Vietnam

Downstream Mekong River Wetlands Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

Project Summary

Using the new approach of the MA conceptual framework to assess ecosystems through some selected issues and indicators suitable for wetland ecosystems, Vietnam’s sub-global assessment (SGA) focuses on identifying some main wetland ecosystems, analyzing condition and trend of ecosystems, drivers of change in ecosystem services and its impacts on human well-being in the Cuu Long river Delta. Based on the assessment, some interdisciplinary responses have been identified and some specific responses in effective management of ecosystems have been proposed for the whole Cuu Long river Delta at the macro scale, as well as for the provinces, districts, environment and natural resource sectors at the micro scale.

Assessment objectives

To conduct an integrated assessment on consequences of changes of ecosystems and their services to human wellbeing in the Cuu Long river Delta, then to identify responses to strengthen the conservation and development of ecosystems to promote their sustainable and long-term contribution to human needs.

Mandate for the assessment

To assess the conditions and changing patterns of wetland ecosystems and the services that they provide in the Cuu Long river Delta.
To identify and analyze drivers that affect on the wetlands and their services.
To develop scenarios for ecosystems and design responses to ongoing and future change identified during scenario development.
To build the knowledge and skills of local officials in order to improve wetland management.
To develop a database about the ecosystems and their services in the Cuu Long river Delta.

Figure 1. Administrative map of Mekong Delta.

Ecosystem services assessed

Marine
Coastal
Inland water
Forest and woodland
Cultivated/Agricultural land
Grassland
Mountain
Urban

Maps and Reports