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Case study report
Climate change vulnerability assessment and
community livelihood resilience in the coastal
clam aquaculture:
A case study in the Red River Delta, Vietnam
By Than Thi Hien, Nguyen Van Cong and Vu Thi Thao
Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD)
Hanoi, 2010
Table of content
Table of content .............................................................................................................. 2
Abbreviations .................................................................................................................. 3
Key concepts and terms .................................................................................................. 4
1. Background ..................................................................................................................... 5
2........................................................................................................................................... 5
Objectives, scope and methodology of research ................................................................. 5
3........................................................................................................................................... 7
Research site description..................................................................................................... 7
4........................................................................................................................................... 9
Findings and results of the vulnerabilities assessment for coastal clam aquaculture in the
Red River Delta................................................................................................................... 9
4.1. Impact of climate change on clam aquaculture in Giao Xuan commune, Giao Thuy
district, Nam Dinh province. ........................................................................................... 9
4.2. Assessment of adaptive capacity to climate change in the clam aquaculture in Giao
Xuan Commune, Giao Thuy District ............................................................................ 17
4.3. Policy analysis related to Climate Change Adaptation in Sustainable Aquaculture
Development ................................................................................................................. 21
5......................................................................................................................................... 22
Challenges, Opportunities, and Recommendations for Community Livelihood Resilience
in Giao Xuan Aquaculture Development .......................................................................... 22
5.1 Discussion on CC challenges in the coastal resilient livelihood development ....... 22
5.2 Recommendations and proposed actions for coastal resilient livelihood
development .................................................................................................................. 24
5.3
Discussion on CC opportunities in the coastal resilient livelihood development
25
References ..................................................................................................................... 26
Abbreviations
CC
:
Climate Change
DARD
:
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
DONRE
:
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
MARD
:
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
MCD
:
Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development
MERD
:
Mangrove Ecosystems Research Division
MONRE
:
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
PRA
:
Participatory Rural Appraisal
VA
:
Vulnerability Assessment
WFC
:
WorldFish Centre
XTNP
:
Xuan Thuy National Park
Key concepts and terms
Climate Change: Any change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or
as a result of human activity. (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change - IPCC)
Vulnerability: The degree to which a system is susceptible to, or unable to cope with,
adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability and extremes.
Vulnerability is a function of the character, magnitude, and rate of climate variation to
which a system is exposed, its sensitivity, and its adaptive capacity.In the context of the
VA, the systems we are referring to are communities (CARE International).
Adaptive capacity: The ability of a system to adjust to climate change (including climate
variability and extremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of
opportunities, or to cope with the consequences (CARE International).
Resilience: The ability of a community to resist, absorb, and recover from the effects of
hazards in a timely and efficient manner, preserving or restoring its essential basic
structures, functions and identity (CARE International).
1. Background
Vietnam is one of the five most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change due
to sea level rise impacts (World Bank, 2007). The predicted one meter sea level rise
would threaten and impact 60% of wetlands, including aquaculture and agricultural areas
in the Red River Delta (ICEM, 2008). According to a global study by the World Fish
Centre, Vietnam ranked 27th out of 132 countries with vulnerable fisheries sectors
(Allison et al., 2009).
With a total area of 1200 ha accounting for 43% of total production in the Northern
region, Giao Thuy’s clam aquaculture creates jobs for 1400 people and provides a
source of food and protein for local people. However, it is recognised that the local
community aquaculture groups are more exposed and vulnerable to the climate
change’s adverse effects. These have the potential to result in reduced production,
reduced income, reduced health of ecological systems and unsustainable livelihoods.
Though a critical question on how local communities are resilient and able to cope,
recover, and adapt to the impacts of climate change, as well as what its impacts are for
coastal community livelihoods, there is little reported research on climate change
vulnerability assessment for coastal livelihoods in Vietnam.
A climate change vulnerability assessment was conducted in a coastal commune in Giao
Thuy District, Giao Xuan Commune, where clam aquaculture is highly developed. The
study was undertaken in 2010 by MCD with the participation of community groups who
are identified as the “core aquaculture groups members” and local government
stakeholders (Xuan Thuy National Park Management Board, Giao Thuy District
Agriculture and Rural Development Department). The findings of the study are useful
and contain practical inputs for local community based adaptation and resilience to the
impacts of climate change for coastal livelihood development in the Red River Delta.
2. Objectives, scope and methodology of research
The main objectives of the study are:

To assess climate change vulnerability in coastal clam aquaculture by investigating
climate change’s potential impacts, adaptive capacity and the relevant policies on
climate change responses for clam aquaculture development in the Red River Delta.

To identify the opportunities and challenges climate change poses for coastal
livelihood development.

To provide recommendations and propose actions for community based adaptation
in coastal aquaculture and for increasing the resilience of coastal livelihood
development.
Scope of study
The study focuses on climate change vulnerabilities assessments in the clam
aquaculture of the Red River Delta. Specifically, it identifies climate change’s potential
impacts for clam aquaculture, adaptive capacity and local community resilience in Giao
Xuan Commune, Giao Thuy District, Nam Dinh Province. While the study is on the
vulnerability at the community level, it also reviews and assesses national and local
policies and institutions relevant to climate change adaptation and resilience for Giao
Thuy’s aquaculture.
Methodology
The study employs a conceptual framework on vulnerability assessment, as adopted by
the WorldFish Centre (Allison et al., 2009).
According to the framework, key indicators are investigated to assess the vulnerability of
coastal clam aquaculture in Giao Xuan commune, Red River Delta.

