Preface

Abstract

The current volume is a part of the annual series of conference on Viet Nam’s Seas and Islands organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City. This is the second year the conference is being held, in collaboration with the Faculty of Geography, Faculty of History, Center for Ocean, Island and Climate Change Studies, and Center for Strategic Research.The conference “Potential for Exploitation and Development of Coastal Zone in Vietnam”, which was held on April 26th 2023, focuses on the history of maritime exploitation, assessing the potential for economic development, and environmental protection towards sustainable development. Total of 61 papers were received from various research institutions across the country. Among those papers, 24 papers were selected and transferred to the publication process and 16 papers are published.The content of the articles is diverse, and they contribute significantly from five different research perspectives:1. Environmental scientific approaches provide insights into natural resources, sedimentation, erosion assessment, GIS applications for groundwater evaluation, solid waste management, and various aspects of coastal ecosystem management.2. Anthropological approaches delved into the challenges of development choices: whether to prioritize family livelihoods or safeguard maritime security and the marine environment. This presents a significant issue in Viet Nam’s sustainable development.3. Historical approaches were employed to study the evolution of exploitation and clarify policy changes across dynasties and issues related to Viet Nam’s maritime sovereignty throughout different historical periods.4. Economic approaches highlighted directions to natural resources for maritime economic development, coastal tourism, eco-tourism, and fishing along the country’s coastline.5. Lastly, cultural approaches painted a vivid picture of the coastal fishermen, folk songs, indigenous knowledge, and the role of women in preserving and developing coastal areas.The organizers would like to express the appreciation to all of the authors who contributed to the success of the volume, as well as the committee members and reviewers who gave their time and expertise to ensure the scientific quality of the papers. Following that, we would like to thank our colleagues, particularly those on the Advisory Center for Publication and Project Development (CAP) team, who assisted us throughout the editorial process and who were always willing to offer helpful advice based on their extensive experience. Lastly, we wish to convey our appreciation for Prof. Joanna Zawiejska, Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Giang, and Ms. Natalia Popielska for English editing and comments on our papers.We trust that the published research provides both educational and informative value. Our aim is for the selected papers to serve as inspiration, motivating readers to advance their own research career, as well as contribute to the sustainable development of Viet Nam’s marine environments and coastal zones. Editorial board Prof. Dr. Vo Van Sen; Dr. Le Thanh Hoa, and Dr. Pham Thi Bich Ngoc Organizer: University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City 10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam Sponsors:1. University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City2. Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City under the grant number ÐA2019-18b-01 Technical supports: Advisory Center for Publication and Project Development, USSH, VNUHCMList of Steering Committee, Organizing Conference Committee, Scientific Conference Committee and Conference Secretariat are available in this pdf.