In the southernmost province of Ca Mau, Vietnam, approximately 140,000 hectares of forest are being protected and developed through sustainable models. These forests not only serve as a vital environmental resource but also support local economies through innovative initiatives that integrate community tourism and shrimp farming.

Ecotourism: Mangroves and Community Engagement

Traveling from Ca Mau city down National Highway 1A to Ngoc Hien district, visitors are greeted by expansive mangrove canopies. These mangroves are more than just scenic; they are central to the community’s ecotourism efforts.

Nguyen Trung Kien, the manager of Sunset’s afforestation tourism products, emphasizes the collaboration with local landowners to build tourism products that benefit the entire community. “Now every household and person is doing tourism,” he says, highlighting the inclusive nature of the initiative.

Shrimp Farming: A Boost to Local Incomes

Shrimp farming in Ngoc Hien district, which encompasses 57,000 hectares of shrimp-forest farming, including 21,000 hectares certified for international quality, has significantly boosted local incomes. Farmers have embraced the dual benefits of shrimp farming and forest preservation. This integration allows them to reap financial rewards while maintaining ecological balance.

Tran Hoang Lac, Chairman of the district People’s Committee, has pointed out that local authorities are supporting farmers with a farming techniques manual to enhance productivity and quality in shrimp-forest farming.

Carbon Markets: A New Revenue Stream

Ca Mau province is exploring the carbon market to further enhance the incomes of forest growers. According to Tran Van Thuc, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, mangrove forests in Ca Mau absorb carbon at a rate three to four times higher than other forests. This makes the potential revenue from forest carbon credits particularly lucrative.

“Ca Mau province has allowed domestic and foreign organizations and businesses to learn the local carbon markets,” Thuc noted. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the province will be ready to capitalize on the carbon market once a legal framework is established.

Comprehensive Forest-Based Economic Models

By preserving and developing its forests through comprehensive forest-based economic models, Ca Mau is creating a sustainable forest economy. These efforts not only protect the environment but also provide robust economic benefits for local communities, demonstrating a successful synergy between ecological preservation and economic development.