Exposure: Geographically, the Red River Delta is exposed to sea level rises and
other climatic variabilities such as temperature and change in rainfall patterns.

Sensitivity is looking at the dependency of clam aquaculture practices on
climatic variations such as salinity, temperature, and extreme events and
hazards.

A combination of exposure and sensitivity determines the potential impacts of
climate change on coastal community aquaculture practices.

Adaptive capacity is the ability to cope with climate change impacts, both for
local communities and aquaculture. It identifies the community’s farmers’ access
to different resources for aquaculture livelihood development, such as such as
human, social, natural, physical and financial means to sustain their livelihoods in
the context of climate change’s potential impacts (CARE international 2009).

Vulnerability and resilience is identified as results of the potential impacts and
adaptive capacity of coastal communities to cope with and recover from the
impacts of climate change. The study also reviews and analyses relevant policies
and institutions to identify adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change.
Conceptual framework of CC vunerability assessement
Sensitivity
(S)
Potential
Impacts (PI
Adaptive
Capacity
=S+E)
(AC)
Climate
Change
Vulnerability
Exposure
(V=PI+AC)
(E)
(Allison et al., 2009)
The research is conducted through participatory and qualitative methods with the
participation of community groups and stakeholders, several Participatory Rural
Appraisal PRA techniques and tools such as:

