Assessment of livelihood risks due to climate change and ecological resources in Can Gio mangrove biosphere reserve, Vietnam

Abstract

Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve was recognized as a global biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2000 with a typical diverse flora and fauna of the mangroves of Vietnam and Southeast Asia. People's livelihoods in Can Gio depend largely on natural resources. Thus, any negative changes due to climate change will directly affect their livelihoods. These changes are potential risks affecting the livelihoods of local residents. The study was conducted based on the interview results of 537 local residents using a structured questionnaire and 45 in-depth interviews using data of open-ended questions designed based on the 5-point Likert scale. A set of criteria was developed according to the sustainable livelihood framework of DFID (1999) and climate change framework of IPCC (2014) to assess the impacts of environment and climate change on livelihood risks in the study area. This study used weighting methodology for qualitative data and GIS methodology to identify the risks of 13 livelihood genres affected by changes in climate and ecological resources of Can Gio mangrove forest. The results show that there is a difference in the levels of livelihood risk caused by climate change. Almost thirteen types of livelihoods have high risks caused by climate change. As a result, there should be a risk management strategy which focuses on solutions to control hazards, exposures and vulnerabilities, along with measures to protect and support livelihood resources for Can Gio local residents.