1. Introduction
1.1. Background
Mangroves play a vital role in defending against the impact of tropical cyclones and protecting dyke
systems. The most obvious evidence is from the Indian Ocean tsunami in Dec, 2004 [1]. Mangrove
forests have contributed significantly to the socio-economic lives of coastal dwellers [2]. Rapid economic
growth and population pressure have resulted in severe depletion of mangrove forest in the world.
Exploitation of tree resources, conversion of mangrove areas to shrimp and mud crab ponds, agricultural
use, salt pans and human settlement have contributed to the loss and degradation of mangrove resources
[2, 3].
Hai Phong is located on the Northern coast of Vietnam, where the mangroves are distributed within
zones I and II among four mangrove zones in Vietnam [2]. This city is vulnerable to rising sea level and
big storms associated with climate change. Mangrove conservation and management has been
implemented in the city; however, weak policies and practices have led to mangrove deforestation and
degradation. An understanding of mangrove change is crucial for coastal environmental management
towards sustainability.
The objectives of this research were to examine the driving forces of mangrove change in Hai Phong
city and compare mangrove conservation and management mechanisms among coastal districts in Hai
Phong. Secondary and primary data were collected during the fieldwork in July and August 2011. We
used the market price approach [4] to analyze how local people in the coastal communes rely on
mangrove forest and statistical analysis to understand their awareness about mangrove restoration
programs in the study site. Finally, we also proposed better mangrove management mechanism to obtain
sustainable shrimp culture and guaranteed local livelihoods.