Mangrove reforestation in Vietnam by supporting villagers' activities: a trial to make a restoration model on a global level

Abstract

During the time of the Vietnam War, mangrove forests were destroyed by 'operation defoliation'. 125 000 ha of mangroves, about a half of the area of south Vietnam, was killed. Reforestation activities started soon after the end of the war, and it is estimated that approximately 100 000 ha has been recovered in 15 years. It should be remembered that Vietnam is a nation whose mangrove forests have suffered the worst destruction in the world, and at the same time, where the greatest reforestaiton has been made without foreign support. However, mangrove forests in Vietnam are still damaged and degraded even at the present time. Destruction of mangrove forest and their ecosystems caused shortages of charcoal and firewood, decrease in marine products harvests, and increase of coastal erosion. In addition, damage to sea dykes and damage from sea air to the crop and paddy fields increased particularly in northern and central Veitnam where typhoons are frequent. The majority of the population in Vietnam lives in the coastal areas, where they, economically poor farmers and fihsermen, suffered from the serious damage caused by mangrove destruction. The target of the project is restoration of mangrove forests to their condition before the Vietnam War started. About 200 000 ha should be planted by supporting the reforestation activities of Vietnamese villagers. As the result of some three years preparation activities in research, reforestation support, etc. in Vietnam, we concluded that the restoration is posisble. Labour for planting will require 2-4 million people/day. This is the work that 500 organizations, each of 400 workers would be able to execute in 10-20 days. Women's Unions and secondary schools, which are spread all over Vietnam, will be epected to cooperate in this project. Project term is scheduled for 10 years and the cost estimated twelve hundred million yen. Mangrove forests in the tropics have been decreased and degraded year by year. We expect that this project will be a 'model' for mangrove restoration on a global level.