Working on behalf of the World Bank, we developed a framework for valuing the ecosystem services of mangroves, wetlands and coastal forests in Vietnam. The project strengthens the economic and policy case for nature-based solutions, supporting their integration into national planning and more resilient coastal development.
Vietnam’s sea dykes protect around 630,000 hectares of agricultural land and 8.7 million people. Over time, however, their effectiveness has declined, highlighting the need for more holistic approaches to flood risk management. Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves offer natural protection that can reduce dyke maintenance costs, strengthen resilience, and support livelihoods. Vietnam’s Planning Law (Law No. 21/2017/QH14, effective from January 2019) marked a turning point by requiring ecosystem values to be included in all master plans. This legal framework continues to guide the integration of nature-based solutions into provincial, regional and national planning.
Working in collaboration with the World Bank and the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE), we developed a framework to capture the ecosystem services and economic value of mangroves, wetlands and coastal forests. We:
The project provides a robust foundation for valuing the full contribution of coastal ecosystems in Vietnam. By demonstrating the economic and social benefits of mangroves, wetlands and coastal forests, the work supports their inclusion in land-use planning and investment decisions. This evidence base strengthens the justification for coastal setback policies and contributes to more sustainable and resilient coastal development.
Contact our team to learn more about this project.
