LAUNCHING WORKSHOP OF 
Coastal Erosion Prevention and Disaster Mitigation Project in Ca Mau Province

Ca Mau - December 06, 2024, the launching ceremony of the "Coastal Erosion Prevention and Disaster Mitigation Project in Ca Mau Province" was successfully organised by the People's Committee of Ca Mau Province, in coordination with the European Union and the French Development Agency (AFD) through the Water and Natural Resources Management Facility (WARM).

Attending the ceremony on the Vietnamese side was Mr. Le Van Su, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ca Mau province, along with representatives of the Department of Planning and Investment, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and other relevant agencies. On the European Union and French side, were H.E. Julien GUERRIER, Ambassador of the European Union to Vietnam, H.E Mr. Olivier BROCHET, French Ambassador to Vietnam, and Mr. Hervé CONAN, Country Director of AFD Vietnam.

Photo 1: The launching ceremony was successfully organised.

This project is implemented from AFD's loan of 19.17 million euros for the infrastructure construction investment component and 3.76 million euros of grant from the European Union for the technical assistance component through the Water and Natural Resources Management (WARM Facility) to strengthen the capacity of local governments to manage coastal areas, implement adaptation measures and respond to climate change, and provincial counterpart fund (8.99 million euros). The project aims to implement structural and non-structural solutions based on scientific research and analysis, to prevent coastal erosion and restore mangrove ecosystems, and integrate nature-based approaches.

Photo 2: The Ca Mau region is facing phenomena of coastal erosion and climate change

The Ca Mau region has a strategic location in the southernmost part of the Mekong Delta, directly facing phenomena of coastal erosion and climate change, e.g. sea level rise, flooding submergence, and salinization. Notably, the Ca Mau coast is directly influenced by waves, tides, and monsoon winds from both the east and west. In addition, the reduction of sediment supply due to dam constructions on the Mekong River has also contributed to accelerating coastal erosion in the area.

The Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ca Mau province highly appreciated the valuable support of the EU and the French Government through AFD in implementing important projects in the Mekong Delta region. The Coastal Erosion Prevention and Disaster Mitigation Project in Ca Mau Province is one of the key projects to protect the coastal zone, that supports the province to build an integrated coastal zone management program, contribute to completing the Government's Mekong Delta integrated management program and promote sustainable development for the entire region.

In response to the Deputy Minister, representatives of the European Union and France also shared their goals in supporting Vietnam in addressing the impacts of climate change:

H.E. Julien GUERRIER, Ambassador of the European Union to Vietnam, shared: "The European Union consistently prioritises sustainable development and climate change adaptation in its relationship with Vietnam. In Vietnam, the European Union has been a partner supporting projects in various areas such as water resource management, green growth, energy efficiency, capacity building, and low-carbon development. The project in Ca Mau could serve as a crucial pilot for implementing carbon credits in Vietnam, accelerating the practical application of this valuable tool. This contributes to efforts to protect resources, ensure community benefits, and adapt to climate change."

Photo 3: The French Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Olivier BROCHET spoke at the event.

The French Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Olivier BROCHET, said: "France and Vietnam are committed to implementing cooperative activities in line with the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries, becoming reliable and mutually supportive partners. AFD's activities are fully aligned with such strategic orientation, especially in terms of climate change adaptation and mitigation, helping Vietnam to implement its international commitments. The integrated coastal zone management project in Ca Mau province is one example of this cooperation."

Mr. Hervé CONAN, Country Director of AFD Vietnam, highly appreciated the strong commitments of Vietnam, to join hands with the international community in efforts to respond to climate change. She affirmed that AFD would continue to support the Vietnamese Government in implementing its commitments to climate change adaptation and mitigation, through projects at the provincial level.

Photo 4: Mr. Le Van Su, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee shared the project's effectiveness.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Le Van Su, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee, said: "Solutions that AFD and EU are implementing in the project areas help, in one hand, contribute to ensure the safety of sea dykes and residential areas in the project area and protect aquatic resources, and create opportunity to join the carbon credit market and increase capacity for disaster prevention. On the other hand, the project supports diversifying income-generating activities for local people and reducing dependence on near-shore fishing… In general, the project helps positively change the face of the province and contributes to the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta region."