EXPLORING COASTAL RESILIENCE: DUTCH EMBASSY DELEGATION VISITING COASTAL MANGROVE IN KIM SON

1. Understanding the role of mangroves in coastal protection

Building on the long-standing cooperation 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 exploring sustainable development practices, coastal intervention solutions and research activities within the framework of a project titled "Integration Solutions for Irrigation, Forestry and Environmental Infrastructure to Protect and Develop the Kim Son Mangrove Ecosystem".

The delegation included Ms. Merel van der Ven, First Secretary for Water and Climate, and Ms. Pham Minh Uyen, Senior Policy Advisor from the Netherlands Embassy. The mission was guided by researchers from Thuy Loi University, led by Assoc. Prof. Le Hai Trung and PhD Phan Khanh Linh. Besides, PhD Mai Cao Tri from Hà Nội University of Civil Engineering, MSc Trần Thị Lợi and ME Mai Duy Khanh from Institute of Civil Engineering also participated.  

Located in the Red River Delta, Kim Dong commune-formerly part of Kim Son district—hosts the only mangrove coastline in Ninh Binh Province. Over the past decades, this area has become an important site for research and pilot initiatives focusing on coastal protection, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable livelihoods.

Delegation members discussing coastal conditions and mangrove ecosystem protection

2. Field Observations and Mangrove-Based Livelihood Models

During the visit, researchers introduced the objectives and research activities of the ongoing project and discussed key environmental challenges affecting the Kim Dong coastal zone, including coastal erosion, sediment transport processes, and pressures from aquaculture development. The delegation also visited a local aquaculture household to better understand how coastal communities interact with the mangrove environment and how sustainable livelihood models can be integrated with ecosystem protection.

One highlight of the field visit was the observation of a mangrove-associated beekeeping model, where local communities produce honey derived from mangrove forests. This initiative demonstrates how mangrove conservation can support sustainable livelihoods while maintaining the ecological functions of coastal ecosystems.

Discussion at the mangrove-associated beekeeping model

3. Building partnerships for resilient coastal landscapes

This field mission highlights the growing collaboration between academic research and international partners working on climate adaptation and coastal resilience. By bringing together representatives from the Dutch Embassy and Vietnamese researchers, the visit facilitates a platform for co-creating solutions to real-world climate challenges. Moving forward, the partnership aims to continue this exchange of expertise, applying innovative water-management and forestry solutions to the Vietnamese context.

Through initiatives such as the Living Lab Mekong Delta approach, field-based research sites like Kim Dong commune can serve as platforms for testing, learning, and scaling up sustainable coastal management strategies.

Delegation members from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Vietnamese researchers during the field visit to the Kim Dong mangrove coastal area