Impacts of Livelihood Activities on the Environment and Natural Resources of Can Gio Mangrove Forest, Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

In recent years, local livelihood activities in the Can Gio district have increased significantly, including aquaculture practices, aquaculture cultivation, salt-works, forest guard, farming, livestock, tourism, and etc. These livelihood activities have contributed remarkably to the local economy and the improvement of living conditions for local people. However, the burgeoning development of these activities have posed negative impacts on the mangrove ecosystem in Can Gio. In which, the use and exploitation of existing human and natural resources are paid inadequate attention. The purpose of this study is to identify livelihoods by conducting a survey with 536 questionnaire samples in both the buffer and transition zones in Can Gio Mangrove Forest. In addition, the quality of surface water sources was examined by collecting 70 surface water and wastewater samples. The results show that the quality of surface water meets the allowable limits of QCVN 08-MT:2015/BTNMT. The extent of the impact from livelihood activities on the environment of mangrove forest is at the medium level. However, the livelihood of aquaculture cultivation practices has the most affect on the environment and natural resources and is posing negative impacts on the quality of water sources in Can Gio Mangrove Forest. Therefore, these findings will be useful information for decision makers of the local authority in building an appropriate planning for aquaculture cultivation area. Further, irrigation and drainage systems for aquaculture practices need to be invested to control and handle wastes from aquaculture cultivation areas.