MAM project presented at ASEAN Mangrove Congress 2017, the Philippines

During September 4-8, 2017, the 2nd ASEAN Mangrove Congress was held in the Philippines with the attendance of many representatives of ASEAN countries including Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines.

At the event, around 150 participants gave oral and poster presentations on the following topics: 1) Mangrove Ecology, Functions and Fisheries; 2) Mangrove Restoration and Rehabilitation; 3) Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation; and 4) Valuation and Socio-economic Studies. The congress aimed to strengthen mangrove research and development in the ASEAN region and enhance inter-agency and inter-sectoral coordination at the regional and international levels.

Attending the event, Ms. Nguyen Bich Thuy (MAM Project Manager, SNV Vietnam) presented some key project highlights with “Inclusive business in mangrove restoration and payment for ecosystem services on aquaculture (PES) in the Mekong Delta, Viet Nam”, which was funded by The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) and International Climate Initiative (IKI). They are:

- Integrated mangrove shrimp: promoting certification to improve farmers’ practices for sustainability coastal mangrove (2,000 farmers, 56 farmer groups, 80 ha mangrove replanted, 12,600ha mangrove protected);

- Economic incentive for involved farmers: 1,276 farmers received PES: VND 500,000/ha ($25/ha/year);

- Inclusive business to enhance value chain, which is environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and business enhancement.

Many ASEAN participants became interested in the MAM project approaches, results, and the climate initiative. They also discussed and shared their viewpoints on mangrove protection and restoration through organic shrimp farming practices. The ASEAN mangrove congress enhanced regional collaboration: “One ASEAN, One mangrove” as their agreement in sustainable development trend.