About Project
Where women lead, nature heals — a journey to restore Cu Lao Dung’s mangroves and reawaken hope for generations to come.
Mission — “Empower. Restore. Inspire.”
We empower women to become conservation leaders, regenerating ecosystems through sustainable livelihoods that honor tradition and nature.
Vision — “A Regenerative Future for Cu Lao Dung”
A thriving coastal community where economic well-being, biodiversity, and cultural heritage coexist — powered by women-led innovation.
Philosophy
We believe true regeneration begins where ecology and equality meet — restoring ecosystems while empowering the women who sustain them.
Why Women?Equality as Ecology
Women bear the brunt of environmental decline but are rarely decision-makers in resource management. Women4Mangrove changes that — training them as ecopreneurs and educators.
Our Approach -Science Meets Culture”
Combining research from UEH and ISPONRE with indigenous knowledge from local women ensures solutions are both modern and rooted.
Regeneration in Action
We turn conservation into opportunity — empowering women to restore mangroves, build resilient businesses, and connect their communities to a sustainable future.
Grow
Operate women-led mangrove nurseries that supply seedlings and restore forests.
Train
Build capacity in conservation, entrepreneurship, and hospitality.
Create
Develop regenerative products like Sonneratia flower herbal tea.
Connect
Link communities with markets and travelers through agritourism.
Women Leading Change
Together, we empower local women to protect mangrove forests, nurture sustainable livelihoods, and inspire a greener, more resilient future for Cu Lao Dung.
Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy (UEH)
Project Lead, Young Scientist. School of Tourism, College of Business University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH)Leads the Women4Mangrove initiative with a strong vision for sustainable development and women’s empowerment in mangrove conservation across Cu Lao Dung.
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Suong
Deputy Project LeadThe CEO of Hai Au Education, with extensive experience in media, community-based tourism, and event support services. She brings strong leadership and a deep commitment to community engagement to the project.
Dr. Bach Tan Sinh
Environmental Policy AdvisorProvides strategic direction and expertise in environmental policy, helping align Women4Mangrove with Vietnam’s national sustainability goals and global climate resilience efforts.
Dr. Hoang Phi Long
Senior ExpertExpert and researcher in water management, agriculture and water infrastructure.
Pham Thi Thuy Diem
Chairwomen - Women Entrepreneur Association Cu Lao Dung OCOPs và community-based tourism.Builds bridges among local women entrepreneurs, guiding them to develop eco-friendly enterprises that strengthen both community well-being and mangrove conservation efforts.
Dao Thi Thanh Tam
Project AssistantMs. Tâm provides essential support to the project through logistics coordination, event operations, and day-to-day administrative tasks. She manages paperwork, scheduling, and operational arrangements to ensure smooth implementation across all project activities.
External Support
We are honored to have international experts whose insights and guidance strengthen our women’s empowerment and community development efforts.
Karen Delfau
International ConsultantWater Governance, Gender, Knowledge Co-Creation Specialist - Research, Knowledge Management, Strategy & Facilitation - International Consultant
Dr. Chu Manh Trinh
Advisor, Women4Mangrove InitiativeDr. Trinh is a leading expert in community-based tourism and ecosystem conservation, with extensive experience advising ABCD (Asset-Based Community Development) projects in locations such as Cù Lao Chàm Island (Quang Nam), Hoa Bac (Da Nang), Sa Huynh (Quang Ngai), Phu Yen etc.... He supports Women4Mangrove with strategic guidance on integrating community strengths into tourism models,…
Ms. Julia Joan Babcock
External AdvisorFounder New Rose City Consult
Vo Tran Trung Nhan
SEI ManagerProgramme Manager Stockholm Environmental Institute Asia
Boripat Lepel
Chiang Mai University- Member of the SUMERNET Steering Committee.Support in international partnership, climate adaptation and sustainable developmentSupport from UEH
We are grateful for the support from UEH leaders, whose expertise and collaboration strengthen our initiatives in entrepreneurship, education, and sustainable community development.
Dr. Nguyen Duc Tri
Support from UEHDean of Tourism School, College of Business, UEH
Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Phong Nguyen
Support from UEHStanding Deputy Head of Department of Research - Development and Global Engagement
Vo Duc Hoang Vu (MBA)
Support from UEHDeputy Head of Department of Research - Development and Global Engagement
Dr. Le Hoang Yen Khanh
International ConsultantExpert in community-based tourism, ecosystem and mangrove conservation; advisor on ABCD approaches (e.g., Cù Lao Chàm). Supports Women4Mangrove in community-driven tourism models, forest restoration, and sustainable local development.Local Officals
We appreciate the valuable support from local officials and community leaders who contribute to promoting sustainable development and empowering women in Cù Lao Dung.
Tran Thi Diem Hang
Advisory Council Women's Union of An Thạnh Commune, Can Tho CityBorn in the riverland of Cù Lao Dung, I’m devoted to empowering local women and improving livelihoods. As Chairwoman of the Women’s Union, I work to connect, support, and uplift our community through the Women Entrepreneurs Club.
La Trong Ky
Former Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City Providing professional consulting support on sustainable agriculture and forest conservation for the project
Dr. Tran Ngoc Tung
Agricultural economist and Director at Protective Forest Management Board , Can Tho CityAgricultural economist and Director at Cù Lao Dung Protective Forest Management Board. Expertise in forest conservation, reforestation, seedling production, and training.
Nguyen Van Nhan
Specialist of Cu Lao Dung Economic DepartmentSpecialist of Cu Lao Dung Economic Department, in charge of consulting nursery center of mangrove and potential trainer for training center
Vo Van Loc
An Thanh Commune Farmers' AssociationSupporting the connection of farmers and communities in the forest tourism project, potential tour guides
Le Thi Be Bay
Chef, Agritourism Consultant Con SoCan Tho City, supporting agritourism consulting and women empowerment Women4mangroveWomen Entrepreneurs Association
Meet the dedicated leaders of the Cù Lao Dung Women Entrepreneurs Club — a collective of passionate women committed to empowering others, fostering sustainable growth, and preserving the unique cultural identity of their community.
Nguyen Kim Cuong
Vice President, in charge of communications and events, Founder of Kim Cuong aesthetic systemWith a mission to promote health and beauty, I help clients gain confidence while training young people to achieve financial independence. I strive to uplift women in Cù Lao Dung, grow the Business Club, and spread positivity through community support.
Nguyen Thi My Xuyen
Deputy Head II in charge of community tourism and startup projects, and entrepreneur in canned alkaline ionized water products.As a freelance entrepreneur and owner of an alkaline water business, I’m grateful to connect with inspiring women in the Startup Business Club. I aim to learn, share, and help empower women to thrive and uplift our community together.
Nguyen Thi My Tho
Secretary, Aquatic feed agent and shrimp purchaserI run an aquafeed and seafood business, aiming to promote local culture, support disadvantaged women, and empower them to become strong, independent leaders in their communities.
Ho Thi Hong Em
Treasurer, Director of Thuan Thanh Phat Construction Materials Company LimitedAs the owner of Thuan Thanh Phat Construction Materials, I joined the Club to expand my network, promote gender equality, and support women in building confident, sustainable businesses.
Tran Thi My Chi
Founding Member, Tourism Business, Director of Apsara Farm.As the owner of Apsara Ecological Food Complex, I aim to preserve Khmer culture and promote women’s roles in both economic growth and social equality — empowering them to break barriers and create lasting change.Volunteers
Together, we grow change — volunteers bring passion, knowledge, and hands-on support to every mangrove restored.
