A vision for a healthier, more prosperous and secure future for all coastal communities Can Gio Biosphere Reserve 2010 IUCN Vietnam MERD
Local woman caring for mangroves in Hau Loc, Thanh Hoa CARE International in Vietnam In response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, (MFF) was established as a partnership-based initiative to promote investment in coastal ecosystems for sustainable development. MFF provides a collaborative regional platform for concerted action in support of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM), using mangroves as the entry point. MFF has adopted mangroves as its flagship ecosystem in recognition of the important role that mangrove forests played in reducing the impact of the tsunami, and the severe effect on coastal livelihoods caused by the loss and degradation of mangroves. However MFF embraces all coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, estuaries, lagoons, wetlands, beaches, and seagrass beds. This inclusive approach reflects the ecosystem-based management approach that MFF brings to the rehabilitation and stewardship of coastal resources. Coastal ecosystems, and the well-being of their inhabitants, are influenced not just by activities carried out in the coastal zone, but also by those happening further inland. Using this approach, MFF helps coastal managers and communities to adopt and benefit from more integrated management of coastal resources and the ecosystem processes that support them. The mission of MFF is to promote healthier, more prosperous and secure future for all coastal communities through a partnership-based, people-focused, policy-relevant, and investment-orientated approach. After a first phase (MFF I: 2007-2009) focusing initially on the countries worst-affected by the tsunami (India, Indonesia, Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Thailand), MFF is now in its second phase (MFF II: 2010-2013) and has expanded to include Pakistan and Vietnam. MFF II is designed to support eight full-member countries, build and apply knowledge, empower communities and other stakeholders, enhance governance, strengthen the role of civil society in decision-making, secure livelihoods, and increase resilience to natural hazards and climate change. For more information about MFF, go to: www.mangrovesforthefuture.org. MFF in Vietnam Vietnam became a full member of MFF in January 2010. While not affected by the 2004 tsunami, Vietnam s long and densely populated coast is vulnerable to storms, flooding, and other natural disasters. It also has long experience preparing against and responding to natural disasters, including large-scale mangrove replanting.
In Vietnam, MFF activities are overseen by the multi-stakeholder National Coordinating Body (NCB), which includes representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Hanoi National University of Education, local NGOs (CRES, MERC), international NGOs (WWF, CARE), and international organizations (UNDP, FAO, IUCN). In Vietnam, IUCN serves as the Secretariat to the NCB. Vietnam National Strategy and Action Plan The NCB has overseen preparation of the National Strategy and Action Plan (NSAP). The purpose of the NSAP is to assist MFF in identifying, designing, and planning activities in Vietnam over the period 2011-2013. The NSAP is a living document that is subject to change in response to new opportunities in the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of coastal ecosystems. Geographic coverage The NSAP does not recommend specific provinces, but presents criteria for consideration in prioritizing site-based activities. It provides guidance for interventions at two geographical scales: national and sub-national. Programmes of work and alignment with ongoing initiatives and priorities The NSAP presents strategic entry points for MFF in Vietnam, starting with opportunities to mainstream MFF into national policies, plans, and programmes, followed by a prioritization of MFF s 15 Programmes of Work (PoWs) and priority actions. Cross-cutting issues of climate change, gender, private sector engagement, fund raising, and communications are briefly considered. The NSAP identifies seven PoWs as priorities for Vietnam. Three (PoW 1 - improved knowledge base; PoW 11 - ICM; and PoW 10 - sustainable financing) focus on national level interventions and four on sub-national activities (PoW 2 - coastal rehabilitation; PoW 8 - sustainable livelihoods; PoW 9 - community resilience, and PoW 14 - adaptive management). The overriding role for MFF during this initial period is to serve as a learning network and information clearing house. Target audiences for this network are subnational (particularly provincial) decision makers. Donor MFF is financed principally by Norad and Sida with substantial contributions from its core partners and from the private sector. By demonstrating the high economic and social returns from investing in coastal ecosystems, MFF partners expect the scope of the initiative to keep growing, especially through public and private sector partnerships. MFF will continue to seek co-financing opportunities that build on current or planned projects to maximize their positive outcomes. Priority actions: Small Grant Facility and Medium-sized Grant Facility Small Grant Facility (SGF) The SGF supports community-based coastal ecosystems rehabilitation and management projects in one or more of the following areas: Build local capacity to implement sustainable development strategies and enhance local ownership. Raise public awareness of environmental issues.
Address livelihoods, climate change, and gender concerns. Demonstrate potential for replication and co-financing. Create an impact on policy at national and provincial levels. Eligibility Proposals can be submitted by NGOs, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), research centers, and educational institutions operating in Vietnam that meet the following criteria: Are registered, preferably for at least three years. Have a proven or strong potential capacity to implement community-based projects. Have a proven record of working with local communities in a participatory way. Can demonstrate experience in project management and financial administration. Medium-sized Grant Facility (MGF) Thematic focus The thematic scope of MGF projects comprises four priority PoWs described in the NSAP. These are: coastal rehabilitation, sustainable livelihoods, community resilience, and adaptive management. MGF projects support more than one PoW either directly or in a strong cross-cutting manner as well as include provisions for direct policy advocacy and pilot intervention mainstreaming at both national and sub-national levels. Eligibility Proposals can be submitted by eligible organizations and agencies with operations in Vietnam that meet the following criteria: Are registered, preferably for at least three years. Have a proven or strong capacity in formulating and implementing projects related to ICM. Have a track record of working with government and NGOs as well as local communities in a participatory way. Can demonstrate experience in project management and financial administration.
