Environmental and Social Review of the Buffer Zone Component

The World BankCoastal Wetlands Protection and Development Project

RP-001 3VOL. 4

Environmental and Social Review of theBuffer Zone ComponentNovember, 1996

prepared byGEC Global Environmental Consultants Ltd.Vancouver, Canada

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

Study Team

Peter McNamee Team Leader, Environmental SpecialistDavid Williams Socio-economist, Rapid Rural Appraisal SpecialistTran Thanh Xuan Local Consultant CoordinatorNguyen Anh Tuan Aquaculture SpecialistTruong Trong Nghia Aquaculture Project SpecialistNguyen Dung Environmental SpecialistLe Quang Thong Community Resources SpecialistTran Kim Thanh Socio-economistTrinh Hoang Ngan Hydraulic/Water Resources EngineerMr. Cuong Provincial Coordinator, Minh HaiMr. Duc Provincial Coordinator, Soc TrangMr. Leo Provincial Coordinator, Tra Vinh

l

Coastal Wetfands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................... I

1.1 Study Objectives .......................................................... 1

1.2 World Bank Requirements for Environmental Review of the Project ....... 1

1.3 Constraints to Environmental Review of Buffer Zone Component ........... 2

1.4 Constraints to Social Review of the Buffer Zone Component ................... 2

1.5 Outline of This Report .......................................................... 3

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................. 5

2.1 Project Objectives .............................. 5

2.2 Strategy to Meet Project Objectives .............................. 6

2.3 Strategy for Designing Project .............................. 6

2.4 Project Models .............................. 72.4.1 FPZ Models .................................... 72.4.2 BZ Models .................................... 8

2.5 Overall Project Components ............................... 8

2.6 Number of BZ Farm Models ............................... . . 8

3. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF BUFFER ZONE ACTIVITIES ........... ............. I 1

3.1 Summary of Current Environmental Conditions in the Buffer Zone....... 11

3.2 Environmental Review of Proposed Buffer Zone Activities .......... 11.......... 1

3.3 Recommended Mitigation and Monitoring ................................................ 143.3.1 Mitigation ............................................ 14 I3.3.2 Monitoring ............................................ .. 20

4. SOCIAL REVIEW OF BUFFER ZONE COMPONENT ................................... 27

4.1 Introduction ... 27

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer.Zone Component

4.2 Resettlement ............................................... 27

4.3 Conservation and Coastal Protection .29

4.4 Income Generation/Economic Development .304.4.1 General.304.4.2 Aquaculture .314.4.3 Fishing .314.4.4 Agriculture .314.4.5 Fuelwood Harvesting ...................................................... 32

4.5 Social/lnfrastructure .. 324.5.1 Ethnicity ....................................................... 324.5.2 Women ....................................................... 324.5.3 Social Implications of Economic Problems ........................................... 32

5. COMMENTS ON OVERALL PROJECT FEASIBILITY. 35

5.1 Replicability of Buffer Zone Models ............................................... 35

5.2 The Concept of Coastal Protection .35

5.3 Habitat Enhancement .36

5.4 Appropriateness of Proposed Farm Models .36

5.5 Recommendations for Implementation of the Buffer Zone Component .37

6. LITERATURE CITED .39

7. APPENDIX A: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANTS . .... 41

7.1 Terms of Reference for International Consultants . .................................... 417.1.1 Environmental Specialist .. 417.1.2 Socio-economic Specialist .. 41

7.2 Terms of Reference for National Consultants . ........................................... 417.2.1 General Terms of Reference .. 417.2.2 Terms of Reference for Project Manager ........................................................ 427.2.3 Terms of Reference for Aquaculture Specialist ........................................ 4272.4 Terrns of Reference for Aquaculture Project Specialist . ................................................ 437.2.6 Terms of Reference for Community Resources Specialist and RA Support Staff .437.2.6 Tenns of Reference for Socio-economist .................................................... 447.2.7 Terms of Reference for Hydraulic/Water Resources Engineer . ..................................... 447.2.8 Terrns of Reference for Environmental Specialist ...................................... 45

iii

Coastal Wetands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of BSuffer Zone Component November, 1996

7.2.9 Termns of Reference for Provincial Coordinator - Tra Vinh ............................................ 457.2.10 Terms of Reference for Provincial Coordinator - Soc Trang ...................................... 457.2.11 Terms of Reference for Provincial Coordinator - Minh Hai ......................................... 46

8. APPENDIX B: GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION OF MINH HAI, SOCTRANG, AND TRA VINH PROVINCES ........... ............................ 47

8.1 Clirm ate ............................................. 47

8.2 Soils ............................................. 47

8.3 Surface Water Hydrology and Salinity ............................................. 488.3.1 Surface Water Hydrology ...................................................... 488.3.2 Salinity ...................................................... . 50

8.4 Population .. 50

8.5 Land Use ..................... 51

8.6 Economy ..................... 518.6.1 General ..................... 518.6.2 Income ..................... 518.6.3 Agriculture ..................... 528.6.4 Forestry ..................... 528.6.5 Fisheries ..................... 53

8.7 Aquatic Resources .................. 548.7.1 Surface Water Quality ...................... 548.7.2 Marine Water Quality ...................... 558.7.3 Groundwater ...................... 558.7.4 Aquatic Ecosystems, IBiota, and Biodiversity ........................................ 55

8.8 Terrestrial Environment .......................................... 568.8.1 Terrestrial Ecosystems .......................................... 568.8.2 Air Quality ........................................... 58

8.9 Social Environment .......................................... 588.9.1 Health .......................................... 588.9.2 Nutrition .......................................... 598.9.3 Quality of Drinking and Domestic Water Supply .......................................... 598.9.4 Surface Water for Drinking and Domestic Water .......................................... 608.9.5 Groundwater for Drinking and Domestic Water .......................................... 608.9.6 Rainwater for Drinking and Domestic Witer .......................................... 608.9.7 Health .......................................... 60

8.9.8 Disease .......... 618.9.9 Education .......... 61

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

8.10 Employment ...................................................... 62

8.11 Gender Issues ...................................................... 63

8.12 Infrastructure ...................................................... 638.12.1 Electric Power Supply ................................................................... 638.12.2 Transportation .................................................................... 63

9. APPENDIX C: DETAILED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF BUFFER ZONECOMPONENT ................................................ 65

9.1 Pilot Site #1 - Bai Ghe ........................................................ 659.1.1 Proposed BZ Model ..................................................................... 659.1.2 Description of Current Environmental Conditions ........................................................669.1.3 Impact Analysis ..................................................... 689.1.4 Recommendations for Mitigation and Monitoring ....................................... .............. 729.1.5 Comments on Replicability of Sai Ghe Buffer Zone Pilot Site ...................................... 72

9.2 Pilot Site #2 - Dam Doi ............................................ 729.2.1 Proposed Buffer Zone Model ..................................................... 729.2.2 Description of Current Environmental Conditions .................................... 739.2.3 Impact Analysis ..................................................... 769.2.4 Recommendations for Mitigation and Monitoring ..................................................... 809.2.5 Comments on Replicability of Buffer Zone Component . ............................................... 80

9.3 Pilot Site #3 - Bac Lieu ........................................... 809.3.1 Proposed Buffer Zone Model ..................................................... 809.3.2 Description of Current Environmental Conditions ..................................................... 819.3.3 Impact Analysis ............... 839.3.4 Recommendations for Mitigation ............................................... 86

9.4 Pilot Site #4 - Vinh Chau ........................................ 879.4.1 Proposed Buffer Zone Models ........................................... 879.4.2 Description of Current Environmental Conditions ........................................... 889.4.3 Impact Analysis ........................................... 899A.4 Recommendations for Mitigation ................................................. 93

9.5 Pilot Site #5 - My Long .939.5.1 Proposed Buffer Zone Models .949.5.2 Description of Current Environmental Conditions .949.5.3 Impact Analysis .969.5.4 Recommendations for Mitigation .1009.5.5 Comments on Replicability of Buffer Zone Component .100

v

Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

10. APPENDIX D: DETAILED RESULTS OF SOCIAL REVIEW ...................... 101

10.1 Indicative Community Action Plan for Bai Ghe .................................... 10110.1.1 Background ...................................................... 10110.1.2 Consultations at Provincial and District Level ...................................................... 10310.1.3 Felt Needs of the Community at Bai Ghe Study SIte ................................................. 10310.1.4 Indicative Community Action Plan (ICAP) for Bai Ghe .............................................. 10510.1.5 Work Schedule ................................................. 10810.1.6 List of Interviewees ................................................. 108

10.2 Indicative Community Action Plan for Dam Doi ................................... 10910.2.1 Background ............. 10910.2.2 Consultations at Provincial and District Level ........................................................... 11110.2.3 Felt Needs of the Community at Dam Doi Study Site ................................................11110.2.4 Indicative Community Action Plan (ICAP) for Dam Doi ............................................. 11410.2.5 Work Schedule .................................................. 117'10.2.6 List of Interviewees .................................................. 118

10.3 Indicative Community Action Plan for Bac Lieu ................................... 11810.3.1 Background .................................................. 11810.3.2 Felt Needs of the Community at Bac Lieu Study Site ................................................ 12210.3.3 Indicative Community Action Plan (ICAP) for Bac Lieu ............................................ 12510.3.4 Concluding Remarks .................... 12610.3.5 Work and Travel Schedule ............................................................ 12710.3.6 List of Interviewees ............................................................ 128

10.4 Indicative Community Action Plan for Vinh Chau Study Site .............. 12810.4.1 Background .............................................................. 12810.4.2 Consultations at Provincial and District Level ........................................................... 13410.4.3 Felt Needs of the Community at Vinh Chau Study Site ............................................. 13410.4.4 Indicative Community' Action Plan (ICAP) for Vinh Chau .......................................... 13710.4.5 Work and Travel Schedule ............................................................... 13910.A.6 List of Interviewees .............................................................. 139

10.5 Indicative Community Action Plan for Dong Hai .................................. 14010.5.1 Background ............. 14010.5.2 Consultations at Provincial and District Level .................................................... 14210.5.3 Felt Needs of the Community at Dong Hai .................................................... 14210.5.4 4. Indicative Community Action Plan (ICAP) for Dong Hai ........................................ 14410.5.5 Work and Travel Schedule .................................................... 14710.5.6 List of Interviewees .................................................... 147

10.6 Indicative Community Action Plan for My Long ................................... 14810.6.1 1. Background .................................................... 14810.6.2 Consultations at Provincial and District Level .................................................... 15010.6.3 Felt Needs of the Community at My Long ..................................................... 15010.6.4 Indicative Community Action Plan (ICAP) for My Long ............................................. 153


10.6.5 Work and Travel Schedule ......................................................................... 15610.6.6 List of Interviewees ......................................................................... 156

List of Tables

TABLE 1: RRA AND PRA COMPARED ......................................................................... 3TABLE 2: PROPOSED APPLICATION OF FARM MODELS TO SUB-PROJECTS FOR PURPOSES OF

