This book provides an insight into the use of nature-based solutions in mangrove-mud protection and ecological secondary succession to stabilize actively eroding mangrove-mud coasts along the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. It critically reviews a wide range of issues-from legal frameworks and coastal-protection policies to current engineering-based interventions-highlighting their limitations when compared with nature-based alternatives. Through comprehensive analysis, the book identifies existing gaps and distills key lessons learned to guide more effective coastal-management strategies.

A unique feature of this volume is its richly developed visual narrative. Drawing on extensive field visits, the book presents photographic documentation of coastal erosion, natural sediment dynamics, and secondary ecological succession. These images provide compelling, concrete evidence of the potential and practicality of nature-based solutions in restoring and stabilizing muddy coastlines. Detailed case studies further illustrate how such approaches can successfully counteract active erosion and support long-term ecological resilience.

The Vietnamese Mekong Delta, a region experiencing both erosion and natural regeneration under complex natural and human influences, serves as an ideal case study. Despite substantial protective efforts, the delta continues to erode, underscoring the urgent need for alternative strategies. By capturing the delta's morphological evolution and highlighting the essential role of local knowledge, this book offers an invaluable technical reference for conservation practitioners, coastal managers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. It ultimately calls for stronger support and broader implementation of nature-based solutions to safeguard vulnerable muddy coasts in a changing climate.

Autorentext

Tan Phong Nguyen, MAppSc, PhD (James Cook University, Queensland, Australia), is a conservation practitioner who has worked in various environments, including terrestrial, wetland, coastal, and island ecosystems, in developing countries in Asia for more than 25 years. Dr. Nguyen has published more than 34 ISI papers on developing and using nature-based solutions to control coastal erosion in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta and Brebes Regency, Indonesia. His research currently focuses on sustainable natural resource management, controlling coastal erosion using nature-based solutions, community capacity building, and policy advocacy and analysis. He is currently an adjunct lecturer at the College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia, as well as a research fellow at the Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.