Mangroves Restoration in Response to Climate Change: A Case Study in Xuan Thuy National Park, Vietnam

Abstract

Mangroves are tropical/subtropical communities of tree species that grow in the estuary areas, in intertidal mudflats and along coastlines, where they are regularly inundated by saline or brackishwater. Living at the interface between land and sea, most mangroves are vulnerable by climate change. This study provides information on present conditions of mangroves in Xuan Thuy National Park, the first Ramsar site in Vietnam. The survey results indicated that some native mangrove species in Xuan Thuy National Park such as Kandelia obovata Sheue, H.Y. Liu & J. Yong, Aegiceras corniculata (L.) Blanco and Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl. are degraded. Four mangrove species, Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam, Rhizophora stylosa Griff. and Sonneratia apetala Buch.-Ham have been selected for planting experiments. Additional planting techniques such as soil improvement, using 12 months old seedlings, stabilizing trees by using three bamboo stakeswere used. The results demonstrated that Sonneratia apetala Buch.-Ham had no adaptive capacity in local condition (survival rate 0%) while all three first mangrove species grew well (survival rate >80%) after 4 months planting. The R. stylosa and B. gymnorrhiza seedlings presented better rates of survival and growth compared with A. marina (92% and 65%) after 2 years planting. Our study suggests that long-term planning for mangrove planting to response to climate change is a crucial rule towards sustainable management of Xuan Thuy National Park.