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW ......................................................................... 9TABLE 3: SUMMARY OF PROPOSED PROJECT. AREAS ARE IN HA ............................................................. 10TABLE 4: SUMMARY OF FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO UNSUSTAINABLE SHRIMP AQUACULTURE IN THE

PROJECT AREA IN THE EARLY 19905 ........................................................................ 18TABLE 5: INDICATIVE COSTS OF EXTENSION SERVICES ........................................................................ 20TABLE 6: RECOMMENDED PROJECT MONrTORING FRAMEWORK ............................................................... 23TABLE 7: INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR SIX SITES ......................................................................... 28TABLE 8: SUMMARY OF INFLOW AND OUTFLOW IN RAINY AND DRY SEASON, CA MAU ............................... 49

List of Figures

FIGURE 1: STYLIZED REPRESENTATION OF PROJECT AREA ....................................................................... 7FIGURE 2: SUMMARY OF CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN THE PILOT SITES .............................. 12FIGURE 3: QUALITATIVE SYNTHESIS OF CURRENT STATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES IN THE PILOT

SITES . .......................................................................................................... 1 3FIGURE 4: SUMMARY OF ISSUES AT THE PILOT SITES WITH PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ........................... 14

vii

Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Development Project GEC LWt.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

Currency Equivalents

USD $1.00 = VND $1 1,000VND 1.00 = USD $0.0000909

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ADB Asian Development BankBZ Buffer ZoneEZ Economic ZoneFE Forestry EnterpriseFFE Fishery and Forestry EnterpriseFPZ Full Protection ZoneGOV Govemment of Viet NamICAP Indicative Community Action PlanNGO Non-Goverrimental OrganizationPB Protection BeltPL Post LarvaePPTA Project Preparatory Technical AssistanceRA Rural Appr-aisalRRA Rapid Rural AppraisalSida Swedish Intemational Development AgencyUSD United States DollarsVBA Viet Nam Bank of AgricultureVND Viet Nam DongVNNEAP Viet Nam National Environmental Action Plan


1. Introduction

This report documents the environmental and social component of the pre-appraisal study for theCoastal Wetlands Protection and Development Project for Viet Nam. The basis for this pre-appraisalreport is the Draft Final report prepared by Euroconsult (1996), plus documents prepared byintemational and national consultants during the pre-appraisal phase of Project preparation.

1.1 STUDY OBJECTIVES

As stated in the Contract for Services, this study has three objectives:

(i) Environmental Assessment - Based on the proposed Project, undertake anenvironmental assessment which takes into account the following:

* the environmental impact of introducing the proposed farm models and howthe adverse impacts can be minimized or mitigated

* the necessary measures to he adopted by Govemment to ensure a repeat ofthe rampant expansion of unsustainable versions of shrimp farmingtechnology since the mid 1 980's can be minimized.

(ii) Socio-economic Assessment - For each major category of farmers affected by theproject, undertake an analysis of the socio-economic impact of project activitiescomparing the -without project" situation with the "with project" situation on them. In thepriority areas, the socio-economic/community participation team would carry out ruralappraisal of major categories of affected farmers and/or farming communities in both thefull protection zones and the priority buffer zones to take into account their needs forsocio-economic support and to ensure their effective participation in jointly protecting themangrove conservation belts.

(iii) Development of Monitoring Indicators - In order to monitor and assess the success ofthis Project component in achieving the goals for various measures and investments,prepare a list of socio-economic and environmental indicators which can be maintainedduring the implementation of the Project, and specify how they can be collected.

1.2 WORLD BANK REQUIREMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF THE

PROJECT

The World Bank has prepared extensive guidelines for the environmental anailysis of a number oftypes of projects (World Bank 1991a, b). In particular, Operational Directive 4.01 outlines the formatto be used in an environmental review, and World Bank (1996a) describes the potential impacts to beconsidered in an environmental review for different projects. The most applicable of these to theProject are: Management of Agricultural Production; Fisheries; and Plantation

- _- I ._4

,p,,_fip 1


Development/Reforestation. The guiidelines for these project types were used as a starting point forthe environmental review.

1.3 CONSTRAINTS TO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF BUFFER ZONECOMPONENT

There are a number of constraints to conducting a proper environmental review of the proposedbuffer zone component:

(i) current conditions are not ciearly defined. In particular, figures on numbers ofhouseholds, land use, existing environmental conditions layouts of existing farm models,and economic activity figures are not available for the proposed 12 Sub-project areas inEuroconsult (1996) and could only be described in indicative terms in this study giventime and resource constraints;

(ii) the physical layout of tthe buffer zone parcels has not yet been defined. In particular, thephysical relationship between the 70% forested land and 30% land for housing andeconomic farrn activities is not defined; and

(iii) the number of buffer zone farm models to be used in the project has not yet been agreedupon at the time of writing this report.

In the absence of a clear description of current conditions provided by Euroconsult, a detaileddescription of the proposed farrm model layouts, particularly with respect to what the physicalrelationship will be between the forested and non-forested land in the BZ, or a description of futureconditions without the project, it has been assumed that the farm models will be constructed on bareland.

1.4 CONSTRAINTS TO SOCIAL REVIEW OF THE BUFFER ZONE COMPONENT

Time and budget constraints only allowed for a Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) to be conducted, ratherthan a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). A summary comparison of what are normally describedas RRA and PRA is given in Table 1'. It is clear from the table, particularly the categories "dominantmode", "outsiders roles" and "information to be owned and used mainly by", that this rural appraisalexercise more closely resembled RRA than PRA. In addition, constraints permitted only one visit toeach of the Project sites. That said, the rural appraisal team worked to make the exercise asparticipatory as possible given time and resource limitabons.

'taken trom Chambers (1992).

Chanter 1: Introduction


Table 1: RRA and PRA compared.

. E ........*...*.c.main users aid agencies, universities NGOs, govemment field

porganizationsKey resource Overlooked local pees nege local people's capabiiitiesmain innovation methods behaviordominant mode extractive participatoryideal objectives leaming by outsiders empowerment of local peoplelonger term outcomes plans, projects, publications sustainable local actionoutsider's roles investigator, analyst convenor, facilitatorinformation to be owned and used outsiders local peoplemainly by |

1.5 OUTLINE OF THIS REPORT

Together with the Introduction, this study report contains five sections:

* Section 2 is a project description upon which the environmental and social review wasconducted. It is a synthesis of information contained in Euroconsult (1996) and Scuraand Lampietti (1996)

* Section 3 contains a summary of the environmental review, including recommendationsfor mitigation and monitoring

* Section 4 is a summary of the social review* Section 5 contains general comments and recommendations on Project design and

implementation that follow from the major findings of the environmental and social review

The main report is supplemented by a series of appendices containing consultant terms of referenceas well as the detailed environmental and social reviews of the Buffer Zone component of the Project.

.

rh!.ntr 1 * Introduction3


2. Project Description2

2.1 PROJECT OBJECTIVES

As stated at the time the Euroconsult Report (1996) was prepared, the main objecltive of the Projectis to:

"carry out an environmentally sound investment programme for the coastal zone ofMinh Hai, Soc Trang, and Tra Vinh Provinces that will:

* improve the economic use of formerly forested and newly formed coastalwetland areas through the rehabilitation or establishment and protectionof coastal forest protection belts in the Mekong Delta

* revitalize and improve the protection of important wetland ecosystemsthat contain valuable biological diversity and provide nurturing functionsfor fisheries

* improve the sustainability of shrimp ponds situated in areas adjacent tothe protection belts and nature conservation areas

* strengthen the provision of support services for the mangrove forestryand aquaculture subsectors in the protection wetlands and keysurrounding buffer areas."

Also, a stated in the Euroconsult report, the Project consists of five components:

(i) rehabilitation, replanting, and protection of selected parts of the recently established FullProtection Zone;

(ii) revitalization and improved protection of selected protected areas in Minh Hai Province3;

(iii) buffer zone development;

(iv) environmental monitoring; and

(v) institutional development.

The environmental component of this report is directly concerned with proposals for BZ development.

The Project covers 50,736 ha along the entire coastline of three southem provinces in Viet Nam: TraVinh; Soc Trang; and Minh Hai. The Mekong Delta, of which the Project area formis a part, is youngand extremely dynamic; its coastline is therefore characterized by sections of extremely high naturalerosion and accretion. In addition, the Project Area is basically a wetland and is substantiallycovered with coastal wetland forests, particularly mangroves. These coastal wetland forests have

2This section is an attempt to synthesize and clarify the objectives and description of the Project for the sake ofenvironmental and social analysis.

3This component is excduded from this analysis.

nnt.r 2 Prmiect Descriction !

Coastal We fiends Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

been degraded continuously over time from various causes (World Bank 1995) and the overallfisheries nurturing capacity of these wetlands has concomitantly declined

These realities establish the fundamental goal of the Project: provide coastal protection. While notexplicitly stated, this coastal protection is to guard inland areas against erosion, storms, wave action,inundation, etc. It is expected that a side benefit of this coastal protection will be enhancement offisheries nurturing capacity of rehabilitated coastal wetland areas. As a first step, the three provinceshave established Protection Belts (PB) along their coastlines. The total PB area of the provinces isthe 50,736 ha Project Area.

2.2 STRATEGY TO MEET PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The strategy to meet these objectives is to divide the PBs into two zones: a Full Protection Zone(FPZ) in which essentialiy no human economic activities are permitted; and a Buffer Zone (BZ) inwhich limited and well defined human economic activities are permitted (Figure 1). An EconomicZone (EZ) sits behind the PB; full economic activities are permitted there and are of indirectconsideration to the Project. Of the total 50,736 ha PB, 27,028 ha are in the FPZ and 23,708 ha arein the BZ.

There is a concem that, without increased economic opportunities provided to households currentlyresiding in the BZ, those households may continue to exploit the productive natural resources of theFPZ. But, the BZ is part of the designated PB, and a balance must therefore by provided in the BZbetween protection and economic functions. Therefore, a major strategy of the BZ is to increasehousehold income levels and overall economic well being, while retaining a part of the BZ for theprotection function. The assumption is that the increased economic well-being of the households inthe BZ will reduce the likelihood of incursion into the FPZ. This balance is expected to be met byhaving a target of 70% of the BZ ais forested land on which a moderate level of forest harvests areallowed and 30% as land on which full economic activities are permitted. This 70:30 ratio is expectedto be met on all household land parcels that are located in the BZ.

2.3 STRATEGY FOR DESIGNING PROJECT

Time during the PPTA did not permit a detailed design of the entire coastline with respect toprotection and buffer zone activities. Therefore, the following method was used to design the overallProject.

