In the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta lies Cu Lao Dung, an island once known for its vast, lush mangrove forests — home to the Sonneratia caseolaris, or mangrove apple tree. These trees formed a natural shield against storms and nurtured rich biodiversity. But over the years, intensive shrimp farming, illegal logging, and coastal erosion have left the island’s mangroves scarred and fading.
Amid these challenges, a quiet yet powerful movement has begun — led by the women of Cu Lao Dung.
From Guardians of the Home to Guardians of the Forest
Through the Women4Mangrove (W4M) initiative, local women have become the driving force of mangrove restoration. What once seemed like an environmental task has turned into a social transformation.
These women now manage community nurseries, carefully nurturing mangrove seedlings before planting them back into the coastal soil. Every sprout they raise represents not just a tree, but also hope — for their families, for their island, and for the planet.
“When I plant a tree, I’m not just growing a forest – I’m planting a future for my children.”
Regeneration through Livelihoods
Women4Mangrove understands that conservation must go hand in hand with livelihood. Alongside reforestation, the project supports women in developing eco-friendly products such as herbal tea made from Sonneratia blossoms — a fragrant, antioxidant-rich drink that symbolizes the healing bond between people and nature.
The women also welcome travelers through community-based ecotourism, offering visitors hands-on experiences like mangrove planting, local craft workshops, and traditional Khmer-Vietnamese meals. Each visit helps sustain both the ecosystem and the economy.
The Power of Community and Collaboration
Behind every effort is a network of collaboration:
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UEH University provides economic and sustainability research.
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ISPONRE (under Vietnam’s Ministry of Environment) offers policy and conservation guidance.
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Haiau Can Tho connects restoration with sustainable tourism and cultural storytelling.
Together, they have turned Cu Lao Dung into a living classroom for climate resilience — where science, culture, and community intertwine.
Seeds of Hope
Today, over five hectares of mangrove forest are being restored through Women4Mangrove’s efforts. But perhaps the most profound transformation is not in the landscape — it’s in the women themselves.
They are no longer seen merely as caregivers, but as leaders, educators, and changemakers. Through their work, they remind us that restoring nature begins with empowering those who nurture life every day.
“Women don’t just plant trees – They plant belief — that healing the earth starts from the heart.”
The story of the women of Cu Lao Dung is more than a story of conservation.
It is a story of renewal, resilience, and regeneration — one seed, one woman, and one mangrove at a time.
