Ben Tre, Vietnam, April 16, 2024: Aramco Asia Singapore (Aramco), in collaboration with the Global Environment Centre (GEC), the Center for Environmental Science and Ecology (CESE), the Ben Tre Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment (PDAE), Provincial Forest Protection Department (PFPD) and Provincial Protection and Special-use Forest Management Board (PSUFMB), launched the Phase II of the Aramco Mangrove Conservation Project in the Mekong Delta, yesterday.
This initiative demonstrates Aramco’s commitment to mangrove restoration and community development in Southeast Asia. It also marks an expansion of Aramco and GEC’s ongoing efforts in mangrove and coastal biodiversity conservation, extending their impactful work from Malaysia and Indonesia to Vietnam.
Located at the Ba Lai river mouth in Thoi Thuan commune, Binh Dai district, Ben Tre province, the project has successfully rehabilitated five hectares of mangroves by planting 14,000 Mangrove Apple (Sonneratia caseolaris) trees between August 2023 and August 2024, achieving an impressive 95% survival rate. For Phase II, an additional five hectares will be planted with an additional 10,000 trees, with planting beginning in June 2025 through August 2025, bringing the total to 24,000 trees over ten hectares.
The Mangrove Apple was specifically chosen due to its adaptability to the riparian and brackish water conditions of the Ba Lai river estuary. Additionally, this species plays a critical role in stabilizing riverbanks, enhancing local biodiversity, and supporting fisheries vital to community livelihoods. Its selection also aligns with conservation efforts to protect this species locally, contributing to both environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.
Binh Dai district, located in the northeast of Ben Tre province, spans over 400 km² and includes Binh Dai town and 19 communes. It is known for its extensive mangrove forests, covering 2,881 hectares, particularly along the coast of the Thoi Thuan Commune. However, these coastal areas face degradation from erosion and sedimentation. Hence, the urgent implementation of this project aims to restore mangrove forest ecology, preserve biodiversity and combat erosion, crucial for ecological balance and community livelihoods.
At the event to launch the Phase II of the project and showcase the project’s impact and foster community involvement, delegates from Aramco Asia Singapore, GEC, CESE, PDAE, PFPD, PSUFMB and the Binh Dai District Protection Forest Management Subdivision visited the project’s tree planting area at the Ba Lai River estuary and the mangrove tree nurseries managed by local households in Thoi Thuan Commune. Several meetings were also held with the PDAE, PFPD, PSUFMB, and the Binh Dai District Protection Forest Management Subdivision to discuss ongoing mangrove restoration efforts.
“The Aramco Mangrove Conservation Project represents a significant step forward in our efforts to protect and restore the vital mangrove ecosystems in Ben Tre province,” said Mr. Nguyen Van Nghiep – the Deputy of Ben Tre Provincial Forest Protection.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh Minh, Deputy of the Provincial Protection and Special-use Forest Management Board added, “The collaboration with Aramco and other partners strengthens our capacity to manage and conserve our mangrove forests effectively.”
“The launch of the Aramco Mangrove Conservation Project is testament to Aramco’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. Mangroves are critical in maintaining the ecological balance and coastal protection. We look forward to collaborating with the local authorities and partners to preserve these invaluable natural resources for generations to come,” said Ms Fai K. Aldossary, Managing Director of Aramco Asia Singapore.
As part of the project, community nurseries have been established or enhanced by the project and are managed by 15 experienced local households who also participate in planting activities. This is complemented by training programs that have benefited 70 participants and awareness campaigns reaching over 120 people.
Dr. Quoi Le Phat from CESE remarked, “By involving local communities, we ensure the sustainability and success of the mangrove rehabilitation efforts.”
Mr. Faizal Parish, Director of the Global Environment Centre, emphasised, “Our joint efforts aim to create a resilient mangrove ecosystem at the Ba Lai river mouth in Thoi Thuan Commune, Binh Dai district. Leveraging the success of GEC’s projects in other ASEAN countries, we emphasize a community-centered, sustainable, and inclusive approach to conservation, ensuring local communities are integral to environmental protection and restoration efforts.”
The Phase II of the project will expand mangrove restoration efforts while enhancing capacity building, knowledge sharing, and sustainable livelihood development components. The project aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Life on Land (SDG 15).
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The launch ceremony for Phase II of the Community-Based Mangrove Restoration Project at Ba Lai Estuary was successfully conducted with participation from key stakeholders at the Ben Tre Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment.
A certificate of appreciation was presented to Mr. Huynh Quang Duc, Vice-Director, Department of Agriculture and Environment by Aramco Asia Singapore and Global Environment Centre for their support to implement this project, in Ba Lain Estuary, Binh Dai District, Ben Tre Province, Vietnam.
A certificate of appreciation was presented to Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa, Team Leader of the households by Aramco Asia Singapore and Global Environment Centre for his leadership in the mangrove nursery and planting project.
The delegates from Aramco Asia Singapore and Global Environment Centre visited the project nursery site supported under the project implementation managed by households members in Giao Thanh Commune, Thanh Phu District.
Young mangrove seedlings grow in neat rows at the community-managed nursery in Giao Thanh Commune, where local households are helping restore Ben Tre’s coastal ecosystems through their dedicated restoration efforts.