Household surveys

Focus group meetings

In dept interviews

Seasonal calendars

Hazard Matrixes
The study also uses desk reviews of secondary data from previous research studies in
Vietnam and in Xuan Thuy National Park.
3. Research site description
Giao Thuy is one of three coastal districts in Nam Dinh province, about 45 km to the east
- southeast from Nam Dinh city, and 150 km to the southeast of Hanoi. Giao Thuy has
232.07 km2 in area and a population density of 858 people/km2. District recess court area
is about 20.750 ha (IMA Vietnam, 2004). The average annual temperature is 24oC with
humidity averaging 84%. Average annual rainfall in the region is about 1700-1800 mm
per year and evaporation rate is about 1000-1200 mm per year. Average salinity varies
in amplitude from 11 to 30ppt. Giao Thuy is located in the coastal zone of the Red River
Delta. Its land is very nutritious, and supports the growth of most species of mangrove
trees (Phan Nguyen Hong & al, 2004) and many aquatic species with high economic
value,
including
the
bivalve
(clams).
Xuan Thuy National Park is located to the southeast of Giao Thuy District and includes
five communes in its buffer zone (Giao An, Giao Lac, Giao Hai, Giao Xuan and Giao
Thien). The National Park was recognized as the first Ramsar site in Vietnam in January
of 1989. Xuan Thuy was changed from a Nature Reserve Area to a National Park by the
government in 2003. Xuan Thuy National Park has a diverse abundance of species
including many plants and animals as it acts as a refuge area for many migratory birds.
The national Park has 1700 ha mangrove forest area and approximately 220 migratory
birds (Black-faced Spoonbill - Platalea minor, Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Eurynorynchus
pygmeus), storks, mines, and cumin birds, which have been recorded in the Red
Book. Besides this wildlife, many seafood species including ones with high economic
value, such as shrimp, fish, crabs, clams, oysters, etc. are present in the park.
The total population of the buffer zone communes is quite high, with total of over 46 000
people, and a population density of more than 1200 people/km2. This density creates
high pressure for the exploitation of resources.
Table 1: Socio-economic profile of Xuan Thuy buffer zone communes
Giao Thien
Giao An
Giao
Lac
Giao
Xuan
Giao
Hai
Area (hectare)
1.875
1.930
1.389
1.292
744
Population (person)
10.494
10.150
9.876
9.693
6.910
Population
(people/km2)
density
1.023
1.180
1.331
1.291
1.207
Total number of primary,
secondary
and
high
school pupils
1.885
2.500
2.012
2.061
1.179
Rocky
roads
30
45
29
45
14
and
concrete
Source: Socio-economic profile of Xuan Thuy National Park (MCD and MERD, 2007)
Giao Thuy district is a diverse area with high biological productivity. Bivalve mollusk
species are grown and developed wherever conditions are optimal. This clam is the
predominant type of clam cultivated and includes two subspecies: Meretrix Metrix and
Meretrix lyrata.
Clam aquaculture activities employ 1,400 people, mainly in Giao Xuan commune, Giao
Lac commune, Giao Hai, Giao Long and others. Clam aquaculture has about 1,200 ha in
the district. Most of the clam operations of Giao Thuy district focus in Giao Xuan
Commune, with an area of 602 ha (MCD, 2007) accounting over 50% of clam farming in
the district.
Given the social characteristics of the national park buffer zone, Giao Xuan has
problems and conflicts between development and conservation activities. With a
population of about 10.000 people (Giao Xuan commune, 2009) about 7.6% of
households are still living below the poverty line (they have incomes below 700,000 VND
per person per month). It is a challenge for the local people to maintain their livelihood
development.
Giao Thuy is affected by the global impacts of climate change as temperatures rise,
precipitation changes, extreme weather increases, sea levels rise and other changes
increase. The impacts of climate change to Giao Thuy directly affect clam activities,
which provide a major livelihood in Giao Xuan commune.
4. Findings and results of the vulnerabilities assessment
for coastal clam aquaculture in the Red River Delta
4.1. Impact of climate change on clam aquaculture in Giao Xuan
commune, Giao Thuy district, Nam Dinh province.
Exposure
As a coastal area located in the low lying Red River Delta, the clam production areas of
Giao Thuy district are affected and exposed to the direct impacts of climate change as
sea levels rise, and temperature and rainfall patterns change.
Sea level rise
In the mid-21st century sea levels rise by approximately 30cm, and by the end of the
21st century, sea levels rise about 75cm in comparison with 1980 to 1999 period.
Monitoring data at stations along the marine coast of Vietnam shows the rate of sea level
rise in Vietnam. The average level is now about 3mm/year during 1993-2008 period, that
is equivalent with the global average sea levels rise. Over 50 years, sea levels at Hon
Dau station marine has raised by about 20 cm according to the National Target Program
on coping with climate change, MONRE, 2008.
Results based on the low emissions scenarios, medium ones, and high ones show that
sea levels rise could range from 28 cm to 33 cm by the mid 21st century and 65 cm to
more than 100 cm at the end the century in comparison with the level of 1980s .
According to the study "The Impact of Sea Level Rise on Developing Countries: A
Comparative Analysis" (World Bank, 2007), Vietnam is a country seriously affected by
rising sea levels. In the case of five meter sea levels rise from their present level, over
16% of Vietnam’s area would be affected and the Red River Delta is being one of
Vietnam's most affected regions. If sea levels rise by one meter, 10.8% of Vietnam's
population will be affected. The percentage of Vietnam’s effected population will
increase to 35% if sea levels are going to reach five meters. Agricultural sector (including
aquaculture and capture) is predicted to become most effected by sea levels rise
impacts.
The clam farming areas belong to Giao Thuy district’s coastal areas of the Red River
Delta is exposured as one of two regional areas heavily affected by sea level rise (ICEM
2008). It is reported if sea levels rise by one meter, 13.6 km2 of Nam Dinh province will
be inundated accounting for 1.01% of the total the province area.
Sea level rise changes the patterns of sea currents and sedimentation in coastal areas.
Currently, Con Xanh area is being collapsed due to erosion caused by the waves. Clam
culture areas established by the two main dynamics of the Red River alluvial sources
and dynamics of the sea. Clam beaches are being elevated higher by alluvial mud of the
Red river (PRA in Giao Xuan, 2010).
The temperature variability
According to climate change scenario released by MONRE in June 2009, in the past 50
years (1958 - 2007), the average temperature in Viet Nam increased by about 0.5oC to
0.7oC. Winter temperatures are rising faster than summer temperatures and
temperatures in the northern regions are growing faster than in the southern regions.
Temperatures between 1961and 2000 are much higher than the average temperatures
in the previous three decades, between 1931 and 1960.
According to the average emissions scenarios (B2), in the late 20th century the average
annual temperature could increase by 2oC in the Northwest region, 2.5oC in the
Northeast region, 2.4oC in Northeast region, 2.8oC in Northcentral region, 1.9oC in
Southcentral region, 1.6oC in Highlands and 2.0oC in Southern regions compared with
the average level in 1980-1999 period (table 2).
Table 2. The increase in average temperature (C) over the period 1980-1999
according to the average emissions scenarios (B2)
Area
Northwest
Northeast
North Delta
Northcentral
Southcentral
Highlands
South
The timeline of the century
2020
2030 2040 2050
0.5
0.7
1.0
1.3
0.5
0.7
1.0
1.2
0.5
0. 7
0.9
1.2
0.5
0.8
1.1
1.5
