Developing a model for integrating coastal protection corridors into integrated coastal zone management in Vietnam.

Faced with shortcomings in coastal zone management and the increasingly urgent need to protect marine resources, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) has assigned the University of Science (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) to lead the project "Research on building a model and solutions for integrating coastal protection corridors into integrated coastal zone management in Vietnam," under Program KC.09/21-30. The project is expected to provide a scientific foundation, models, and practical solutions, contributing to the improvement of policies and enhancing the effectiveness of sustainable coastal zone management in Vietnam.

The project is led by Dr. Dang Kinh Bac, Faculty of Science (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), in collaboration with the Institute of Oceanography , the Management Board of Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area, and several related units, and will be carried out from 2024 to 2028.

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According to the research team, given the crucial role of Vietnam's coastal region in socio-economic development, resource protection, and disaster response, the establishment and management of coastal protection corridors have been legalized, but their practical implementation still faces many limitations. Many localities have not completed the establishment of coastal protection corridors; the databases for management are outdated; and models for integrating coastal protection corridors into integrated coastal zone management have not been fully developed. These shortcomings lead to fragmentation in coastal management, a lack of consistency between protection regulations and development needs, and ineffective resolution of resource use conflicts.

This research aims to establish a scientific basis for integrating coastal protection corridors into integrated coastal zone management, assess the current management situation, and propose a suitable model for the characteristic coastal zone types of Vietnam.

Based on a synthesis of domestic and international research, the research team has identified existing problems, ranging from deficiencies in concepts, criteria, and methods for defining protection corridors to limitations in management, monitoring, and data updating in the direction of applying modern technology.

The research scope of this project encompasses the entire Vietnamese coastal region, with a pilot implementation model in Quang Nam province. This area boasts high diversity in natural resources and socio-economic activities, while also being heavily impacted by climate change, coastal erosion, estuary sedimentation, and tourism development pressures. Choosing Quang Nam for the demonstration model allows for practical testing, evaluation of effectiveness, and consideration of its potential for scaling up in coastal zone management.

The research scope of this project includes the entire Vietnamese coastline and a pilot implementation model in Quang Nam province.

The project also aims to develop a comprehensive set of scientific and technological products, including a theoretical framework, a current situation assessment, a general model and demonstration model, a set of maps and diagrams at various scales, GIS and WebGIS databases, and a guidebook for local authorities. These products will not only serve management purposes but also contribute to policy improvement, support decision-making, enhance resource utilization efficiency, and protect the coastal environment.

With an ecosystem-based approach, the application of Industry 4.0 technology, and community participation, this research project is expected to create a significant shift in the management of Vietnam's coastal areas. The research results will provide a scientific basis for improving guidelines for implementing the Law on Marine and Island Resources and Environment, and support localities in implementing integrated coastal protection corridors into comprehensive coastal area management in a practical manner, ensuring harmony between conservation and sustainable development.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/xay-dung-mo-hinh-long-ghep-hanh-lang-bao-ve-bo-bien-trong-quan-ly-tong-hop-vung-bo-o-viet-nam-197251212011022258.htm