First, a number of project models were developed for implementation in the FPZ and BZ. Thesemodels are essentially the "building blocks" of the project. Second, a number of Sub-projects weredefined. The Project Area is not uniform with respect to deltaic processes, degree of human activityin the PB, soils, elevation, administration, etc. The entire Project is therefore into 12 Sub-projects,each with relatively uniform characteristics with respect to Project objectives:

Sub-project 1: West Coast of Minh Hai

ChaDter 2: Proiect Descrition


~~~~~-7 -- b

aian-

Figure 1: Stylized representation of Project area.

*Sub-project 2: Western Ca Mau*Sub-project 3: Eastern Ca Mau*Sub-project 4: Vinh Loi-Gia Rai*Sub-project 5: Vinh Chau Sub-project 6: Trung Binh

Sub-project 7: 30 April Enterprise*Sub-project 8: Long Vinh*Sub-project 9: Dan Thanh-Dong Hai*Sub-project 10: Hiep Tranh-Trung Long Hoa*Sub-project II: My Long*Sub-project 12: Long Hoa

Each Sub-project has a part of the total FPZ and part of the total BZ'

Third, the implementation of a Sub-project consists of the implementation of a number of project

models that are believed suitable for conditions in that Sub-project.

2.4 PROJECT MODELS

ik ~~2.4.1 FPZ Models

There are two sets of models proposed for the FPZ: forestry models to plant new wetland forests oncurrently bare or degraded forest land; and to tend and improve existing wetland forests'. In addition,

4Differnt utilization regulations are proposed for eachi FPZ forestry model, depending on whether the area is an accetion orabrasion zone.

7

Coastal Wetlands Proteeton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

a set of coastal engineering models are proposed for high erosion areas.

2.4.2 BZ Models

There are two sets of models proposed in the BZ. Seven forestry models are proposed to replantwetland forests in the buffer zone and to achieve the stated overall goal of a 70:30 ratio of forest tonon4orested land in the buffer zone. In addition, a number of farm level models are proposed forincreasing economic well-being of buffer zone inhabitants. The Euroconsult report proposed four BZfarm models: Bai Ghe; Dam Doi; Vinh Chau; and My Long. Scura and Lampietti (1996) recommendeight farm models based on results of their May, 1996 pre-appraisal mission: Bai Ghe; West Coast ofMinh Hai; Dam Doi; Bac Lieu; Vinh Chau l; Vinh Chau II; Trung Binh; and My Long.

2.5 OVERALL PROJECT COMPONENTS

There are a number of project components that are applicable to the Project as a whole:

(i) resettlement of persons and households currently living in the proposed FPZ to otherlocations;

(ii) project monitoring including benefits monitoring and environmental and social effectsmonitoring; and

(iii) institutional development.

2.6 NUMBER OF BZ FARMI MODELS

A key assumption in the entire design of the Project is that the BZ farm models are replicable acrossone or more Sub-projects. This is a critical assumption because these farm models will be the basisfor enhancing the economic well being of households living in the BZ, and these farm models maybecome the basis for pilot demonstration sites during Project implementation. Recent proposals toincrease the number of farm models in the BZ reflect the extreme heterogeneity of the Project area5.This is an extremely important issue with major implications for project design and implementation(Section 5) For the time being, however, we worked under the original assumptions of the PPTA,that it is important to have a relatively small number of farm models that are each applicable to alarge number of Sub-projects and a large proportion of the non-forested part of the BZ. Scura andLampietti (1996) do not state which of their farm models could be applied to each Sub-project. XTherefore, the environmental review of the Buffer Zone component is based on five of the farmmodels defined in Scura and Lampietti (1996) (Table 2).

5The heterogeneity of the Project Area is illustrated by interviews made in July, 1996 with families living right at the boundarybetween the BZ and the FPZ Bac Lieu sub-project. They are growing freshwater crops such as watemelon and have beendoing so for the last two years. They are doing so again this year. with increased natural shrimp stocks. Apparently thesoil is too permeable to retain pond water. The proposed models for Bac Lieu do not account for costs of making shrimpponds inpemieable.

thantar 2: Proieet Descr,otion


Table 2: Proposed application of farm models to Sub-projects for purposes of< ~~~~~~environmental review.

Number NameBai Ghe 1 West Coast of Minh Hai

2 Westem Ca Mau7 30 April Enterprise8 Long Vinh

Dam Doi 3 Eastem Ca MauBac Lieu 4 Vinh Loi-Gia RaiVinh Chau 5 Vinh ChauMy Long 6 Trung Binh

9 Dan Thanh-Dong Hai10 Hiep Tranh-Trung Long Hoa11 My Long12 Long Hoa

A summary of the Project for the purposes of conducting the environmental and social review isdescribed in Table 3.

Bo Vmnh Chau models presented in Scura and Lampietti (1996) will be considered in the environmental review.

Chapter 2: Project Descrptfon 9

Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.

Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996~

Table 3: Summary of proposed Project. Areas are In ha; Costs are In million USD.

Sub-Project__ Total Full Protection Zone Buffer Zone2 3 4 S 6 __ __~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0 1121 it__is__I I§ 19i Ki9

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1) 74~~~~~~~~~~~~-- - -- - - -_L

I~- _. . 2

tl Toftal FPZ ___ om 1 Caal Resetlloemst Total FPZ Total ____ orosiy __Full Economic Activities Total HZ

________________ ~~~Ages Codt Ares Plsnt TeNd Cot ngne,lg oueholsj Cota Cot HZ- Areia P Tond Cost Arsa Propose _Cost cotts

Noe. Na(ha)lo J! AmIS ~USD1 !!I iu PO aL MINW~ U IN SO~ - mf S)_(ilIS) ( (a (ha) [mill USI) (hap Model (mill USD3 (mlii USI)

_______________________ ~0.4 13.21 7.5 j .10-12 _ IS17. 18*t17

- SI YsCo"s IAhi 768 22 38 114 208 09 _ __-09 448 213 1129 0.73 1.248 Bel Gha I 100 1 73

2 yAtWn CO Mau mM Hlr* 5,9108 206 .820 1,880 1,232 027 -57 0802 08 9 3.068 1,439 782_ 0.50 887 BleiGh. m08 lIP0

3i EasternCOMt MiiHa 3143 1.29 813 252 5,97 1.05 1.31 __ 152 1886 14 02 8,028 1.230 .46 0.42 2.340 Dam~o _ 185s 2 27

4ki VbLcI4IRON MieiHsl 4,882 10.08 2.580 87' 1.873 0.17 __ .16 18l 0.18 -451 2.302 831 781 0 29 890 DecULeu _ 529 5 58

5Vlnh Chou SotcTran 5.004 2.72 .12 2.050 1.222 147 _ - - 1.4 1.732 __ 21 _ 492 OIl _ 519 Vigh Cha 0.44 _1.25

STn_ngSkd __ocTnin 1.142 _ _0.24 __49 _49 ~ - 0.4 _ .0.24 9 35 -_ 00 148 - - 0,00

7 0A n W" W _s SoTra i2,251 0.50 1,820 _1,`137 4813 0.43 _ -- 43 831 47 35 . 189 __1a0 __ 0 s 0.-

8 longvkih ____ T,aVlm'd~~~ 1.392 0.23 1102 63 6 0 0.06 29 _ 9 l 01 87 DmO 0 07 0,23

Don OThanth-0auia 1 TraVb¶ 2350 1.,22 122 ,42 40 0.09 __ 183 0 38 0.45 1,0681 340 408 0 043 320 My LOrI 0 34 0 77

10o HInn-"LnH Tra VW, 2,213 1.03 812 612 -- - 0.07 ___38 0.07 __ 014 1.801 711 410 _0.38 480 My Lonrg 0 52 08

11 My] .............. Tre Vinh 1.338 1.0 7am711 04 2 6 0 389 31 _0.22 150 MyLoi 0719 0 42

12 L~~~.!5~...._______ ~TreVkih 341 031 21S 215 0i~25 025 16 8 _02 4 yog 05 00

Total, Mnh Hal 34.5177 30.47 16.0183 5.571 i1.092 1 78 15.47 __ 225 _ 2.48 10.70 17,914 5,623 _7,140 1093 513 883 17

TOMa. aom Trng0207 3.53 6.441 _4.736 1,705 214 - 1 4 4 .58 ,7 527 0.81 880 58 1 40

Total,T,sVlnh 7,834 3.98~~__ 3949 i 3182 _787- 0i91, 025 219 0,43 158 3,885 1,82 954 120 1.10 1 17 .237

Oraitd TOWa 51,500 37.906 27.053 13,480 13,564 4.82 15.72 44.4 2.89 1 23.43 124,455 80,718 8 .829 1 3.95 1 ,0810.59 14.53


3. Environmental Review of Buffer Zone Activities

3.1 SUMMARY OF CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN THIE BUFFER

ZONE

Appendix B contains an overview of environmental conditions in the provinces containing the PilotSites. This overview was used to augment the detailed environmental review of proposed BZactivities proposed for the Pilot Sites when time and resources proved limiting. Appendix C containsthe detailed environmental review of proposed BZ activities for each of the Pilot Sites. The reader isreferred to these two appendices for more specific information.

Figure 2 and Figure 3 are summaries of current environmental conditions in the proposed PilotSites. Essentially, Figure 2 and Figure 3 confirm assessments of environmental conditions of theProject Area and adjoining areas made in various publications (ESSA 1992, NEDIECO 19_, WorldBank 1995, EVS 1996). in general, physical resources in the Pilot Sites are in relatively goodcondition, save for limited freshwater resources throughout all Sites. Ecological resources are moredegraded due to over-exploitation, especially forests, wetlands, and fisheries; these have had acumulative effect on biodiversity which is assessed to be considerably poor condition. The socialresources, including income, gender, food production, nutrition and health, and education areuniformly more degraded still.

3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF PROPOSED BUFFER ZONE ACTIVITIES

Figure 4 contains a summary of issues related to proposed BZ activities. The main features of thisassessment are as follows:

(i) the risk of aquaculture disease is thought to remain large at all Pilot Sites. This is viewedas the introducbon of 'exotic species", and is assessed as Significant at all Pilot Sites;

(ii) in some Pilot Sites, ongoing conversion of wetlands to pond culture is thought to havesignificant effects on erosion and siltation rates;

(iii) the risk of water pollution from pond effluent is assessed as Insignificant. While pollutionfrom these ponds does occur and while localized water degradations may occur fromaquaculture activities, the pollution loads from domestic sources will likely dominatewater quality conditions as long as rural sanitation in the Project Area is practically non-

£ existent;

(iv) in some of the Pilot Sites where freshwater agriculture is either proposed for the BZ inthe dry season or is practised in the full economic zone very near to the BZ, there is aconcem for the effects of pesticides and herbicide contamination of water systems andshrimp ponds. This is of particular concem because persistent organochlorines appearto be the biocides of choice in the Pilot Sites;

Coastal Wetfands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

Proposed Pilot Sites

E -

______________~~~ ~~ I __ c > __

AssUrned Replicanb llly (ub-project) 1,2,7.8 1 3 4 5 6.91 111.12

Physical Resources-Soils G G G G GSurface Freshwater Resources F F P P PGroundwater Resources F F G G GMarine Water Quality G G G G GGeology and Minerals U U U U UAir Quality G G G G G

Ecological ResourcesTerrestrial Biota G P P P PForests F F P P PWetlands G F P P PAquatic Biota G G G G GFreshwater Fisheries P P P P PMarine Fisheries P P P P PBiodiversity G G P P PParks and Reserves N F F N N

Social and Economic K ourcesIncome P P P P PFood Production P P P P PDrinking Water Supply F F F F FNutrition and Health P P P P PEducation P P P P PEmployment P P P PEthnic Minorities N N p P NGender Issues P P P P

Figure 2: Summary of current environmental conditions in the Pilot Sites7.

A

7G - good condition; F - fair condition; P - poor or degraded condition; N - reource is not pmsent; U - unknown

r^h*nfr 3- Fnvimnmentnl Review


sos

AWM I

mxi R.bologWS I

0~~~~~~ _

S u,tms Frnh~ Rm

Faosts

o M*rM o Hmi

0 ~~~~meFisIwimhc ne

z~F _Fmrwm Fas a

FwJd Prdni

~Em

PaFu wd Reserm

Etnc Mtxrtm

G~ bistms - rAA

Poor, Degraded Qualitative Assessment of Condition Grod

|Figure 3: Qualitative synthesis of current state of environmental resources int ~~~~~~~~the Pilot Sites.l

(v) effects of BZ forestry activities (i.e., mangrove or other tree planting on household farms)are expected to nave no, or at worst. insignificant impacts. This is because the types offorestry practices to be used are of the 'extensive" variety, with little human inputs savefor initial planting, tending, periodic thinning, and replanting of thinned trees;BZ forestryactivities are expected to have significant positive effects in the provision of additionalhabitat and habitat structure for both terrestrial and aquatic biota. This is expected toincrease biodiversity in the Pilot Sites:

(vi) extemal factors are expected to have insignificant or no effects on BZ forestry activities;

(vii) major issues of settlement patterns, land tenure, extension, credit, gender and, in two ofthe five Pilot Sites, ethnic minorities, as they relate to Environment, are assessed aseither Significant or Urgent. This reflects the view of the Consultant that these are thekey environmental sustainability issues of the Project. The Project needs to clearlyaddress these factors to improve economic well-being among the F'roject beneficiariesand to therefore have any chance of halting environmental degradation and improvingthe quality of environmental resources in the Project Area.