0.4
0.5
0.7
0.9
0.3
0.5
0.6
0.8
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
2060
1.6
1.6
1.5
1.8
1.2
1.0
1.3
2070
1.9
1.8
1.8
2.1
1.4
1.2
1.6
2080
2.1
2.1
2.0
2.4
1.6
1.4
1.8
2090
2.4
2.3
2.2
2.6
1.8
1.5
1.9
2100
2.6
2.5
2.4
2.8
1.9
1.6
2.0
Source: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2009.
However, Giao Thuy district is located in Northeast region, in the Red River Delta, where
temperatures tend to change markedly. The first observations shows that the number of
cold waves affected Vietnam and in the past two decades these cold waves have
decreased markedly. This clearly reflects the operating frequency of cold air in the North.
Meanwhile, the average temperature remained high in the summer (hot season).
Change in the rainfall patterns
According to the climate change scenarios approved by MONRE in 2009, the average
annual rainfall trend in the nine recently decades (1911-2000) is not clear. There is a
rainfall decline in the northern climates and rainfall increase in the southern climates. On
average, nationwide annual rainfall has decreased by about two per cent (National
Target Program on Coping with Climate Change, MONRE, 2008) over 50 years (19582007). By 2050, the estimated rainfall in the Northern Delta during the rainy season is to
increase by 0-5% and dry season rainfall may increase or decrease of 5%.
According to the average emission scenario (B2), in the late 21st century, annual rainfall
increases by 7-8% in the Northern Plains (Table 3). During period from May to August,
the rainfall level will be reduced from 4-7%, and during the high rainfall months it will
increase from 10 to 15%.
Table 3. Rainfall rate change (%) compared with the period 1980-1999 according to
the average emission scenario (B2)
Area
North West
Northeast
North Delta
North Central
South Central
Highlands
South
The timeline of the 21st century
2020
2030 2040 2050 2060
1.4
2.1
3.0
3.8
4.6
1.4
2.1
3.0
3.8
4.7
1.6
2.3
3.2
4.1
5.0
1.5
2.2
3.1
4.0
4.9
0.7
1.0
1.3
1.7
2.1
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.7
0.9
0.3
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
2070
5.4
5.4
5.9
5.7
2.4
1.0
1.1
2080
6.1
6.1
6.6
6.4
2.7
1.2
1.2
2090
6.7
6.8
7.3
7.1
3.0
1.3
1.4
2100
7.4
7.3
7.9
7.7
3.2
1.4
1.5
(Source: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2009.)
Sensitivity
Clam culture operation depends heavily on climatic conditions, notably including the
extreme weather events and hazards, water salinity, rainfall and rising temperatures.
Increasing extreme weather events and hazards
Through PRA group meeting, several extreme weather events and hazards are listed in
the following table:
Table 4. List of extreme weather event and hazards occurred in Giao Thuy district
Hazards
Effect/impacts
Lack rainfall
Warning
Signs
ForeWarning
Speed
Onset
Frequency
Duration
increased salinity Radio, TV
and clam death
Radio
Slow
2 times/year
30 - 45
days/time
Storms
Destroy
Radio, TV
watchtower and
dyke
Local
Radio
Very
quick
1 times/year
2 days
Floods
Destroy the farm
Local
Radio
Quick
1 times/year
3 days
High
temperature
Clam low growth Radio, TV
and death
Radio
Slow
1 times/year
30 days
Local
Radio
Source: PRA meeting in Giao Xuan (MCD, 2010)
This table shows that Giao Thuy district is prone to coastal impacts of extreme weather
phenomena. When these drastic weather phenomena’s occur it will cause huge losses
for residents in the district, specifically it will affect aquaculture including clam farming.
GiaoThuy district also is at risk of hurricanes in the country. According to statistics from
1980 - 1989, there were 72 storms. In 2005, there was a 7th storm which was considered
to be the most powerful typhoon in Viet Nam from 1996 to 2005. During the storm, as a
result of high tides and waves the high sea dike flooded Bach Long, Giao Thuy District
(Nam Dinh). Landslides, broken segments, dikes, embankments and culverts caused
several hectares of rice field damage within the country. Most of the huts on the clam
farming areas in the district were washed away. High tides caused water levels to reach
a height of 2.65 m, the highest tides within the last 40 years.
Extreme weather events, particularly hurricanes, affect clam operations. Storms
accompanied by heavy rainfall lead to a sudden decrease in salinity, and if rainfall is
large enough, clams will die because of over exceeded level of freshwater. Additionally,
the storm accompanied by strong winds causes large waves to hit the beach clams,
causing to spill watchtower and picket.
Increased water salinity near the coast and saltwater intrusion
The process of dynamic interaction between two major rivers, the sea has created
ecosystems wetlands in Giao Thuy district, typical to Xuan Thuy National Park. In
addition, to the distribution of silt every year, two important effects of this process is
affecting the process of salinization. This is reflected by changes in salt concentration in
each period. In winter, the salinity of seawater is relatively uniform, around 28 - 30 o/oo.
The changes of water salinity affect to growth cycles of species in the region, including
clam species.
In the flood seasons, reported 75 - 90% current flow and 90% sediment of the total
annual percentage caused flood plains, deposits of the river channels and water
freshening. In the dry season, the estuaries are narrowed, tidal level is increased b
ringing saltwater penetrates deep into the rivers creating saline water bodies.
Salinity in coastal clams in Giao Thuy tends to rise and remain high for a long period of
time (from several to several tens of days). According to data collections from
cooperative group of clam farmers in Giao Xuan commune, between February to August
2010, the salinity ranged from 28o/oo to 36.7o/oo . During the early hot summer from April May , the salinity was maintained at high levels from 30o/oo - 35o/oo.
Over the last years, salt water intrusion in the lower section of the Red River is about
20km. However, in recent years, especially in 2009, saltwater intrusion reaches levels of
about 40 - 45 km that reached Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh (Giao Thuy DARD, 2010).
In 2010, saltwater intrusion reached a high of 25 km.
Salinity directly influences the growth and development of species of clams. Clams can
sustain low salinity from 15 – 25%, but as salinity increases there growth is much slower
and can die if salinity is sustained at high levels on 35%. In 2010, an analysis of the
impact on the salinity level recently showed that salinity isincreasing and tends to remain
high for several days, 30 – 35%. High salinity causes the phenomenon a clam death rate
of 60 - 70% causing damage to the local clam population.
Temperature changes
The ecological temperature threshold of clam species ranges from 13 - 400C and grows
best at temperatures from 26 - 30oC. Clam is of lower growth when temperature
maintains at high level for a long time. Through the PRA survey in 2010, most people
said that the temperature increased considerably in recent years. For example, in 2010,
a heat wave in temperature was occurred reaching the high level between 37 - 400C
continuously for about 20 days and the lack of rainfall increased salinity. Consequently
this caused several sudden clam deaths. This suggests that temperatures will tend to be
higher in hot seasons and affect the overall operation of the clam farming community.
Potential impacts of climate change on the clam aquaculture operation
In general, and in terms of physical, ecological and operations, aquaculture production is
vulnerable to the potential impacts of climate change. The following table was generated
to provide an overall example of the many indicators and variability that effect
aquaculture:
Table 5. Possible Climate Change impacts on Aquaculture
Indicators
Physiological impacts
Ecological impacts
Operational impacts specific to
aquaculture
Sea surface
temperature
changes

