Exploring Coastal Resilience: Netherlands Embassy Delegation Visits the Kim Son Mangrove Research Site

The Role of Mangroves in Coastal Protection

As part of the long-standing partnership between the Netherlands and Vietnam in water management and climate adaptation, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam conducted a field mission to Kim Dong Commune, Ninh Binh Province, on 9 March 2026.

The visit focused on understanding sustainable development practices, coastal intervention strategies, and ongoing scientific research under projects such as the Mekong Living Lab and the Integrated Water Infrastructure–Forestry–Environment Solutions for the Protection and Development of the Kim Son Mangrove Ecosystem.

The Dutch delegation included Ms. Merel van der Ven, First Secretary for Water and Climate, and Ms. Pham Minh Uyen, Senior Policy Advisor. The Vietnamese delegation comprised Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hai Trung and Dr. Phan Khanh Linh from Thuyloi University, Dr. Mai Cao Tri from Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, and Ms. Tran Thi Loi and Mr. Mai Duy Khanh from the Institute of Civil Engineering.

Located within the Red River Delta, Kim Dong Commune—formerly part of Kim Son District—is home to the only mangrove forest in the former Ninh Binh Province. Over recent decades, the area has become an important site for research and pilot initiatives focusing on coastal protection, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable livelihoods.

Figure: Delegates discussing coastal intervention strategies and mangrove ecosystem conservation.

Field Investigation and Mangrove-Based Livelihood Models

During the field visit, researchers introduced the objectives and ongoing activities of several research projects while discussing key environmental challenges affecting the Kim Dong coastal area, including coastal erosion, sediment transport, and pressures associated with aquaculture development.

The delegation also visited a local aquaculture household to gain first-hand insight into how coastal communities interact with the mangrove ecosystem and how sustainable livelihood models can be integrated with ecosystem conservation.

One of the highlights of the visit was observing a mangrove beekeeping model, where local communities produce honey from mangrove forests. This initiative demonstrates how mangrove conservation can simultaneously support sustainable livelihoods while maintaining the ecological functions of coastal ecosystems.

Figure: Site visit and discussion on the mangrove beekeeping model.

Strengthening Partnerships for Coastal Resilience

The field mission highlighted the growing collaboration between Vietnamese researchers and international partners in advancing climate adaptation and strengthening coastal resilience.

The participation of representatives from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with Vietnamese scientists, created valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, share practical experiences, and discuss innovative approaches to addressing ongoing climate challenges.

Looking ahead, this partnership will continue to promote knowledge exchange and the application of innovative water management and ecosystem-based approaches within the Vietnamese context. Through initiatives such as the Mekong Living Lab, mangrove forests like Kim Dong can serve as living laboratories where sustainable coastal management solutions are tested, refined, and eventually replicated across other vulnerable coastal regions.