase II of the project “Climate resilient by nature” (CRxN) in the Mekong Delta. The event marks an important transition from pilot initiatives to scaling up nature-based, climate adaptation models.

The project is funded by the Australian Government through the Mekong-Australia Partnership on Climate Resilience, aiming to restore 1,750 ha of critical freshwater ecosystems while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for nearly 2,000 vulnerable people in Dong Thap and Tay Ninh.

As climate change becomes increasingly complex, the Mekong Delta is facing severe impacts, including drought, saltwater intrusion, declining sediment flows, and altered hydrological regimes. According to projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2023, approximately 40% of the region could be inundated if sea levels rise by one meter, threatening the livelihoods of more than 17 million people.

In the context, Phase I of the CRxN project piloted a range of “following the water” livelihood models, including floating rice, lotus-fish, rice-fish, and more. Results showed that combining ecosystem restoration with economic development is entirely feasible. These models not only enabled wetlands to recover naturally but also increased incomes and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 25%.

Le Ha Luan, Director of Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized the province’s strong shift from traditional agricultural production to climate-smart agriculture. In this process, nature-based solutions (NbS) play a key role, helping restore natural flood regimes while laying the foundation for long-term sustainable development.

According to Gillian Bird, Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam, the Australian Government is committed to supporting Viet Nam in building a more resilient and sustainable Mekong subregion. Initial outcomes of the project provide an important basis for expanding positive impacts for both people and the environment.

Phase II of the project, running until 2029, will focus on expanding proven models and restoring wetland ecosystems at the landscape scale. Priority will be given to supporting vulnerable communities in buffer zones of Lang Sen Wetland Reserve and Tram Chim National Park.

Vuong Quoc Chien, WWF-Greater Mekong regional project manager, said, “The success of the previous phase resulted from close cooperation among partners and local communities. In the new phase, the project will continue to promote multi-stakeholder collaboration to build healthier ecosystems, more sustainable livelihoods, and long-term climate security.”

Charlotte Sterrett, Senior Manager of WWF-Australia’s Community Resilience and Adaptation Program, noted that the project is moving from pilot initiatives toward a roadmap for scaling up. Clearly identifying the value and ensuring the sustainability of NbS will help attract further investment even after the project concludes.

Dong Thap remains committed to a nature-aligned path

Nguyen Phuoc Thien, Vice Chairman of the Dong Thap People’s Committee, said that following administrative restructuring, the province now covers 5,938.64 km² and has a population of over 4.37 million. This creates additional room to reorganize development space, particularly in agriculture.

In the near future, the province aims to shift from an agricultural production mindset to an agricultural economy mindset, guided by market demand, increased value addition, and sustainable development. Key sectors such as fruit trees, ornamental flowers, and export-oriented pangasius farming will be developed on a larger scale, meeting safety, GAP, and organic standards.

However, provincial leaders also acknowledged growing challenges from climate change that directly affect production and livelihoods. In this context, a “nature-aligned” approach that harmonizes development with natural processes is considered both inevitable and long-term.

Local practice shows that flood-season livelihood models such as rice-fish, lotus-fish, and floating rice have delivered clear benefits, both adapting to natural conditions and improving farmers’ incomes. These models also form the foundation for further expansion of the CRxN project in the next phases.

Joining hands for a sustainable delta

With support from the Australian Government and WWF, Dong Thap commits to creating favorable conditions for the project to be implemented effectively, transparently, and in line with its objectives. Close coordination among stakeholders is expected to generate tangible improvements in ecosystem restoration and community well-being.

Phase II of the CRxN project not only builds on previous successes but also opens new pathways for sustainable agricultural development in the Mekong Delta. In this approach, people are placed at the center, the environment forms the foundation, and nature provides the solutions.

From floating rice fields and flourishing lotus-fish systems to restored wetland ecosystems, Dong Thap is gradually realizing its vision of a “nature-aligned – ecological – sustainable” agricultural sector. This is not only a response to climate change but also a long-term development pathway for the entire Mekong region.