Increase in harmful algal blooms
that release toxins in the water
and kill fish species

Competition, parasitism and
predation from exotic and invasive
species

Increased infestation of fouling
organisms, pests, nuisance
species and/or predators

Spread of pathogens and disease



Decreased dissolved oxygen
Altered local ecosystems competitors and predators
Moratorium on products due to
bans

Accumulation of waste under pens

Increased operational costs

Change in other
oceanographic
variables (wind
velocity, currents
and wave action)

Increased incidents of disease and
parasites


Enhanced growing seasons

Enhanced growth rates and feed
conversions (metabolic rate)

Enhanced primary productivity
(photosynthetic activity) that
benefits shellfish production of
filter-feeders

Decrease flushing rate that can
affect food availability of shellfish

Changes in spatial distribution
Expanded geographic distribution
and range of aquatic species for
culture
Change in water exchanges and
waste dispersal
Seal level rise
Acidification
Extreme events
(floods, droughts,
hurricanes,
storms)
Water stress
(increasing
evaporation rates
and decreasing
rainfall)


Changes in salinity affecting
growth especially brackish water
fish
Calcification: affecting growth and
development of shellfish. Affecting
growth and exoskeleton of fish

Change in productivity due to
phytoplankton species shifts

Changes in salinity affecting
growth especially brackish water
fish

Closure of fishery activities
resulting in loss of income

Rural fishing villages unable to
access markets because of
washed out roads and bridges

Decrease water quality leading to
increased diseases

Reduced ecological areas
available for aquaculture

Damage to infrastructure


Changes in aquaculture zoning
Erosion of beaches/loss of fish
habitats

Competition for space with
ecosystems providing coastal
defense services (e.g. mangroves)

Increased insurance costs

Molluscs and crustaceans cultures
less profitable

Negative effect on pond walls and
defenses

Increased insurance costs

Coral skeleton growth hindered

Degradation of coral reef habitat
leading to loss of breeding
grounds and nursery for fisheries

Reduce lake level


Altered and reduced freshwater
supplies
Costs of maintain lake level
artificially

