Ecosystem-based adaptation on the northern central coast of Vietnam: restoration and co-management of degraded dunes and mangroves

The northern central coastal region of Vietnam is strongly affected by the impacts of climate change. Dense dune forests and mangroves used to protect the population on the coast from extreme weather events such as typhoons, which are becoming increasingly frequent. However, excessive deforestation has destroyed the ecosystems to a great extent, with the result that they can no longer perform this function. Together with selected local communities, the project is restoring the dune and mangrove forests on pilot sites. This demonstrates the feasibility of ecosystem-based adaptation measures (EbA), which not only protect the population but also bolster livelihoods through sustainable business models that use the restored mangroves. The insights and approaches gained through the project are intended to serve both as a reference and to support political and non-state stakeholders involved in the implementation and expansion of EbA measures.

Project data

Countries: Viet Nam
IKI funding: 3,062,701.02 €
Duration: 04/2018 till 12/2025
Status: open
Implementing organisation: UNIQUE forestry and land use GmbH*
Political Partner: Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DARD) Quang Binh - Vietnam

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) - Viet Nam

Quang Tri Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) - Viet Nam
Implementing Partner: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) - Viet Nam

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State of implementation/results

The project successfully identified and established a local nursery as part of the typhoon recovery package approved by BMUV in 2021. The nursery, now fully operational, had been stocked with nearly 70,000 native tree species,
Over 60,000 seedlings were planted in early 10/2023 after quality control. For the final planting season (09/2024 -11/2024), another 70,000 high-quality seedlings are planned for planting. Initial observations indicate that best practices have significantly improved planting success and survival rates
The project published a peer-reviewed paper in the Springer Handbook of Nature-Based Solutions to Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change: “Restoration of Degraded Coastal Forests in Vietnam’s North Central Coast.”
The project presented its coastal forest restoration efforts, focusing on mangrove restoration and community involvement, at the Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum (IPESF) in 08/2023, with an invitation to present again in 08/2024
A “Native Tree Species Nursery Manual” was published in both English and Vietnamese, available on the project's IKI website and through the Vietnamese IKI community
The project received an extension until 12/2025, including a budget increase.

Latest Update:
04/2025