The USD2.90 million project will work to reduce threats to coastal biodiversity and fisheries and strengthen coastal resilience in the Mekong Delta, in partnership with the Government of Vietnam, including provincial authorities; businesses; management boards of marine protected areas; development partners; and fishing communities.
Speaking at the event, USAID/Vietnam Mission Director, Aler Grubbs, said that this project launch advanced their 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.
The Mekong Delta and its islands are home to 70 percent of Vietnam’s mangroves and 90 percent 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. However, these habitats and the commercially important species they support, such as sea bass and snapper, are facing a range of threats that impact long-standing livelihoods and lifestyles.
Through this new project, the United States will support Vietnam’s restoration of coastal biodiversity and the sustainable management of marine resources to reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities and enhance coastal resilience.