Conflict with other water users
Source: Adopted and modified from WFC, 2010
In the case of clam aquaculture in Giao Xuan commune, it is found that CC has made
impacts as a result of the its exposure and sensitivity, as identified as follows:
Physiological impacts
Seasonality in the clam farming activities are affected by climate change impacts in
practice. Due to the fact that spring now comes earlier, the local farmers must buy their
seeds earlier. The extreme weather phenomena like storms and high temperature often
require farmers to focus and spend more time and labor resources on the
farm. Furthermore, it is critical that farmers be aware of changing climate conditions
early so they can be well prepared to respond to unpredictable climate changes.
Table 6: Clam aquaculture seasonal calendar with CC
Month (lunar
calendar)
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Preparation Seedling at
breeds
small size
Farming
season
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Seedling at
middle size
Aquaculture process
The
phenomenon
phenomena frost
of natural
disaster
Hottest
Time busy
Improve culture beach
clam seed mining
Busiest time
for women
mining, employment over year
storm floods
Source: PRA group meeting in Giao Xuan (MCD, 2010)
The table above shows the extreme weather phenomena occurs mainly during the
seedling process, which is also the most fragile time for clam culture farming. As
analyzed above, climate change will increase the negative impact of this phenomenon
and have direct impacts on the productivity of clam farming activities. Furthermore, the
impact of unpredictable extreme weather (such as storms) leads to losses of several
operational materials, such as clam net, picket and watchtowers. In summary, climate
change impacts have increased the operational costs, reduced economic benefits, due
to less productivity. Therefore, it affects the livelihoods of local community members
who depend on the this income generation.
Ecological impacts
Coldest
Climate change strongly impacts biodiversity and ecosystems in coastal areas
(mangroves, tidal flats), because the ecosystem is a complete system, any small change
to one or some species will affect the whole system. Moreover, coastal ecosystems are
highly sensitive ecological systems. The largest ecological impacts on coastal areas are
the decline in the number and quality of plant and animal species, the reduced tolerance
of species, an increase in diseases, habitat loss and the increased risk of exotic species
going extinct. .
As discussed in the exposure and sensitivity assessment, the largest manifestations of
climate change in Giao Xuan include changes in temperature, precipitation, sea level
rise, the phenomenon of extreme weather and salt water intrusion. All of these changes
have extreme impacts on many species of clam and their environment and results in a
reduction of clam resources. In addition, the decline in clam species will lead to changes
in Giao Xuan’s coastal ecosystems food chain , resulting in an ecological imbalance and
loss of ecosystem resources and services.
Socio-economic impacts
Overall, climate change brings economic hardship to the people of Giao Xuan and
decreases their opportunity to increase their income. With a species highly sensitive to
fluctuations in weather, like a clam, (carefully analyzed above), climate change may lead
to reduced or lost crop yields, causing damage to small farmers, causing farming areas
to lose billions of Vietnamese Dong. It should also be recognized that operational costs
are now much higher, as farmer must invest more in the maintenance of farms with
salinity monitoring equipment and materials to protect crops from storms caused by CC.
The social impacts of CC have become a growing conflict in Giao Xuan with conflicts of
interest between the rich and the poor. As assessed by the researchers, Giao Thuy
district has a higher degree of inequality than the national average. Due to the adverse
impacts of climate change, production conditions are more difficult, profits have declined,
and conflict of interest between groups are certainly arising. Particularly, conflicts
between different groups, such as farmers and operators, who dispute between fisheries
and rice crops, but also even between the government and people.
These disputes occur because access to resources is now limited due to climate
change. The effects of climate change such as sea level rise and saltwater intrusion into
the lower mainland area are not favorable conditions for clam farming. In addition, if
mangroves are not well maintained they will also decline due to loss of nutrients and
habitat for many valuable aquatic species. If this happens, access to resources will
dramatically decline, which will force resource dependent people to migrate farther away
to find new resources.
4.2. Assessment of adaptive capacity to climate change in the
clam aquaculture in Giao Xuan Commune, Giao Thuy District
According to CARE’s assessment framework, a communities adaptation capacity is
assessed based on communities capacity to access resources; including human, social,
natural, physical and financial resource1. Each type of resource plays a role in the
communities ability to adapt to changes. Improving adaptation capacity of community
requires capacity building of each resource. In this research, we focus to each resource
through the following issues:
Human resource
Social resource
Knowledgeable of the risks from climate change, aquaculture
technique
Gender issue, community groups
Natural resource
Physical resource
Water, land, natural resources
Infrastructure, measure, breed
Financial resource
Micro-credit, income diversify
(CARE, Handbook Analysis climate change capacity and vulnerability, 2009)
Human resource:
In general, the degree of education in Giao Thuy is quite high compared to other coastal
districts, with the highest number of students enrolled among coastal districts. However,
if this number compared to the national average, the degree of education is still low.
Through data collection of Giao Thuy’s community, we recognized that local villagers
have low awareness on climate change. Most of them did not clearly understood on the
concept of climate change in either the global or Vietnamese context. They had reported
to hear about CC information on TV and did not care to learn more. However, the
community has realized obvious change in climate such as change of season, rainfall, or
increase salinity through their experiences working in aquaculture.
Natural resource:
Giao Thuy is made up of rich tidal flat land that is considered to have some of the most
biodiversity in all of Vietnam. In regards to species diversity, components of benthos is
quite abundance. There are 154 species recognized; and the fish component has about
114 species, of which 30 - 40 species are highly economically valuable and belonging to
a group of estuary fisheries and species which can live in a wide range of salinity, such
as mullet, anchovy, red snapper (Phan Nguyen Hong et al,. 2007). There are about 220
bird species (over 150 migratoring species and 50 waterfall bird species), of which 9
species recorded in the IUCN Red Book. In addition to species diversity, Giao Thuy also
has diversity of ecosystems with many kinds of highly biologically productive ecosystems
such as wetlands, mangroves and estuaries, etc. With such high biodiversity, the natural
resource in Giao Thuy is extremely vulnerable to impacts of climate change. For
1
CARE, Handbook on analysis capacity and vulnerability to climate, 2009
example, sea level rise causes a loose of habitat of rare species such as waterfall or
migratory birds, and especially the black-faced spoonbill species which is a symbol of
Xuan Thuy National Park. Also, mangroves have been narrowed due to the impact of
sea level rise which has caused a reduction in the diversity of fish species.
Biodiversity and natural ecosystems contributed to improve the adaptation capacity of
ecosystem as well as support communities who depend on ecosystem services.
Mangrove ecosystems have a role to reduce loss caused by storms, soil instrument and
dyke protection. At this time, Xuan Thuy National Park has about 1.700 ha of mangrove,
including a protected forest and a mangrove in shrimp ponds (source: Xuan Thuy
National Park, 2010). Furthermore, mangroves and wetlands bring important fisheries
resources, contributing to the livelihood development of the local community. However,
over exploitation and unsustainable use of mangroves are causing serious decline of
these resources. If no measures of protection are taken to protect such important
ecosystems, its adaptation capacity to recover from environmental hazards and climate
change will be drastically reduced in the location.
Social resource:
In this research, we focus on Giao Xuan commune where clam rearing occupies over
50% of all farming area in the whole district. In 2010, Giao Xuan’s population was 10,195
and 5,155 of which were female. This commune has a young population structure with
47.5% of its people in labor age. In many states, the number of people in the
dependents age is more than the number of people in labor age.
The main labours in clam rearing are man. Women occupy very low ratio, less than 1%
of women are involved in clam rearing. Instead, most women are involved in clam
collecting (in narrow areas among clam rearing areas, or in areas where they are
allowed to collect clam) which produces very low income, under 100,000
VND/person/day. About 7% of households in Giao Xuan are considered to be poor.
(Giao Xuan People’s Committee, 2010). Clam rearing communities are extremely
vulnerable to suffer negative impacts of climate change, especially poor women and
dependent people.
In the past, clam rearing activities took place fragmentally with a lack of management.
Clam rearers did activities spontaneously and with no effective management in place.
Recently, households have worked together in small groups of 2-5 people in one area in
order to be more economically efficient. These groups share their resources and
experiences as a collective unit to increase their adaptive capacity to withstand CC
impacts.
