Three people stand on a wooden cage farming platform above the water in Phuong Thuan An. Two wear traditional conical hats, and fishing boats are visible in the background. The sea is calm, and the sky is partly cloudy in the late afternoon light.

A research study to discover how nature-based solutions empower communities in Vietnam

Key findings from CSRD study, 2025

In the face of escalating climate change impacts, communities in Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam, are turning to nature-based solutions (NbS) and ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) to build resilience and secure sustainable livelihoods. A new study conducted by Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry (HUAF) under the lead of CSRD, our project partner in the “Strong roots, strong women” project sheds light on the transformative power of these approaches, highlighting the pivotal role of women in driving change.

Climate change and disasters

Thua Thien Hue province, nestled in the central coastal region of Vietnam, is no stranger to the devastating effects of disasters. Storms, floods, droughts, and saline intrusion are frequent visitors, severely affecting both livelihoods and the natural environment. The lagoon region, in particular, is the most vulnerable, facing a variety of disasters with alarming frequency. According to the study, 100% of respondents in the surveyed sites identified storm and flood as the most dangerous disaster types during the years 2020 to 2024.

A group of women and men sit around a wooden table in a bright room, talking and taking notes. Some have notebooks and phones in front of them, while one person uses a laptop. Everyone appears attentive and engaged in the conversation. — Community surveying in Phuong Phong Hai – Local residents engaged in a group discussion.

Community resilience

Against this backdrop, communities are harnessing the power of nature to protect themselves and their livelihoods. Mangrove restoration, sustainable aquaculture, and community-based ecotourism are just a few of the nature-based solutions being implemented. These approaches not only mitigate disaster risks but also create economic opportunities and preserve biodiversity.

Women, often the most vulnerable to climate change impacts, are emerging as key players in the fight for resilience. From leading mangrove planting initiatives to managing sustainable aquaculture cooperatives, women are driving change and empowering their communities. Their active participation is crucial for the success of NbS and EbA projects. The study showed that women represented 60% of the participants, and 67% of them were engaged in group discussions and in-depth interviews at the commune level.

A smiling woman in a hat stands beside a lotus pond full of large green leaves and pink flowers. In the background there is an open grassy field with trees, and buildings under a cloudy sky — Lotus and fishing in Xa Huong Toan

Models of resilience

The study identified several successful models of NbS and EbA across the lagoon, coastal, and Bo river watershed regions. In the lagoon region, mangrove restoration projects in Hai Duong and Phu Dien communes have yielded strong results, protecting shorelines and enhancing aquaculture yields. In the coastal region, community-based ecotourism in Ngu My Thanh village, Quang Loi commune, has raised environmental awareness and boosted local socio-economic development. The study highlighted that the income of households involved in eco-tourism and aquatic exploitation in Hai Duong commune ranged from 2 to 3 million VND per month.

A woman wearing a traditional woven hat, a red jacket, and gloves stirs the contents of a large blue barrel with a long wooden stick. Many similar barrels are arranged around her, set against an old yellow wall with windows. — Traditional spice production in Xa Phu Dien

Recommendations for action

The study proposes several recommendations to enhance community resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods. These include strengthening early warning systems, enhancing community capacity, promoting market linkages for local products, and organizing field visits to learn from successful models. Additionally, the study calls for increased support for women-led initiatives and the integration of NbS and EbA into local development planning. The study found that 85% of the surveyed sites expressed a need for access to capital, breeding stock, technical training, marketing skills, and entrepreneurship support.

As climate change continues to pose significant threats, the adoption of nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation offers a promising path forward. By empowering communities, particularly women, and harnessing the power of nature, Thua Thien Hue province can build resilience, secure sustainable livelihoods, and protect its rich biodiversity. The time to act is now, and the direction is clear. The study concluded that 74% of community opinions considered NbS and EbA to play a very important role in promoting sustainable livelihood development, green economy, and circular economy. This is a great fundament for our future activities in the “Strong roots, strong women” project.

A narrow boat glides along a calm waterway lined with dense green mangroves on both sides. The water reflects the trees and the clear blue sky above, creating a peaceful natural scene — Mangrove waterway in Xa Quang Loi – ecotourism with mangrove plantations and fish farming, based on NbS and EbA

The study, conducted from May to July 2025, integrated 20 communes/wards/towns across 6 districts of Thua Thien Hue (currently named Hue City). The research team employed a multidimensional and interdisciplinary approach, utilizing methods such as Participatory Action Research (PAR), systems thinking, gender analysis, and exploratory perspectives. Data collection tools included literature review, key informant persons interviews, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, case studies, field surveys, and data analysis and processing.

CB, GP, 25 September 2025