Hanoi – On 22 August 2024, the Ministry of Finance and the French Development Agency (AFD) officially signed the two financing agreements to launch the project of Coastal Erosion Prevention and Disaster Mitigation Project in Ca Mau Province.

This project aims to implement structural and non-structural solutions based on scientific research and analysis, to prevent coastal erosion and restore mangrove ecosystems using a natural-based approach. It is implemented by Ca Mau’s ODA PMU with the supports from AFD and EU, through a loan of Euros 19.17 million for the infrastructure construction and a grant of Euros 3.76 million for the technical assistance activities (Water and Natural Resources Management - WARM Facility) to strengthen the capacity of local government to manage coastal areas, implement adaptation measures in response to climate change. The provincial counterpart fund is about Euros 9 million. 

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. 

About the project

This project will contribute significantly to reduce the severe impacts of climate change on coastal erosion, sea level rise, and mangrove forest reduction, affecting the lives and livelihoods of local people and businesses in Ca Mau province in particular and the Mekong Delta region in general, through structural and non-structural solutions such as: (i) the construction of the 19 km long Western Sea breakwater, from Cai Doi Vam to Kenh Nam in Phu Tan district, connecting Cai Doi Vam town to Kenh Nam, creating favourable conditions for socio-economic development, tourism and services in the region; (ii) Construction of 11km long embankments along the coastline from Ong Doc River estuary to Bay Hap River estuary, in Tran Van Thoi and Phu Tan districts; (iii) Developing 2,000 hectares of new protective forests (mangrove) along the western coastline from Song Doc estuary to Bay Hap estuary, helping ensure safety for the sea dyke and 15,000 hectares of land in Phu Tan and Tran Van Thoi districts in the context of impacts from waves, storms and sea level rise.
The project is planned to be implemented during the period from 2024 to 2028.
In addition, the project also proposes non-structural solutions to improve disaster prevention capacity and promotes an integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) approach : (i) developing an ICZM strategy for entire East and West coastline of Ca Mau as well as an action plan for protection of coastal communes in Phu Tan and Tran Van Thoi districts ; (ii) diversifying livelihood activities to improve income for local communities ; (iii) reducing near-shore fishing dependence, helping protect and restore mangrove ecosystems along coastal areas, aquatic resources, and protect the environment.