A US$3 million project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) kicked off on March 15 to protect Vietnam's natural habitats in the Mekong Delta region.

Named Mekong Delta Coastal Habitat Conservation, the project  will reduce threats to coastal biodiversity, increase the sustainability of fisheries, improve biodiversity conservation and strengthen coastal resilience in the region.

The project aims to support the restoration of coastal biodiversity and the sustainable management of marine resources. Photos: USAID Vietnam

It will see the cooperation among the Vietnamese Government, including provincial authorities, businesses, management boards of protected marine areas, development partners and fishing communities.

"This project launch advances our shared priority with Vietnam to build coastal resilience in the vital yet increasingly vulnerable Mekong Delta region and supports the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," said Aler Grubbs, USAID/Vietnam Mission Director.

The Mekong Delta and its islands are home to 70% of Vietnam’s mangroves and 90% of its seagrass beds. Fed by the sediment and nutrients from the Mekong River, these habitats support Vietnam’s richest fishing grounds and provide crucial protection for coastal communities from storm surges. 

Officials and delegates at the project launch in the southern province of Kien Giang.

However, these habitats and the commercially important species they support, such as sea bass and red snapper, are facing a range of threats that are disrupting long-standing livelihoods and lifestyles.

Through this new project, the US will help Vietnam restore coastal biodiversity and sustainably manage marine resources to reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and build coastal resilience.

The launch on March 15 advances the US commitment to expand engagement in the Mekong Delta and across Vietnam, in line with our two countries’ shared priorities under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.