A mangrove forest project in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang’s coastal areas has helped improve the environment and preserve the biodiversity. Jointly implemented by the Soc Trang Red Cross society, the Vietnam Red Cross’s southern office and sponsored by the UK Premier Oil Company in Tran De district, the project was carried out in the two phases. It aimed to prevent erosion and other negative impacts triggered by climate change in Trung Binh commune, Tran De district. As many as 25 ha of mangrove forests was planted along coastal areas during the 2011-2013 period, preventing soil erosion caused by rising sea levels , heard a conference in Soc Trang on December 26. In the second phase of the project (2013-2014), the provincial Red Cross coordinated with the Forest Management Department and the People’s Committee of Tran De district to plant additional 20ha of mangrove forests. According to Nguyen Thu Huong, Chairwoman of the provincial Red Cross, the project contributed to improving the living condition for local people because it helped mitigate impacts of natural disasters, such as flood tide, storm, and whirlwind. The project also aid to create sustainable livelihood and jobs for local residents, she said. In 2015, the project will be expanded to other coastal communes in the district, targeting of growing mangroves on 20 hectares. (Vietnamplus Dec 27)
