Vietnam–Netherlands Living Lab Field Trip: Assessing Mangrove Degradation, Restoration, and Coastal Erosion in the Mekong Delta

In late June, experts from the Vietnam-Netherlands Living Lab—including Dr. Phan Manh Hung, Dr. Truong Hong Son, Prof. Dr. Thom Bogaard, and Dr. Anne—conducted a field trip to the project's study areas after a hiatus of over two years. We visited sites featuring relatively stable mangroves—both with and without breakwaters—in Vinh Chau and Lai Hoa, as well as areas where mangroves are under threat, such as Vinh Phuoc commune and the Bac Lieu wind power plant. Meanwhile, efforts to replant mangroves are underway in the Nha Mat area.

During the field trip, we analyzed the mechanisms of coastal erosion and mangrove degradation, as well as the survival prospects of the mangroves. Additionally, we discussed plans for taking measurements at suitable new locations and proposed potential research topics and opportunities for publishing research papers based on our field findings.

Figure 1: Discussion on the effect of flow currents in Vinh Chau

Figure 2: Observations of erosion in mangroves area and new revetments in Vinh Phuoc, Can Tho

Figure 3: Observations of success and failure mangrove restorations in Lai Hoa, Can Tho.

Figure 4: Observations of attempting to restore mangrove again and discussion of the role of breakwater