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Decision Support Tool for Coastal Protection for the Mekong Delta (CPMD)
Introduction
As part of the ‘Integrated Coastal Management Programme’ (ICMP), the ‘Decision Support Tool for Coastal Protection for the Mekong Delta’ (CPMD) was developed and launched in 2018 with the main objective to harmonize coastal protection planning at regional level. It is an online information system for the Mekong Delta coast with a comprehensive database and library and hosts a technical guideline for decision-making. CPMD aims to assist in the planning of coastal protection measures and prioritization of investments. Following an Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) approach characterized by cross-sectoral planning and an integration of water management, forest management, and land-use planning, CPMD considers the entire region crossing provincial borders and recommends targeted solutions for different parts of the coast according to their distinct local conditions.
About the Initiative
Due to climate change impacts and direct anthropogenic causes, the Mekong Delta with its key economic role, low elevation, and 17 million inhabitants, is faced with a multi-layered risk situation comprising the risk of storm surges, erosion, flooding, land subsidence, and saline water intrusion. To address these risks, the CPMD aimed to provide a baseline for decision-making to plan coastal protection measures along the coast of the Mekong Delta and adjacent hinterland.
The tool provides among others an innovative classification system of the coast, a compilation of downloadable datasets on design parameters for coastal waterworks and land-use, a critical evaluation of all existing protection measures in the Mekong Delta (Pros & Cons), historical changes of the coastline since 1904, recommended prioritization of coastal protection measures (and rough cost estimates), and the systematic inclusion of lightweight drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – UVA’s) in coastal surveys. Data aggregated within the decision support tool is based on existing evidence provided by recent studies, fine-grained assessment by local experts and international consultants (from Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, and France) and the feedback of provincial government agencies under the mandate of MARD and VNDMA.
What is consequentially needed for the Mekong Delta is a strong interlinked system of mangrove protection forest, breakwater, sea dyke and proper land-use and water management in the hinterland. Concrete recommendations on feasible waterworks and mangrove rehabilitation for the entire 720 km of shoreline is provided. The most effective coastal protection systems consist of different elements arranged one after the other from breakwater to mangroves to a sound dyke. The cost estimates for direct investments in structural measures are in the order of about 1.4 billion USD for the coming 10-15 years (2018-2030).
Learning & Impact
- Mangroves provide an essential element of the coastal protection system for the Mekong Delta by shielding the coastline. In addition, mangroves considerably enhance the production of natural resources.
- A critical parameter for successful mangrove reforestation is proper site assessment. Irrigation experts, coastal engineers and forest experts need to collaborate to develop concerted rehabilitation plans.
- The involvement of local stakeholders and communities is essential.
- It is strongly recommended to institutionalize roundtables or similar formats including all coastal Mekong Delta provinces to harmonize strategies, enhance capacity and increase the efficiency of technical measures.
- The most effective coastal protection systems consist of different elements one after the other, from breakwaters to mangroves to a sound dyke arranged according to an integrated planning framework.
- While clearly improved during the period of the CPMD development, the quality and standards of sea dike inspection and maintenance could still be improved at the local level.
- The total costs for the reforestation of the mangroves, including the restoration of tidal mudflats and accompanying structural measures, accounts for less than 12% of the total cost estimated for coastal protection of the MD and has the potential to create additional income.