_ . c_.,nepy1n1 Qaujpw 13


Proposed Pilot Sites

E 0 ~ 0_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~~ _ _ _ _ 1l _ _ a _ _ .1 i

AiMeMa KOPISC&Dim1y JbUb-Pr0)6et&) -> 7 5 6T ¶

General Tmpacts, constraintsInflux of Now Settlers - -- S U S S SLand Tenure, Resource Use Rights U U U U UExtension U U U U UCredit S S s S SEthnic Minorities N N U U NGender, Role of Womeon U

Effects of Non- orestry Activite the EnvironmentConversion of Wetlands for Pond Construction 1 N SWater Pollution from Pond Effluent _- 1 _ _ 1 I IRisk of Aquaculture Disase S S S S SIntroduction of Exotic Species ; S _ S

Effects of External Fiactors on Sustainability of lion-Forestr Land Use and Agricultural Practices I I S S IPollution from Industrial Effuents N N N NNatural Hazards (typhoons, storm surges, etc.) N N N I IPollution from Human Settlements S S S S SPollution from Navigation 1 _ i I

Effects of Buffer Zone Forestry on the EnvironmentSoil Erosion from Site Clering I I I I Loss of Organic Matter by Vegetation IRemoval N N N N NSoil Erosion From Harvesting N N N N NLoss of Nutrients by Harvesting N N N N NUse of Fertilizer, Pesticides, and Herbicides N N N N NDirect Damage in Harvet Operations I N N IDecrease in Water Quality From Increased Nutrient Inputs I I I N NChanges in Habitat and Habitat Structure P,S P,S P,S P'S P'S|Loss of Forest Products from Pest Species N N N N N

Effect of External Factors on SustainaiityofBuffer Zone ForestryLand Use and Agricultural Practices S N N N NlWater Pollution I N NINatural Hazards (typhoons, storm surges, etc.) N N N

Figure 4: Summary of issues at the Pilot Sites with Project implementationa.

3.3 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION AND MONITORING

3.3.1 Mitigation

3.3.1.1 MitigationforDirectEnvironmentalIssues A

Little mitigation for the direct environmental impacts of proposed BZ activities is either required or

N - not an issue; I - Insignificant; S - Significant; U - Urgent.


recommended. There are two minor exceptions:

(i) with respect to the issues of persistent organochlorines being used for freshwateragriculture either in the BZ or in the full economic zone adjacent to the BZ, it isrecommended that, if the Project is to finance and support extension activities, modestextension resources should be devoted to proper types and use of agro-chemicals in theBac Lieu and Vinh Chau Pilot Sites, and in other Sub-Projects as necessary; and

(ii) similar extension resources should be expended for teaching environmentallyappropriate methods for pond, canal, and dike construction.

3.3.1.2 Mitigation for Unsustainable Expansion of Buffer Zone Components

The unsustainable expansion of shrimp aquaculture in the early 1990's is responsiblie for much of theenvironmental degradation of coastal forests and wetlands in the Project Area. This Project seeks tohalt and reverse this degradation along the coastal belts of three Mekong Delta Provinces. Section3.2 concludes that there are few, if any, environmental effects of concem from proposed BZ activities.On the other hand, the ability of the proposed BZ activities in achieving the Project's important overallenvironmental goals is an issue. A key question is whether the Project will remove, mitigate, orameliorate factors that caused the unsustainable aquaculture expansion and concomitantenvironmental degradation in the first place, and will instead promote factors that would ensureenvironmental (and therefore social, economic, and institutional) sustainability of BZ activities in theProject Area.

Essentially six causal factors contributed to the environmental degradation in the Project Area in the1990s:

(i) National Fisheries Policies Viet Nam's fisheries are essentially is driven by nationalinstitutions and associated para-statal enterprises that view fisheries production systems,including coastal aquaculture, as (a) having no productivity limits; and (b) a good sourceof foreign exchange in a time when govemment funding and support to these institutionsand enterprises is declining. A clear example of this exists in Minh Hai. Euroconsult(1996) states that the province wishes to decrease the total shrimp farm area toapproximately that which is environmentally sustainable, approximately 80,000 ha. But,national fisheries policies call for increases in area for shrimp farming and a doubling ofyield by the year 2010. Similarly, the policy response to declining nearshore fishenes isto increase the capacity for fishing offshore stocks that are assumed to be under-exploited (but see the assessment made in 1996 that Viet Nam's offshore fisheriespotential may be less than anticipated). These policies are exacerbated by the desire forforeign exchange eamings on the part of these institutions and para-statal enterprises,and have been an extremely strong driving force in the expansion of aquacultureactivities in the Project Area. It is important to note that, in Viet Nam, national line andplanning institutions set production targets that are then given to provincial govemmentinstitutions to implement and administer. These policies are and likely continue to be

oo _. o c_t,;^_^nPtviow 1

Coastal Wetands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

strong agents of environmental degradation of mangroves and other coastal wetlands inthe Project Area;

(ii) Settlement Pattems and Land Tenure uncontrolled settlement of the Project Area bymigrants occurred because of the strong effects of national fisheries policies coupledwith the inability of local govemment institutions to appropriately implement the LandLaw9. Settlement of the Project area in the early 1990s was consequently chaotic andunregulated;

(iii) Credit for both fisheries and shrimp aquaculture became formally available from the VietNam Bank of Agriculture in the very early 1990's (perhaps in response to fisheriespolicies), making it possible and relatively simple for the private sector (i.e., households)to borrow for the rapidly expanding aquaculture sector. Total annual lending increased atan annual rate of 70% between 1992 and 1996, and loan sizes to the private sector (i.e.,households) through the mid 1990's averaged about USD $800. Private sector loans inarrears were basically non-existent until 1995, when 33.7% of the short term (i.e., lessthan one year) loans made for shrimp aquaculture in that year were not repaid, likelyreflecting an inability of households to pay because of low production and revenues.Private sector short termn loans in arrears to date in 1996 are 17.8% of the short termlending this year. Credit, easily obtained in the early 1990s, has now tumed into debt formany households;

(iv) Extension good and appropriate extension promotes sustainability and thereforedecreases the risk of environmental degradation. It appears that there was not enoughextension provided in the 1990s; this problem continues today. At present, aquacultureextension is carried out by three agencies: provincial and district fisheries officers;research institute staff; and staff of para-statal fisheries enterprises. The currentextension system suffers from a number of key constraints:

* low coverage of aquaculture farmers* lack of specialist extension staff* lack of training in extension* lack of budget. equipment, and transport* lack of coordination. In particular, farmers may receive extension advice that is

consistent with national fisheries policies, but inimical to sustainability at thehousehold level

(v) Inputs, particularly hatchery PLs, were poor quality. While hatchery PLs were promotedwith the expectation that higher yields and production would result, shrimp diseaseensued and incomes and economic well-being declined. While there is no conclusiveevidence, it may be reasonable to assume that this promoted environmental degradabonof coastal wetlands, as households sought other sources of income

i.e., in some cases granting legal land tenure either to already resident households; providing legal land tenure to newhouseholds if appropriate; or refusing legal land tenure to households when necessary, with capacity for fair enforcement.


(vi) an overall resource management framework for productive natural resources in Viet

Nam that is inimical to sustainability. Essentially, the legal framework for productive

natural resource management in Viet Nam treats all these resources as open accesscommon property resources; co-management of productive natural resources in VietNam, such as coastal wetlands and nearshore fisheries, is therefore probably very

difficult to achieve.

Table 3 summarizes the above. Essentially, factors that were inappropriate for sustainability, such

as national fisheries policy and inputs, had very strong influences on the rate of aquaculture

expansion in the 1990's, while factors that were appropriate and extremelly important for

sustainability, such as land tenure, credit, and extension, could only be weakly applied because of

various constraints.

This has implications for Project design and implementation. The following are recommended to

improve the chances of success of BZ activities, preventing rampant expansion of unsustainable

versions of shrimp farming technology, halting and reversing environmental degradation, and creating

a successful Project'0:

(i) either BZ activities have to be, in some way, "decoupled" from national fisheries policies,

or national fisheries policies will need to be reconfigured for sustainability;

(ii) control and regulation of settlement (i.e., in-migration to the Project Area), along with

efficient and fair application of the Land Law;

(iii) addressing the debt problems caused by inability to repay previous loans, and provision

of new credit for capital investments and working capital;

(iv) provision of local (i.e., village level) extension services; and

(v) fixing the problem of poor quality hatchery PL.

The following recommendations are proposed to promote factors that would ensure environmental

(and therefore social, economic, and institutional) sustainability of BZ activities in the Project Area

and thereby reduce the risk of unsustainable expansion of other BZ activities.

National Fisheries Polices Reconfiguring national fisheries policies for resource sustainability will

be a difficult and long term task, is beyond the scope of the Project, and is being dealt with in part by

a number of bilateral initiatives". The recommendation is to try to decouple as much as possible the

BZ activities from the effects of national fisheries policies. It is suggested that the institutionalarrangements for the Project be configured to give as much control of and responsibility for

implementation to the provincial and even district levels. There are risks in this approach, particularly

with respect to replicating some of the problems that occurred in implementing the 327 Programme.

But, the need to be somewhat independent from national fisheries policies to ensure sustainability,

°'Addressing in some way the basic incompatibility of Viet Nam's resource management framework with the requirements ofsustainable use of productive natural resources is completely beyond the scope of this Projed.

74__- Xa Fr nm,mnf*t, Review 17

Coastal Wetlands Proecton end Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

Table 4: Summary of factors contributing to unsustainable shrimpaquaculture in the Project area in the early 1990s.

1 National Fisheries inappropriate strong .either BZ activities havePolicies . to be, in sorne way,'decoupledt fromnational fisheriespolicies, or nationalfisheries policies willneed to be reconfiguredfor sustainability

2 Application of Land very appropriate weak c control and regulation ofLaw and Settlement settlement (i.e., in-Control migration to the Project

Area), along withefficient and fairapplication of the LandLaw

3 Credit appropriate strong, but now weak * addressing the debtbecause of household problems caused bydebt problem inability to repay

previous loans, andprovision of new creditfor capital investmentsand working capital

4 Extension appropriate weak * provision of local (i.e.,village level) extensionservices

5 Inputs not appropriate strong in last 3 years * fixing the problem of(i.e., hatchery PLs) poor quality hatchery PL

6 Overall Resource not appropriate neutral * addressing in somne wayManagement the basic incompatibilityFramework of Viet Nam's resource

management frameworkwith the requirements ofsustainable use ofproductive naturalresources

coupled with the community focus of much of the Project, means that it is important that Projectimplementation responsibility be held at the local level. It is therefore recommended that the! overallProject be implemented essentially as three separate Projects by three multi-agency ProjectManagement Offices, one in each of the provinces. These offices would consist of the variousprovincial level institutions who would be responsible for implementing the three projects as well any

