The event was attended by representatives of the U.S. Mission to Viet Nam, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), leaders from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Mekong provinces.

The US$2.9 million project will work to reduce threats to coastal biodiversity and fisheries and strengthen coastal resilience in the Mekong Delta, in partnership with the Government of Viet Nam, including provincial authorities; businesses; management boards of marine protected areas; development partners; and fishing communities.

"This project launch advances our shared priority with Viet Nam to build coastal resilience in the vital yet increasingly vulnerable Mekong Delta region, and supports the U.S.-Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," said Aler Grubbs, USAID/Viet Nam Mission Director, during remarks delivered at the event.

The Mekong Delta and its islands are home to 70 percent of Viet Nam's mangroves and 90 percent of its seagrass beds.

Fed by the sediment and nutrients from the Mekong River, these habitats support Viet Nam's richest fishing grounds and provide crucial protection for coastal communities from storm surges.

However, these habitats and the commercially important species they support, such as sea bass and snapper, are facing a range of threats that impact long-standing livelihoods and lifestyles.

Through this new project, the U.S. will support Viet Nam's restoration of coastal biodiversity and the sustainable management of marine resources to reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities and enhance coastal resilience.

Today's launch advances the U.S. commitment to expand engagement in the Mekong Delta and across Viet Nam, in line with our two countries' shared priorities under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership./.