From 27 June to 7 July 2026, the Centre for Social Research and Development (CSRD), in collaboration with the People’s Committee of Phu Loc Commune, the Commune Farmers’ Union, and the Le Thai Thien Fisheries Association Branch, planted 6,000 mangrove trees (Sonneratia caseolaris) in the Cau Hai Lagoon area of Phu Loc Commune, Hue City.
The activity was implemented under the project “Strong Roots, Strong Women – Strengthening the Capacity of Women in Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) for Sustainable Economic Development in the Huong River Basin”, funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam. The initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of coastal and lagoon ecosystems while supporting local communities, particularly women, in adapting to climate change impacts.
Prior to the planting campaign, CSRD worked closely with local authorities and relevant stakeholders to conduct consultations and field assessments to identify suitable planting sites and ensure the long-term sustainability of the intervention. Technical training sessions were also organized to equip community members with the knowledge and skills needed for proper planting and maintenance of mangrove trees following recommended technical practices.
Through this collaborative effort, the project contributes to the restoration of lagoon ecosystems, enhances their capacity to provide important ecosystem services, and promotes community participation in ecosystem-based adaptation and sustainable natural resource management.
The mangrove planting activities were implemented through two approaches: cluster planting and dispersed planting in local household aquaculture ponds.
A total of 2,800 mangrove trees were planted across a 0.7-hectare restoration site along the edge of Cau Hai Lagoon, creating a natural ecological buffer that helps reduce wave impacts, stabilize shorelines, trap sediment, and restore coastal habitats.
In addition, 3,200 mangrove trees were distributed to seven local households for planting along the banks of their aquaculture ponds and other suitable locations around the lagoon. Together, these two planting approaches strengthen the lagoon’s resilience to climate change by expanding mangrove cover, reinforcing natural buffers, reducing erosion risks, trapping sediment, and supporting healthier coastal ecosystems.
Cau Hai Lagoon, part of the Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon System, is a unique wetland ecosystem with high ecological and economic values. However, its coastal areas and shoreline zones adjacent to local aquaculture ponds are increasingly affected by erosion, climate change impacts, and ecosystem degradation.
In response to these challenges, CSRD promotes the restoration and expansion of coastal mangroves, with a focus on Sonneratia caseolaris, as a nature-based solution to strengthen ecosystem resilience and support sustainable livelihoods. Mangrove forests play an important role in reducing flood and coastal erosion risks by absorbing wave energy, buffering tidal impacts, stabilizing shorelines, and providing habitats for aquatic species. They also generate valuable social, economic, and cultural benefits, supporting communities whose livelihoods are closely linked to natural resources.
Ms. Trinh Thi Dinh, Director of CSRD shared: “Planting mangrove apple trees helps establish coastal ecological buffer zones, reducing wave impacts, limiting erosion, trapping sediment, and creating favorable conditions for wetland habitat restoration. It also contributes to improving environmental quality, conserving biodiversity, and promoting more sustainable aquaculture practices among local communities.
Under this initiative, CSRD plans to plant a total of 10,000 mangrove trees across the Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon System in Hue City through both cluster planting (as a priority approach) and dispersed planting in aquaculture ponds along the lagoon. CSRD will continue to seek opportunities to expand mangrove restoration initiatives across Hue City in the future.”
This mangrove planting activity is part of the project ” Strong roots, strong women – Strengthening capacity of women in Eco-system-based Adaptation (EbA) for sustainable economic development in the Huong River basin “, funded by the European Union Delegation to Vietnam and approved under Decision No. 3377/QĐ-UBND dated December 27, 2024. The project is aims to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly local women, while contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration in wetland area and the Huong River basin.