"e.g., proposed NORAD assistance in development of new Fishneris Law, and Fisheries Component of VCOP 11 (Viet NamCanada Ocean and Coastal Cooperation Program).

Chant.r 3- Fnvimnmantal R.view

GEC Ltd. Constal Wetlands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

associated technical assistance. The primary link to national institutions would be financial in nature.A Financial Management Office for each province, under the Ministry of Finance, would manage thefinances of the Projects, as well as provide financial advice, guidance, and direction to eachprovincial level Project Management office.

Land Tenure It is recommended that technical assistance be directed towards resolving this issue.Euroconsult (1996) recommends some of these types of activities as part of pre-implementationrequirements (they mention gazetting PB zones and formulation of farmeres contracts), but more isneeded. It is expected that this technical assistance would be for local departments of landadministration and would consist of cadastral mapping; provision of offices, equipment, and trainingto speed up resolution of local land tenure issues.

Credit issues will need to be resolved, particularly:

(i) dealing with high household debt accrued during the recent years of low retums toshrimp: and

(ii) provision of additional credit for crop diversification and small scale engineering works.

It is beyond the scope of this study to estimate or comment on credit requirements, or to providespecific recommendations for dealing with existing debt.

Extension will also need to be provided and while the proposals for providing extension servicesthrough the Vinh Chau Artemia and Shrimp Research Centre and the Can Tho University Station inBac Lieu are highly recommended, additional extension support will be required at the village level.SCP Fisheries Consultants (1996) outlined a proposed extension sub-component in their preparationof a coastal aquaculture investment project for potential funding by the ADB. The key elements oftheir proposed extension are:

(i) Village Aquaculture Extension Units12, comprising village level extension officers, subjectmatter specialist, small scale village aquaculture laboratories, aquaculture extensioncenters:

(ii) Provincial Extension Units;

(iii) National Aquaculture Extension Centre Support;

(iv) Farmer Association Support; and

(v) Extension Training Courses.

SCP Fisheries Consultants (1996) provides complete cost estimates for this component. A costsummary is provided in Table 5.

1lat is possible to imagine these being at the level of the Pilot sites, or the Sub-projecs.

-___.__ ,, =_,, ___^f DoAow 19

Coasftl Wetlands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

Table 5: Indicative costs of extension services. Taken from SCP Fisheries] ~~~~~~Consultants (1996).l

Village Extension Unit S15,000 per village $2,500 per village per yearProvincial Extension Unit S50,000 per province S6.000 per provinceNational Aquaculture Extension Centre S20,000 _SupportFarmer Association Support S_$1,200 per associationExtension Training Courses _ $160,000"

Inputs The financing of the institutional support services described in Scura and Lampietti (1996) arerecommended.

3.3.2 Monitoring

3.3.2.1 Current Monitoring Situation

Environmental monitoring in study area is fragmented, underfunded, and unmanaged. The lack ofconsistent and regular environmental monitoring of environmental resources is a fundamentalweakness with respect to environmental management in study area.

The specific probiems with existing monitonng in the Project Area include:

(i) monitoring of only some environmental parameters, and not all those for whichenvironmental quality standards exist:

(ii) inconsistency in the environmental parameters that are monitored from year to year andfrom location to location;

(iii) insufficient co-ordination among institutions conducting environmental monitoring; and

(iv) the absence of any mechanism for using the results of monitoring to influencemanagement or regulatory procedures.

This makes it extremely difficult to obtain a clear picture of the current state of importantenvironmental resources, how these might be changing, and the causes of any changes that mightbe occumrng.

r3This would actualy be a one tirne cost for training trainers'.

( hAntar I - Fnvimrnmntal FnvIgiw


The major constraints to improved monitoring are in study area are:

(i) lack of modem equipment and resources with which to regularly measure more than justbasic environmental parameters:

(ii) lack of computerization of data storage and retrieval making for difficult and quickaccess, and for analysis and presentation of spatial and temporal changes inenvironmental conditions;

(iii) lack of financial resources; and

(iv) lack of trained staff.

The exception to this is a Sida supported a water quality monitoring program throughout the MekongDelta since 1988. The focus of this program is on inorganic chemical water quality parameters; theprogram does not cover generally organic chemicals (e.g. pesticides), heavy metals, or biologicalwater quality parameters (e.g. bacteria, disease organisms). It is the only permanent water qualitymonitoring network in the Project Area. There have been a number of water quality monitoringsurveys and campaigns in the Project Area, but the data and information collected in these initiativesare maintained in the institutions that were responsible for collection. Some pesticide measurementsin water have been taken, but very infrequently.

Donors should examine carefully the sustainability of any technical assistance in this area because ofthe issue of study area's ability to finance recurrent costs. Monitoring needs to be initiated, but acareful examination of the ability of study area to finance the project after any monitoring technicalassistance will be important. Any recommended monitoring must initially build from existing nationalmonitoring systems, and monitorng should tie directly to current national reporting procedures andassociated planning processes, regulatory action, and enforcement.

3.3.2.2 Implementation of the Monitoring Program

It will be essential that this Project be carefully and continuously monitored throughout its life. Itwould also be extremely useful to continue monitoring of the benefits even after the completion andrepayment of the loan.

The first step would be to develop a Project Monitoring and Evaluation Systerm which would beacceptable to all parties of the loan. The elements of this system would be:

(i) the establishment of a database of key indicators of the progress of the Project;

(ii) the development and execution of a baseline survey before the Project commences toestablish the pre-program status of these key indicators, as a base against which tomeasure progress as the Project moves ahead. The Bank's guidelines and procedureswill be considered in designing these surveys as well as the overall project monitoringand evaluation activities;

^;--4 o. =_.,;__a"Of viow 21


(iii) the development of a system to collect data from all segments of the Program on aregular basis to generate Project Monitoring reports in the appropriate frequencies and-time frames (Table 6). It is recommended that the monitoring be conducted at the villagelevel and be aggregated where necessary;

(iv) the development by the Project Management Office of a computerized database whereinformation collected will be stored, collated, analyzed, and from which the periodicreports will be generated;

(v) after the first year of operation, an independent appraisal of the monitoring system whichwill recommend corrections or additions to the system a required to deal with anydeficiencies identified.

The costs of this activity should be considered an intemal recurring cost of the participatingVietnamese ministries as a part of their contribution to the Project.

f,rantar a Fnvironmental Review


Table 6: Recommended Project monitoring framework.

ucesof Buffer Zone Activities to Eluffer . yield of crops (all types) 20 to 30 randomly selected * onrce per crop

Zone Howsholds . revenue, costs, and income households in each Sub-project. ~~~~~~~~~~from each crop and total * once per crop, totaled annually

revenue, costs, and Income

Success of Buffer Zone Activities on Marine . species abundance surveys * 2 or 3 alongshore locations in * once per year

Environmental Quality of aquatic biota in coastal each Sub-projectareas

* species abundance surveys * 20 to 30 randomly selected * once at beginning of aquacultureof aquatic biota in pond Intake households in each Sub-Project cropwater

* harvests of coastal aquatic * 20 to 30 randomly selected * once per monthbiota households in each Sub-Project

* harvests of aquatic biota in * approximately 5 nets in each * once per monthinshore canal bagnets 4 Sub-project

Success of Buffer Zone Activities on . species abundance surveys * each Sub-project * once per year

Terrestrial Environmental Quality of terrestrial biota in coastalreforested areas,concentrating on birds

* level of human intrusion into * each Sub-project * once per yearFPZ

Influx of New Sentlers on Overall . number of new inhabitants, * all households in each Sub- * once per year

Susttinability of Buffer Zone Activities classified by sex, age, and projectethnic group

* proportion of new Inhabitants * once per yearwithout legal title to * all households in each Sub-landholding project

Effects of Land Tenure, Resource Use . proportion of population with * all households In each Sub- * once per yearRights legal, signed tenure to land p.roject

holding, with accompanyingsurvey map of landholding

14Tuan (1996) provides a description of this monitoring component.

Chanter 3: Environmental Revfew 23


Table 6: continued.

Effect of Extension all socio-economic data 20 to 30 randomly selecteddisagreggated by whether or households in each Sub-projectnot extension services wereoffered and received to peffmitcomparison

Credit .proportin of families *20 to 30 randomly selected *once per yearobtaining credit by source of households in each Sub-projectcredit: formal institutions(VBA, Bank for the Poor,people's credit funds, ruralassociations, etc.): moneylenders; traders, relatives:others

* proportion of households with * 20 to 30 randomly selected * once per yearloans in arrears households In each Sub-project

Ethnic Minorities . all socio-economic data 20 to 30 randomly selecteddisaggregated by ethnic group households In each Sub-project

Gender Issues . where possible socio- 20 to 30 randomly selectedeconomic data disaggregated households in each Sub-projectby sex

* household level labor activitybudgets for each major croptype (and for other farmactivities) disaggregated bygender and age

Conversion of Wetlands l land use by major land use * all land In each Sub-project * once per yeartype, focusing on mangroveand aquaculture land use

n, ' t Chanter3: EnvlronmentalfRevlew'

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 EnvIronmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

Table 6: continued.

Water Pollution from Nutrient Inputs and . physical/chemical parameters * 0 to 30 randomly selected * three times per aquaculture crop:

Pond Effluent (pH. S. SS, EN, NH4-N, EP households in each Sub-project, beginning; middle; and endare the key parameters) in monitoring of pond Intake andpond intake and pond efluent pond effluent canals, coupledcanals, coupled with similar with similar monitoring of majormonitoring of major canals canals upstream of BZ andupstream of BZ and leading leading away from BZaway from BZagrochemicals in pond intake * in pond intake and pond effluent * three times per aquaculttire crop:and pond effluent canals, canals in Sub-projects with beginning; middle; and endcoupled with similar freshwater agriculture activities inmonitoring of major canals the BZ andlor the adjoining fullupstream of BZ and leading economic zone, coupled withaway from 8Z similar monitoring of major canals

upstream of BZ and leading awayfrom BZ

Risk of Aquaculture Disease . quality testing of hatchery PLs * 20 to 30 randomly selected * once at beginning of aquaculturefor disease and overall households In each Sub-project cropviability

Effects of Agricultural Practices . see recommendations forwater pollution

Pollution from Human Settlements . see recommendations forwater pollution

Natural Processes * estimate of loss or gain of * each Sub-project * once at beginning of Project, oncecoastal areas and wetlands at completion of Projectdue to deltaic processes

Resettlement . will need to be defined duringpreparation of ResettlementPlan _ .