XUAN THUY NATIONAL PARK, NAM DINH PROVINCE Title: Sustainable Use of Mangrove Resources to Benefit Poor Women Through a Co-management Pilot in the Core Zone of Xuan Thuy National Park. Site: Xuan Thuy National Park, Giao Thien Commune, Giao Thuy District, Nam Dinh Province. Implementation agency: Xuan Thuy National Park (XTNP). Objective: Adapt and integrate a mangrove co-management model into the XTNP management system for the benefit of poor fishing women. Mangrove fisheries in Xuan Thuy National Park Xuan Thuy National Park
Beekeeing in Xuan Thuy National Park Xuan Thuy National Park Caring for mangroves in Xuan Thuy National Park Xuan Thuy National Park Local women collect resources in Xuan Thuy National Park Xuan Thuy National Park
HAU LOC, THANH HOA PROVINCE Title: For the Green of Mangroves Clubs: Communication Model for Lower Secondary School Students in Thanh Hoa Province. Site: Hai Loc, Minh Loc and Da Loc Communes, Hau Loc District, Thanh Hoa Province. Implementation agency: Mangrove Ecosystem Research Division (MERD), Centre for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (CRES), Vietnam National University (VNU). Objective: Raise awareness of lower secondary school students in three coastal communes about the importance of mangrove protection. Local women planting mangroves in Hau Loc, Thanh Hoa CARE International in Vietnam
Preparing mangrove seeds, Hau Loc, Thanh Hoa CARE International in Vietnam Mangroves in Hau Loc, Thanh Hoa MERD Mangrove planting in Hau Loc, Thanh Hoa MERD
LAP AN LAGOON, THUA-THIEN-HUE PROVINCE Title: Community-based Restoration and Management of Mangroves in Lap An Lagoon, Thua Thien Hue Province. Site: Lap An Lagoon, Lang Co Town, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province. Implementation agency: Centre for Community Research and Development (CCRD). Objective: Contribute to the restoration and conservation of mangroves in a lagoon ecosystem by establishing a community-based mangrove management model. Mangroves in Lap An Lagoon, Thua-Thien-Hue CCRD
Mangrove rehabilitation, Lap An Lagoon, Thua-Thien-Hue CCRD CCRD Fishermen in Lap An Lagoon, Thua-Thien-Hue CCRD OÁc höông (Babylonia areolata) farming around mangroves, Lap An Lagoon, Thua-Thien-Hue CCRD
AN HOA LAGOON, QUANG NAM PROVINCE Title: Integrating Sustainable Livelihood Improvement into Mangrove Restoration and Conservation in An Hoa Lagoon, Quang Nam Province. Site: Tam Giang Commune, Nui Thanh District, Quang Nam Province. Implementation agency: Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry (HUAF). Objective: Improve local livelihoods through mangrove restoration and conservation in a lagoon ecosystem. Setting fish traps in An Hoa Lagoon, Nui Thanh, Quang Nam HUAF
Mangroves in An Hoa Lagoon, Nui Thanh, Quang Nam Province HUAF MFF National Coordinating Body meeting, Hanoi, Vietnam 2011 IUCN Vietnam Câaây ñöôùc (Rhizophora apicultata), An Hoa Lagoon, Nui Thanh, Quang Nam Province HUAF
(MFF) is a partnership-based initiative promoting investments in coastal ecosystems that support sustainable development. MFF provides a collaborative platform for the many countries, sectors and agencies tackling the challenges to coastal ecosystem conservation and livelihood sustainability and is helping them to work towards a common goal. MFF builds on a history of coastal management efforts before and after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, especially the call to sustain the momentum and partnerships generated by the immediate post-tsunami response. After focusing initially on the countries worstaffected by the tsunami India, Indonesia, Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Thailand MFF has now expanded to include Pakistan and Viet Nam. MFF will also continue to reach out to other countries in the region facing similar challenges, with the overall aim of promoting an integrated, ocean-wide approach to coastal area management. MFF seeks to achieve demonstrable results through regional cooperation, national programme support, private sector engagement and community action. This is being realized through concerted actions and projects to generate and share knowledge more effectively, empower institutions and communities, and enhance the governance of coastal ecosystems. Although MFF has chosen mangroves as its flagship ecosystem, the initiative embraces all coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, estuaries, lagoons, wetlands, beaches and seagrass beds. Its management strategy is based on specific national and regional needs for long-term sustainable management of coastal ecosystems. These priorities, as well as newly emerging issues, are reviewed regularly by the MFF Regional Steering Committee to ensure that MFF continues to be a highly relevant and responsive initiative. Learn more at: www.mangrovesforthefuture.org Produced by MFF with the financial support of Norad and Sida