The $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 Vietnamese government, including provincial authorities, businesses, management boards of marine protected areas, development partners, and fishing communities.

“This project launch advances our shared priority with Vietnam to build coastal resilience in the vital yet increasingly vulnerable Mekong Delta region, and supports the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” said Aler Grubbs, USAID/Vietnam Mission director.

The Mekong Delta and its islands are home to 70 per cent of Vietnam’s mangroves and 90 per cent of its seagrass beds. Fed by sediment and nutrients from the Mekong River, these habitats support Vietnam’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, USAID will support Vietnam’s restoration of coastal biodiversity and the sustainable management of marine resources to reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities and enhance coastal resilience.

The launch advances the US commitment to expand engagement in the Mekong Delta and across Vietnam, in line with the two countries’ shared priorities under t he Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.