Chapter 3: Environmental Review 25

GEC Ltd. Coastal WetVands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

4. Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

4.1 INTRODUCTION

At the request of the World Bank and as part of the social feedback from communities in the Projectarea, an exercise in rural appraisal was conducted at six sites in three provinces in the Mekong Delta.In all, 127 interviews were conducted (Table 7).

A more detailed report has been prepared for each site under the following headings: Background,Felt Needs of the Community, Indicative Community Action Plan (ICAP) (Appendix D). The mainsections report under the headings of resettlement issues, conservation/ coastal protection issues,income generation/ economic development issues and infrastructurel social issues. Each reportincludes a Detailed Work schedule and List of Interviewees.

Whereas the purpose of the site-specific reports was to identify issues specific to each location, thepurpose of this Section is to report on issues common to the project area'5.

4.2 RESETTLEMENT

Local authorities report that there are 1,200 households throughout the project area to be resettled.Transportation and communications difficulties render it extremely difficult to determine the accuracyof this number. Based on field observations that suggest far fewer households to be resettled, theRA team suspects that local authorities may be inflating resettlement numbers artificially in anattempt to collect and pocket resettlement compensation funds from national authorities. In terms ofnumbers of households to be resettled, resettlement is a major issue at two locations (Dam Doi,Dong Hai), a minor issue at two locations (Bac Lieu, Vinh Chau) and not an issue at two locations(Bai Ghe, My Long). Numbers aside, wherever resettlement is an issue, it is complicated.

Not everyone living in the FPZ is considered an Illegal seffler In Dong Hai, most villagerscontributed much to the revolution during the war and are not considered to be illegally residing in theFPZ. In My Long and Vinh Chau, the few residents of the FPZ established residence 20 - 25 yearsago; that is. before the existence of the FPZ.

Not all illegal settUers are created equal The easiest to deal with are those whio own land in their"home provinces". Those who do not have the option of retuming to land in their home provincesremain in the FPZ because they see no other option (Dam Doi).

Illegal settlement is economically drven; therefore, a permanent solution must beeconomically driven People settle illegally in the first place because of perceived economicadvantages (e.g., high profits of shrimp farming; proximity to sea and low cost of sea products

'5Thts Section reflects the views of the intemational consultant. Appendix D contains a summary made by the nationalconsultants of the interviews made during the Rural Appraisal.

27


Table 7: Interview schedule for six sites.

. ~m4; .Bai Ghe Minh Hai May 25 - June 2 1

Dam Doi Minh Hai May 25 - June 2 20

Bac Lieu Minh Hai July 20 - 26 29

Dong Hai Tra Vinh August 3 - 8 25

My Long Tra Vinh August 3 - 8 12

Vinh Chau Soc Trang August 10 - 13 26

TOTAL 127

harvesting). Simply moving people out of an area, even with compensation will not be a permanentsolution unless they have an econornic incentive to remain in the new area.

Management of resettlement has been poor because local authorities have not been given theauthority to manage the problem Residents of the FPZ are unaware that they are to be resettled,residents of resettlement sites are unaware that resettlers are to arrive; potential resettlers areunaware to where and under what terms of payment.

Resettlement may have signfficant economic and social implications. In Dong Hai, 80%wo of the200 families to be resettled are fishermen. At a minimum resettlement will compromise their ability toeam a living from fishing. It may force them away from a traditional way of life into different activitiessuch as farming.

Resettlement may only relocate the problem (at significant expense), not solve it. In DongHai, none of residents in FPZ know about tne resettlement program. Likewise, the new site for 278families will be taken from Buffer Zone. and people in Buffer Zone were unaware their land was to bereallocated.

It may be preferable not to resettle people out of the FPZ In My Long and Vinh Chau, localauthorities believe that there are few enough households in the FPZ (10 in the case of Vinh Chau)that they will not cause any significant effect on the coastal protection forest. In My Long,knowledgeable long time residents can assist the authorities in activities of replantation and forestmanagement.

Different land tenure systems and definitions of "legal settler" need to be considered inimplementing a resettlement policy that seeks to move people out of the FPZ. Some householdsreceived a land allocation, then sold it to others who were unaware of land policy and do not haveofficial land certificates. Others believe that paying tax regularly constitutes legal status. In another


area, all coastal areas have been distributed to farmers and fishermen by local authorties. Thesepeople have land use right certificates bestowed by the project management board.

4.3 CONSERVATION AND COASTAL PROTECTION

As a result of poor management, reforestation is undertaken every year but the total forestedarea continues to decrease The govemment needs to establish lines of communication andpromote cooperation to satisfy the objectives of reforestation and economic development. (Bac lieu).Other reasons: inadequate policy for the BZ; ineffective local regulations, weak support from nationalbudget; restricted cooperation with scientific research institutes. (Dong Hai)

Managers at the provincial level have not given full responsibility to commune authoritiesTherefore, it is difficult to control illegal cutting. (Bac Lieu)

There are many problems with the GOV land use policy of 70% forest area: 30% pond area. Itwill take both time and investment capital to reach the GOV 70:30 target. Most households fall farshort of the required 70% forested area. They have neither the necessary capital to invest inreplantation nor the required working capital to bear the short term losses of taking land out of shrimpproduction (Sac lieu). Furthermore, technicians of the FEs have been unable to prove theadvantages of the 70:30 ratio. People are unhappy with this; however, officially, they must follow thatregulation of govemment. (Dong Hai). According to local leaders and relating officers, programs ofreforestation under 70: 30 ratio has not logical, at least in Vinh Chau study site. Therefore, they areproposing different ratio as 50:50, 40:60, etc. based on particular situations. Farmers are not willingto replant the tree followed 70 : 30 ratio since they will lost much of cultivated land in Buffer Zone(Vinh Chau).

Forested area has declined regardless of good or bad retums from shrimp farming. Whenretums from shrimp production were high. trees were cut down to create more shrimp ponds. Whenshrimp disease problems resulted in poor retums, trees were cut for cash income. Shrimp culture isa clear example of the conflict between short term profit generation and long term sustainability. Asa last resort for cash income; investments in other economic options such as agriculture will reducepressure on the forests (Dong Hai)

In implementing a resettlement program, issues of the dependency of local people on naturalresources need to be considered New areas must have enough resource for both subsistenceneeds and income generation. (Bai Ghe, Dam Doi)

Local people know nothing about the coastal protection plan of the govemment However, theyare willing to enter into work contracts if offered. Villagers felt they could organize themselves intospecial groups in order to implement and manage reforestation. The villagers understand well thecharacteristics of forest trees, soils and weather. They would be able to coillaborate with policymakers on coastal protection plans. (Dong Hai)

o--*-Js ¢^;of av;ow 29

Coastal WeVands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

The importance of conservation and coastal protection is recognized Conservabon throughcoastal protection plays an important role in My Long. Villagers here understand well the role of thecoastal forest because they themselves suffered the impact of deforestation. As a result, there havebeen very few cases of illegal cutting of trees. As well, there are at least three known coastalprotection projects in My Long. Although reforestation has been taking place slowly because of alimited budget, there has been good cooperation between villagers and forest managers. Villagerscontribute to coastal protection project by giving advice to local authorities, for example, in theselection of appropriate tree species. The coastal Protection Plan for My Long is well organizeddespite being small. According to work contracts, each household may take 10 ha of forest or moreto manage and they will receive on average VND 50,000 per hectare per year. About 40 per cent ofhouseholds have entered into work contracts. The national budget for 327 project distributed to MyLong is too small. For example, it was sufficient to replant only 5 ha in 1996. Officers in My Longwish they could find other sources of financial support to increase the speed of reforestation. (MyLong) People who living nearby coastal area are pleased with reforestation plans because they willhave income through work - contact with project managers . In long - term , there production wouldbe improved. (Vinh Chau) Local people did not relate the dramatic downtum in shrimp production tocoastal environmental protection or liack of same.(My Long)

4.4 INCOME GENERATION/ECONOMIc DEVELOPMENT

4.4.1 General

Economic development needs cannot be addressed by isolated interventions A packageapproach is required (e.g., capital + extension (particularly if households are being asked to try anew technique or product) + freshwater wells + small tools + pilot projects to demonstrate newtechnologies such as Tilapia farming). Lack of investment capital acts to increase economic risk bydecreasing control over inputs. Likewise, communities have neither the knowledge to pursue othereconomic opportunities nor have the faith in local "experts" to teach them nor the investment capital.

Many potential economic options are unavailable for want of very little capital However,farmers are already over-indebted arnd even small sums (VND 1.0 - 1.5 million) are not available

Management inefficiency acts as a constraint on the realization of income generationpotential. Not only is credit a problem but credit systems are inefficient. Likewise, the managementof overfishing through fisheries regulations is cumbersome.

A program to promote sustainable practices is required to stabilize incomes; however, avariety of sources of income is no guarantee of income stablWty Working capital is still requiredso that farmers can control factors of production and reduce risk. (e.g., extensive shrimp farming -they are prone to vagaries of weather etc.)


4.4.2 Aquaculture

Communities do not have faith in shrimp culture as a solutfon to their economic problemsWhile shrimp culture is practised at all of the study sites, it is practiced far less than 3 - 4 years ago.In Bac Lieu, less than 5% of shrimp farming households continue to farm shrimp.

Communities prefer investments in complementary inputs such as extension services ratherthan civil works.

Women seem more aware than their husbands of the need to spread economic nsk bypursuing opportunities other than shrimp aquaculture (e.g., tilapia, crab culture, etc.).

"New' techniques such as Tilapia farming should not be counted upon to 'solve incomegeneration problems right away as farmers are unaccustomed to them.

Artemia production appears a promising economic complement in Vinh Chau and Bac Lieu.

4.4.3 Fishing

Fishing is the most widely practised of income eaming activities Those who have no land orlack capital can support their families by fishing, an activity that, furthermore is available year round.

Fishing is viewed very differently depending on the community In My Long, it is a "last resort"to be engaged in when aquaculture fails or agriculture is unavailable. In Dong Hai, 80% of peopleeam their living solely from fishing. It is a traditional way of life that would be threatened byresettlement. The same is true of the Khmer in Vinh Chau. They do not have land and as a result,are uniquely dependent on fishing to generate income

Creating opportunities outside of fishing will assist in reducing fishing pressure thereby contributing tothe sustainability of the resource.

4.4.4 Agriculture

Those with agricultural options are better off economically than those without.