Physical resource:
Sea dyke of Giao Thuy district is 31.2 kilometers long and belongs to a number of
communes, including Giao Thien, Giao An, Giao Xuan, Giao Hai and Giao Long. Of
which 10,5 kilometers of the sea dyke is protected by over 3.100 ha of mangrove (Vu
Tan Phuong and Tran Thi Thu Ha). The sea dyke in Giao Thuy is very resilient and is
able to withstand storms of level 7-8 strength. The area of dyke with mangrove has
height of +3.2 - +3.3m, while the area of dyke without mangrove has height of +4.5m.
Siminlarily, the area of the dyke with mangrove has the ability to withstand strong storms
and water level rise due to storm and dyke erosion. The rest of the dyke system is facing
erosion, which is damaged especially after storm season. Extreme weather warnings are
communicated through the national and local radio station. It is found that every clam
farmer has a mobile phone to exchange information in quick respond to extreme
weathers.
In regards of physical resource, in general, Giao Thuy community has high adaptation
capacity under the conditions of climate change. However, early warning support is
limited due to a lack of environmental monitoring measures.. This is one of reasons why
adaptation capacity may be reduces in the community.
Financial resource
Now, clam farmers access to sources of capital as follows:
No
Source of capital
Conditions to access of capital
1
AgriBank - Bank for Agriculture and Need to have mortgage and no priority
Rural development
given to the disadvantaged.
2
BIDV – Bank for Investment and Need to have mortgage and have
Development of Vietnam
priority given to the disadvantaged.
3
VietinBank
Need to have mortgage and no priority
given to the disadvantaged.
4
Maritime Bank
Need to have mortgage and have
priority given to the disadvantaged.
5
Their own capital
Do not need mortgage
6
Groups of people
Do not need mortgage
7
Friends, relationships
Do not need mortgage
Source: PRA group meeting in Giao Xuan (MCD, 2010)
As depicted in the above table, although there is a great deal of sources for capital
support of aquaculture or clam rearing, national sources are quite difficult to access. It
is especially difficult for the poor, as capital without security is limited and unstable. Clam
rearing households tend to have standby capital in preparation for risks during rearing
but this capital is usually not much, about 10 -15%. In contrast however, households with
less disposable capital and lack of experiences have no such standby sources. The
adaptation capacity of local people to CC impacts is quite low because this activity
requires a lot of disposable capital that local people do not have.
4.3. Policy analysis related to Climate Change Adaptation in
Sustainable Aquaculture Development
Some policies related to environmental and agricultural adaptation were wildly publicized
at all levels. The following policies were made at the national level:
Box 1.Climate change and relevant national policies
• National Target Program to respond to Climate Change, developed by
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, approved in Decision
number 158/2008/QĐ-TTg dated December 02, 2008 by Prime Minister.
• Action plan to respond to Climate Change in 2011 – 2015 developed by
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Decision 2418/QĐ-BTNMT
approved by Minister of MONRE).
• National strategy on prevention and reduction of natural hazards until 2020,
developed by Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD),
approved in Decision 172/2007/QĐ-TTg dated in November 16, 2007 of
Prime Minister.
• Action plan Framework on Climate Change adaptation of agriculture and
rural development sector during 2008-2020, Decision number 2730/QĐBNN-KHCN dated in September 05, 2008 by Minister of MARD.
• Biodiversity Law in 2008 and action plan
Policies at the local level (province, district) were based on the national programs but
tailored with different strategies based on local conditions. The People’s Committee of
Nam Dinh province and Giao Thuy district developed and implemented policies relating
to climate change in general and aquaculture in particular:
• Management Plan in Xuan Thuy National Park (2005-2010).
• Program to reduce natural hazards: upgrade and reinforce dyke system
(from 2.5m to 3.5m in mangrove area and 4-4.5m to 5m in areas without
mangrove).
• Encourage the development of poly-culture and strengthen measures to
recover fisheries resources and maintain and adapt to these changing
fisheries resources that have moved with sea current.
• Increase fresh water from the land into the sea to reduce salt water: dredge
Vop river (width 70 m and average depth - 2,5 m).
• Improve irrigation system; build mobile water pump system to regulate fresh
water, serving for agriculture including aquaculture.
• Support production of artificial breed and seedlings (clam and shrimp).
• Support planting mangrove to reduce waves
The above policies are being implemented with progress, and support of local people.
However, those policies focus more on improving infrastructure, and do not focus on
mobilizing participation and capacity of the community. On the other hand, policies to
improve adaptation capacity and to support livelihoods including sustainable aquaculture
for local community in order to adapt to climate change are very important. However,
they have not yet integrated it clearly.
5. Challenges, Opportunities, and Recommendations for
Community Livelihood Resilience in Giao Xuan
Aquaculture Development
5.1 Discussion on CC challenges in the coastal resilient
livelihood development
CC vulnerability assessment on coastal clam aquaculture in Giao Xuan, Giao Thuy
District, Nam Dinh province showed a high hazard and risk of climate change impacts.
Coastal aquaculture is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts due to the effects of
sea level rise, climate variability (such as the increased temperature), change in the
timing of the rainfall, as well as the extreme weather events (including tropical storms).
Coastal clam aquaculture is very dependent on the natural resources (such as
ecosystems services of mangroves and muddy flats in the delta) and these natural
resources are also vulnerable to climate change impacts. The Red River Delta is located
in the mouth of the river and is experiencing natural erosion, and i is also subject to
human activities such as aquaculture and agriculture activities that leads to the
intensification of production systems. The area has a high population density (more than
1200 people/km2) creating increased pressure on its resources which have now been
overexploited. Clam aquaculture is very sensitive to water salinity, weather temperature
and natural foods (algae and zooplanktons). These indicators are much more affected
by climate and environmental changes. It is reported that increased water salinity has
negatively impacts on local aquaculture productivity. Notably, at high season, salinity
reaches up to 30-35 o/oo, which ist much higher than the average level of 20 o/oo and
causes 60-70% growing clam death.
Through the assessment, Giao Xuan’s adaptive capacity is found to be limited and weak
in comparison to the average level. Although communities now have more opportunities
to increase access to different resources, it is likely that CC impacts are more complex
and will grow faster than the community capacity.
Social and human capital such as skills and knowledge have been developed, social
community core groups and community based regulations have also received supported
on for clam aquaculture and resource protection by the external agencies including
MCD. Yet the skills and knowledge on CC impacts and adaptation remains inadequate.
And similarity, there is still a need to increase scientific and technical knowledge as well.
Community access to financial resources is quite limited in terms of diversifications and it
needs to be increased in terms of CC adaptation. There should be increased investment
in more appropriate technology, stock production of the artificial clam seeds and
household inputs and expenses on the farm structures such as installation of nets and
equipment to cope with the climate change impacts. Natural resources such as water,
mangroves and tidal flats are now accessible but need to be maintained in order to
provide sources of food for clam aquaculture.
It is recognized that local farmers apply “autonomous” adaptation as they make practical
changes like adjusting their seasonal calendar, salinity monitoring on the water and
removing their clam farms (in early period of growth) to the in-land ponds instead of the
coastal areas, due to the high salinity degree. This is however the short term and
temporary solutions that can help the communities in coping with the CC impacts rather
than the long term and planned adaptation.
Vietnam developed and released several policies relevant to the CC mitigation and
adaptation including the National Target Program (NTP) and actions plans on the CC
responses (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment – MONRE) and an action
plan and framework on the CC adaptation in the agriculture and rural development
(MARD). However, the policy implementation at the local level is still very limited and
weak. There are priorities to strengthen the local adaptive capacity by improving local
governance and institutions and integrating CC into development plans including the
socio-economic and livelihoods based on the results of CC assessment and scenario.
To increase livelihood resilience and reduce vulnerability, it is critical to improve the
adaptive capacity, raise awareness for local communities groups on the CC impacts, find
conflicts solutions and linkages with the ecological systems resilience, along with the
policy and institutional development process that enhance the local governance of the
coastal resources.
5.2 Recommendations and proposed actions for coastal
resilient livelihood development
As analyzed above, the local adaptive capacity on CC impacts is still limited and weak. It
is critical to improve access to different resources such as social and human resources,
financial resources and natural resources as follows:

