Thai Binh (VNA) - Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative, UNDP Vietnam, has said that mangrove forests are "climate warriors," playing a particularly crucial role in protecting the environment and preserving a greener, more sustainable Vietnam.
She made the remarks at the Tree Planting Festival held in Thai Thuy Wetland Nature Reserve in the northern province of Thai Binh on February 4 as part of efforts to celebrate Vietnam’s decades-long tree planting tradition and World Wetlands Day (February 2).
According to Ramla Khalidi, wetlands and mangrove forests are more than just natural landscapes—they play a vital role in protecting coastal communities from storms and floods, storing carbon to fight climate change, and preserving rich biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam also expressed pride in the programme’s role in supporting Vietnam’s efforts to conserve and restore wetland and mangrove ecosystems. UNDP’s long-term collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and local authorities has resulted in the planting and restoration of over 4,000 hectares of mangroves since 2017, with plans to add another 1,000 hectares in the coming years.
Through the "Climate Promise" initiative, UNDP is assisting in developing a coastal mangrove carbon database, providing essential data to inform conservation and climate response policies.
Ramla Khalidi emphasized that this year’s tree-planting event underscores the power of collaboration among government agencies, socio-political organisations, the private sector, and local communities in protecting natural heritage. She highlighted that partnerships at the local level are particularly crucial for achieving tangible results on the ground. It is these comprehensive solutions that drive long-term impact.
However, Ramla Khalidi also emphasized that despite the progress achieved, the persistent threats to wetlands and mangroves remain a serious concern. These risks weaken the resilience of coastal areas, endanger biodiversity, and affect the livelihoods of millions. Therefore, urgent action is needed.
Vietnam has around 12 million hectares of wetlands, accounting for approximately 37% of its natural land area. The areas, which include lakes, lagoons, mangrove forests, and coastal zones, are vital for biodiversity conservation, supporting numerous plant and animal species, some of which are globally endangered.
Wetlands also provide essential ecosystem services, such as water filtration, climate regulation, disaster prevention, and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Meanwhile, mangroves play a critical role in Vietnam’s wetlands by stabilizing coastlines, reducing erosion, and acting as natural barriers against storm surges and tsunamis.
They help combat saltwater intrusion, protect agricultural lands, and support marine biodiversity by serving as nurseries for fish and other aquatic species. Additionally, mangroves sequester carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation, while providing resources and sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities./.