A necessary but not sufficient condition to success in agriculture is access to land There arefarmers with land who cannot cultivate it for want of working capital.

Land ownership/ access is a function of ethnicity In Vinh Chau, land owners are Chinese. TheKhmer are landless.

Freshwater wells appear to be the most productive agricultural investment Freshwater wellswould permit significant increases in productivity either because they allow a 2nd dry season paddy

_, ^ ,. _ . _,,;^,, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~31


crop, fruit tree (long an) production, or vegetable production.

4.4.5 Fuelwood Harvesting

Fuelwood harvesting is a last resort' activity when cash income is required Any investment inother activities will assist in reducing cutting pressure on the coastal forests.

4.5 SOCIAL/INFRASTRUCTURE

4.5.1 Ethnicity

Productive resources and opportunities are not evenly distributed Lack of food security isparticularly frequent among the ethnic groups as Khmer who lack access to productive agriculturalland. Food shortages can exist for 6 - 8 months/ year. As they live in more remote areas and forvarious cultural and economic reasons, they tend to have much less access to education and healthservices.

The Khmer are less equipped to compete in an increasingly money oriented economy Onlythe Chinese Vietnamese groups have been quick to take up the opportunities presented by theemerging cash economy. The Khrner group usually finds itself working for the Chinesel Vietnamesegroups. Furthermore, many Khmer could not answer questions because they do not speakVietnamese. This may cause difficulties for them in the marketing of products.

4.5.2 Women

Women tend to be disadvantaged by the changes in rural society They have to share the dailywork with men. However, women usually devoted much more time for the common good of thefamily than their husbands in activities such as food preparation, child care and housework.

Women are usually more flexible in terms of production plans however, restncted access tocapital prevent them from pursuing options.

4.5.3 Social Implications of Economic Problems

There are limited opportunities to diversffy household sources of Income in order to makepeople less dependent on subsistence fishing and thus be less vulnerable to food shortages.

The complicated land tenure systems in the area need to be considered not only as problemin implementing support policy but also as social problem.

In providing capital to expand economic opportunity, the social problem of seasonal food

Chapter 4: Social Review

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetands Protecton and Deveslopment ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

shortages will be addressed; also farmers will be increasingly able to allow thteir children tocontinue in school Due to economic constraints, many families could not send their children toschool. With the exception of some household who could send children to district high - school,others could never let their children study up higher than grade 3 at primary school. At the presenttime, there is only one 4 school " with 1 class-room which is enough for 30 pupils. The teacher is aviliager.

Most poor farners and fishernen do not trust the govemment's credit system, citing amongother problems, complicated procedures. However, access to informal credit is limited by highinterest rates (up to 4% per month versus agri-bank rates of 1.2% - 1.7% per month).

Authorities can contribute to the solution of a social problem by entering into coastalprotection contracts not with landholders but with the landless While coastal protection plansprovide a supplementary source of income for wealthier farmers, their importance for poor farmerscan be crucial. Because poorer people eam a greater share of their total income from non-farmactivities than do middle and upper-income people.

In at least one community, it is not unemployment that is the problem but labor shortages InMy Long, land in BZ tends to be unutilized not only because of capital shortages but becauselaborers migrate to cities in search of higher paying jobs.

The public health implications of new economic activities need to be considered For example,it is common practice to apply DDT to onions. DDT is applied without appropriate precautions beingtaken.

All communities requested that investments be made in road infrastructure, freshwater wells,schools and health facilities.

at _,4-. - A. *^__.4p _ l, _.4,, 33

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlands Proecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

5. Comments on Overall Project Feasibility

The general comments below are offered with respect to overall project feasibility, design, andimplementation.

5.1 REPLICABILITY OF BUFFER ZONE MODELS

The review work of Scura and Lampietti (1996) suggest that the number of BZ models be increasedover that proposed by Euroconsult (1996). In fact, Scura and Lampietti (1996) propose a total ofeight aquaculture-based models, to be applied over 12 Sub-projects. At this level, ithe concept of pilotsites or study sites begins to lose relevance, and the recent proposals to increase the number of farmmodels in the BZ reflect the extreme heterogeneity of the Project area. This is reinforced by therecommendations of the domestic consultant team for this study that the pilot sites can only really beapplicable to the Sub-projects in which they are located (see Appendix C). It may very well be thatthe most appropriate BZ models for each Sub-project can not be clearly articulated and defined apriori; the rapidly changing situation in the Project Area with respect to settlement, land tenure,quantity and quality of inputs such as PL, and so on, only exacerbate difficulties and potential risks indefining BZ farm models prior to Project implementation. The implications of this are discussedfurther in Section 5.5.

5.2 THE CONCEPT OF COASTAL PROTECTION

The VNNEAP identifies the need for coastal protection in two important respects:

(i) protection, rehabilitation, and management of existing mangroves and inland marshes(VNNEAP Program 1.4); and

(ii) stabilize the coastline of Viet Nam and improve protection from typhoons (VNNEAPProgram 1.5).

The priority provinces for both Program 1.4 and Program 1.5 in the VNNEAP include Minh Hai andSoc Trang, but not Tra Vinh.

In addition, the benefits of the proposed coastal engineering works in the erosion zones are unclear.In this part of Viet Nam, coastal engineering works would serve to stabilize a naturally very dynamiccoastline, rather than provide typhoon protection. Benefits of coastal protection provided by coastalengineering works occur when the BZ begins to be eroded, after the FPZ itself has been completelyeroded. The analysis of Ngan (1996) indicates that complete erosion of the proposed FPZ (in thezones of high coastal erosion) would occur in from 10 to 33 years without the Project, and that thiswould be increased to 15 to 53 years with the Project, depending on the protection option chosen.These coastal engineering works therefore will not provide immediate benefits16 to the Project Area,

"5unlike the situation of typhoon prone areas where protection afforded by coastal dikes would be immediate.

oo_, e. t: llAt DD)^mmFn"tnS ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3


and are therefore likely not be financially or economically viable using traditional methods of projectanalysis. It is recommended that the Bank and the GOV carefully consider whether to fund Projectactivities that are intended to provide coastal erosion protection benefits alone.

5.3 HABITAT ENHANCEMEINT

Euroconsult (1996) and Scura andJ Lampietti (1996) rightly declare that the potential financial andeconomic benefits of habitat enhancement caused by increasing the area of mangrove are great.But, current conditions in the Project area are such that little of this potential benefit may actually berealized. The benefits, in the form of greater densities of aquatic biota of subsistence or commercialvalue would be captured before they had reached their full potential. Additional recruitment tonearshore fisheries created by incnrased habitat would be negated by:

(i) a seemingly unregulated bagnet fishery that would capture much of the increasedrecruitment before it had reached the ocean;

(ii) a catching power of the fishing vessel-based coastal fishery that is likely sufficiently highto absorb all the increased recruitment; and

(iii) the added pressure of the land-based coastal fishery conducted by farmers.

It is recommended that the Project be coupled with either technical assistance or investmentsdirected towards achieving sustainability in the coastal fishery.

5.4 APPROPRIATENESS OF PROPOSED FARM MODELS

Much of the financial and economic justification of the Project rests upon BZ activities, where a 70:30ratio of mangrove (or other forest) to non-forest land is recommended. But, the justification for thisratio in terms of optimum benefits to the farmer and coastal fisheries is not provided, and there isconsiderable disagreement among Vietnamese institutions on what the is best combination of shnmpand mangrove for the Project area In addition, under the current Project design, the farmer is beingasked to put land that could immediately provide crops and income every year into a use (i.e., forestproducts) that will provide lower retums than the annual crops and only after a number of years. Thenurturing function of mangroves on shnmp yields to the farmer is not clearly articulated, nor is theissue of possible benefits foregone by the farmer for the sake of the coastal fisheries resolved.Finally, the exact farm layout that provides a 70:30 ratio is not described. Further attention needs tobe paid to the exact nature of the farm models to be applied in the BZ, because these models willdetermine the economic well-being of BZ residents and the overall sustainability of the Project.Again, this has implications for overall project implementation (Section 5.5).


5.5 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BUFFER ZONECOMPONENT

This is a worthwhile and important Project for Viet Nam. Yet, it appears that cornplications in theoriginal Project concept have been uncovered as a result of post PPTA activities, particularly withrespect to the BZ. What originally was a coastal wetlands protection Project now appears toIncreasingly resemble a rural development Project. This is to be expected in Viet INam, and reflectsand supports the findings and recommendations of the VNNEAP.

For this reason, as well as for the reasons outlined above in Section 3, Section 4, and Sections 5.1to 5.4, the following recommendations Project implementation are given.

First, the Project should be implemented as three separate Provincial level projects, with most, if notall, controls and responsibilities at the Provincial level.

Second, the BZ component of the Project not be designed a priori. Rather, the BZ component ofeach provincial level Project should be implemented on a programmatic basis, with districts andvillages able to make funding requests to the Project for improvement of economic conditions of theirBZ residents, suitable and appropriate to their needs.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, generous technical assistance should be provided, with thecore of this technical assistance being one long term technical advisor stationed in each Province fora minimum of two years. This long term technical advisor would be a community rural developmentspecialist and hislher mandate would be to work with Project counterparts to:

(i) identify small-scale BZ projects with high potential benefits for expanding production andincreasing commence and value added and with large labor-intensive components andwhich are compatible with local needs;

(ii) conduct inspections, surveying and studies; define design and construction tasks;combine them into contract packages, estimate inputs and costs and prepare bills ofquantities for each package;

(iii) screen, evaluate and rank the packages on the basis of cost and benefits in acceleratingcommerce and economic development and promoting sustainability in the BZ;

(iv) guidance in use of BZ funds

(v) guidance and management of extension and credit; and

(vi) capacity building in local (i.e., village, district, provincial) institutions and associations forongoing project implementation after the completion of the technical assistance.

This would be supplemented by short term technical advisors in fields as deemed necessary by thelong term advisor, but would likely include: fisheries and aquaculture; community forestry; institutionsand policy; extension; credit; and land titling. It is estimated that approximately 90 person-months of