Build capacity and raise awareness on CC impacts and responses for local
farmers, provide technical skills training, experience learning and exchange
between the local farmers groups. To increase the resilience of local livelihoods,
it is also suggested that the facilitation of communications and awareness on
ecosystems services of mangroves be put in place for early warnings of climate
change for the community groups and an environmental monitoring system. .

Strengthen the operation and management of local community groups such as
the core group of aquaculture farmers and Giao Thuy Clam Farmers Association
to increase the social resilience in the CC. Since women are also involved in the
aquaculture production activities, gender mainstreaming in aquaculture is
recommended to increase women’s roles and capacity so that they can access to
different resources for livelihood development.

Improve community access to natural resources. There is a need for the
conservation, protection and rehabilitation of the coastal mangroves and
wetlands ecosystems by the local community and government support. It is
recognized that ecosystems are the key factors to sustain the services which
human and people are dependent on.

Increase access to financial resources (such as credit, capital) and diversify
financial resources. This is important to enable community groups to plan and
implement adaptive options and alternatives for clam aquaculture (such as
technology development, materials and others).
Institutional development on sustainable, adaptive and resilient livelihoods
Adaptation is a continued process that plans to move forward to establish long
term livelihoods security, which involves planning at all levels. It also requires
several policy and management interventions if institutional development is to
occur. The following are suggested recommendations for local institutions
focused on the aquaculture livelihood development in Giao Xuan commune and
Giao Thuy district

Promotion of community based coastal resources management, co-management
of the fisheries and aquaculture resources for livelihood development,
enforcement and implementation of community based regulations and promotion
of wise use of the coastal wetlands resources as RAMSAR Convention.

Facilitate demonstration of resilient livelihood development that enhances and
maintains both ecological and human systems. Diversifications and alternatives
(such as community based ecotourism) at households level will help reduce the
dependence and overexploitation on the coastal resources.

Develop a community based adaptation plan with support of government, NGOs
and community groups. The adaptation plan should be proposed based on the
key impacts and adaptive capacity assessment of CC.

Integration of climate change issues into the socio-economic development plan.
The plan should also take into account the “Adaptive aquaculture and other
sectors” in response with CC, with participation of stakeholders.
5.3 Discussion on CC opportunities in the coastal resilient
livelihood development
While coastal community aquaculture development faces many challenges as a
result of the adverse impacts of climate change, it is also recognized that several
opportunities are also discussed that take into account the increase of adaptive
capacity and livelihood resilience.
-
CC impacts create opportunities for the local people and increase their
knowledge. Such as their experience and knowledge that are exchanged
and utilized for adaptation. An example of this is the case when farmers
decided to move young seeds in calm farms into unused shrimp ponds in
the early periods due to high salinity, maintaining their irrigations and
water flow exchange into the areas based on the tidal levels.
-
Some of the local people started applying technical guidelines on the clam
density growth at 400-500 seeds/m2, and this provided a good
environment for calm growth in the conditions of the natural impacts. It is
reported that several local farmers have invested in the production of
artificial seed as an alternatives of the natural one to combat CC impacts.
-
Climate change projections might help increase the change in local
behavior and mindsets, and urge them to change their current practices, to
perhaps the protection of mangroves. Yet this is an opportunity for them to
reset their thinking and actions with “No regrets” that can protect the
natural environment and sustain livelihood development.
-
CC could motivate the mobilization and development of social groups in
the ways that they can be more active in adaptation, sharing of information
and collective actions could be further improved among the members and
other groups. This is an important community asset for sustaining “social
resilience” in livelihood development.
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