`--4_ &'. 37^s a-^moHtn


intemational technical advisors are required, with a similar level of national technical advisors, at atotal cost of approximately USD $2 million.

Ma Cr-nprpl Recommendations

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlands Proteton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

6. Literature Cited

Chambers, R. 1992. Recent developments in rural appraisal: notes for a workshop. unpubl. manus.66 pp. plus appendices.

Department of Mariculture, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University. Project proposal for upgradingthe Bac Lieu Mariculture Research and Extension Centre for Applied Research and Extension, CanTho University. 17 pp.

Dung, N. 1996. Environmental review of buffer zone component. 86 pp.

ESSA Ltd. 1992. Water control project for the Quan LotPhung Hiep area, Mekong Delta, Viet Nam:Report of a pre-feasibility study. Final Technical Report submitted to Ministry of Water Resources,Viet Nam and Canadian Intemational Development Agency. 354 pp. plus appendices.

EVS. 1992. Coastal and marne environmental management for Minh Hai Province, SocialistRepublic of Viet Nam. Final report for Asian Development Bank. 247 pp.

Ministry of Education and Training, Can Tho University. 1996. Project proposal: Shrimp diseasesdiagnosis and treatment centre. 8 pp.

NEDECO. 1993. Master plan for the Mekong Delta in Viet Nam. prepared for World Bank. 144 pp.

Ngan, T.H., 1996. Pre-appraisal: report of hydraulic civil engineer. 53 pp.

Nghia, T.T. 1996a. Report Of Second Trip To Minh Hai And Tra Vinh Study Sites. 4 pp.

Nghia, T.T. 1996b. Report Of Second Trip To Vinh Chau And Bac Lieu Study Sites. 7 pp.

SCP Fisheries Consultants. 1996. Viet Nam coastal aquaculture sector review. Final Reportsubmitted to Asian Development Bank. 174 pp. plus appendices.

Scura, E, and J. Lampietti. 1996. World Bank Coastal Wetlands and Development Project (CWPDP):Review of coastal aquaculture component. 20 pp. plus appendices.

Thanh, T.K. 1996. The World Bank. Coastal Wetlands Protection and Development Project: Pre-Appraisal - Socio-Economic and Resettlement. 30 pp.

Thong, L.Q. 1996a. Indicative Community Action Plan for Bai Ghe Study Site. 11 pp.

Thong, L.Q. 1996b. Indicative Community Action Plan for Dam Doi Study Site. 15 pp.

Thong, L.Q. 1996c. Indicative Community Action Plan for Bac Lieu Study Site. 14 pp.

Thong, L.Q. 1996d. Indicative Community Action Plan for Vinh Chau Study Site. 15 pp.

ILs _ __ _ e . * __Z#_ AW ~~~~~~~~~~39

Coastal WeVands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Suffer Zone Component November, 1996

Thong, L.Q. 1996e. Indicative Community Action Plan for My Long Study Site. 12 pp.

Thong, L.Q. 1996f. Indicative Community Action Plan for Dong Hai Study Site. 11 pp,

Tuan, N.A. 1996. Project proposal: impacts of the use of bagnet on shrimp resources in estuaryareas of Minh Hai Province. 3 pp.

World Bank. 1991a. Environmental assessment sourcebook. Volume It: Sectoral guidelines. WorldBank Technical Paper No. 140. 282 pp.

World Bank. 1991 b. Operational Directive 4.01: Environmental Assessment. 22 pp. plus Annexes.

or__, r o^^ Arto-nr"mandaWtn"s


7. Appendix A: Terms of Reference for Consultants

7.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS

7.1.1 Environmental Specialist

Based on the proposed Project, undertake an environmental assessment which takes into accountthe following:

* the environmental impact of introducing the proposed farm models and how the adverseimpacts can be minimized or mitigated

* the necessary measures to he adopted by Govemment to ensure a repeat of therampant expansion of unsustainable versions of shrimp farming technology since the mid1980's can be minimized.

In order to monitor and assess the success of this project component in achieving the goals forvarious measures and investments, prepare a list of socio-economic and environmental indicatorswhich can be maintained during the implementation of the project, and specify how they can becollected.

7.1.2 Socio-economic Specialist

For each major category of farmers affected by the project, undertake an analysis of the socio-economic impact of project activities comparing the -without project" situation with the "with project"situation on them. In the priority areas, the socio-economic/community participation team would carryout rural appraisal of major categories of affected farmers and/or farming communities in both the fullprotection zones and the priority buffer zones to take into account their needs for socio-economicsupport and to ensure their effective participation in jointly protecting the mangrove conservationbelts.

7.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR NATIONAL CONSULTANTS

7.2.1 General Terms of Reference

1. The basis for the study will be the Coastal Wetlands Protection And Development Project currentlyunder preparation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Viet Nam and theWorld Bank, the project preparation reports prepared by Euroconsult, and any and all updates asprovided in the report of the first pre-appraisal field mission.

2. The Project Area for this study is defined as:* the Full Protection Zone along the entire coastline of the provinces of Minh Hai, Soc

Trang, and Tra Vinh

^_"A....4 ^- Vo,me nf Qotfanein 41

Coastsl Wetlnds Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

* the Buffer Zone that lies directly behind the Full Protection Zone along the entirecoastline of the provinces of Minh Hai, Soc Trang, and Tra Vinh

3. There will be seven field trips conducted under this Subcontract:* the s^oping mission from 2 to 11 May;* three rural appraisal missions as outlined in the report of the first pre-appraisal field

mission;* one mission by the Aquaculture Project Specialist to the five proposed farm models* one mission by the HydraulicNWater Resources Engineer to the five proposed farm

models* one mission by the Environmental Specialist to each of the five proposed farm models

4. Each member of the Subconsultant team will provide an analysis of his or her sector according tothe specific Terms of Reference. This will be prepared as 10 to 20 page report, complete withaccompanying data and information.

5. The Subconsultant will provide two paper copies and one diskette copy (Word 6 and Excelspreadsheet software) of the all reports, along with all data used in the analysis. TheSubconsultant will be responsible for providing English versions of all reports.

6. The Subconsultant will provide copies of all Subconsultant reports, information, and data to theConsultant Team Leader by 1 September, 1996.

7. Al information and data provided will be for the year 1995 unless specified otherwise in the Terms ofReference.

7.2.2 Terms of Reference for Project Manager

1. Participate in the first mission (2 to 11 May) to be performed under this Subcontract.2. Coordinate and assist all technical activities performed by the Subconsultant team.3. Manage all activities in the study and liaise with the Project Team Leader.4. Provide a report summarizing the resuks and findings of all of the Subconsultant's activities.5. During the first week of each month, provide a short monthly progress report to the Consultant

Team Leader outlining activities accomplished in the previous month, planned activities for thecurrent month, problems and difficulties in study implementation, recommendations for resolvingthe problems, and assistance required from the Consultant Team Leader. These can be FAXedor e-mailed to the Consultant Team Leader.

6. Conduct additional study activities as may be required from time to time, and as requested by theConsultant Team Leader.

7.2.3 Terms of Reference for Aquaculture Specialist

1. Participate in the first mission (2 to 11 May) to be performed under this Subcontract.2. Provide detailed comments on the technical feasibility of the buffer zone models proposed by the

Consultant for the five proposed study sites by:* Organizing field trips to the proposed study sites to verify the operating and production

assumptions in the five study site models;


* Coordinating with the HydrauliclWater Resources Engineer to evaluate the feasibility ofthe civil works to be constructed under the project;

* Organizing a meeting with at least 10 farmers at each study site to verify the projectassumptions and to ascertain the farmer's willingness to participate in the proposedproject; and.

* Meeting with local authorities at each study site to evaluate pertinent regulations andissues.

3. Develop a detailed budget for capital and operating costs of an aquaculture extension and trainingcomponent for Vinh Chau at the Artemia and Shrimp Research Center.

4. In cooperation with the Aquaculture Project Specialist, design an appropriate pond lay-out andwater supply/canal system for the Artemia/Shrimp production model proposed for Bac Lieu.

5. In association with the Aquaculture Project Specialist, provide a report summarizing the resultsand findings obtained under this Terms of Reference with recommendations for changes asappropriate.

7.2.4 Terms of Reference for Aquaculture Project Specialist

1. Participate in the first mission (2 to 11 May) to be performed under this Subconitract.2. Provide detailed comments on the technical feasibility of the buffer zone models proposed by the

Consultant for the five proposed study sites.3. Develop a detailed budget for capital and operating costs of an aquaculture extension and training

component for the Can Tho University Field Station at Bac Lieu.4. In cooperation with the Aquaculture Specialist, design an appropriate pond lay-out and water

supply/canal system for the Artemia/Shnmp production model proposed for Bac Lieu study site.5. In association with the Aquaculture Specialist, provide a report summarizing the results and

findings obtained under this Terms of Reference with recommendations for changes asappropriate.

7.2.5 Terms of Reference for Community Resources Specialist and RASupport Staff

1. Participate in the first mission (2 to 11 May) to be performed under this Subcontract.2. Organize RA team, providing names and CVs. Deadline: May 15th3. Work with Socio-economist to transform the issues guidelines, which at the moment is generic

(e.g., the same for all sites) into a specific issues guidelines document for each site. This will bedone by extracting the relevant information from the Euroconsuft report. Deadline: May 23rd(prior to first field trip)

4. Prior to each of three field trips, organize and conduct a 1 day mobilization./ briefing session tofamiliarize the RA team with expected site conditions, issues, etc. Deadline: see work schedule

5. Conduct three field visits of varying lengths as per the attached work schedule Deadline: seework schedule

6. At each site, organize RA team to collect data and opinion from affected farmers following the"Issues Guidelines" document provided Deadline: see work schedule

A ,J;.. o. T^ nf lWofonee 43

Coastal Wetlands Protecton end Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

7. At each site, conduct daily RA team meetings to ensure that notes are compiled (by hand), gapsin data/ opinion collection are identified so that they may be filled before departure from the site.Deadline: daily while in the field

8. Upon return from each field trip, organize compilation (by computer) of survey notes according towork schedule for insertion into the community action plan (CAP) outline. Deadline: see workschedule

9. Prepare the following sections of the CAP for each site: i) section 2: Response of Communityportion; ii) all Annexes. Note: sections 3, 4 and 5 of the CAP cannot be prepared by theConsultant unless the relevant information is compiled in Annex D of the CAP Deadline: seework schedule

10.Transmit the RA reports to Canada on time Deadline: see work schedule.

7.2.6 Terms of Reference for Socio-economist

1. Participate in the first mission (2 to 11 May) to be performed under this Subcontract.2. Provide assistance as required to the Aquaculture Project Specialist in the preparation of the

materials to be used in the review of the five buffer zone models.3. Prepare a description of the fisheries resettlement models to be used in Minh Hai and Tra Vinh.4. Provide input into Section V: Stakeholder Consultation Process, Parts A and B as well as portions

of Part C: Taking Into Account the needs of affected farmers and the local community, asindicated in Mr. Choeng-Hoy Chung's report outline.

5. Prepare letters of introduction (in English and Vietnamese) for Project Coordinators in Minh Hai(Mr. Cuong), Soc Trang (Mr. Duc) and Tra Vinh (Mr. Leo) to ensure the smooth functioning of theRA team field trips Deadline: May 15th (e.g., 1 week prior to 1 st field trip)

6. Prepare Section V: Part A: Structure of Consultation and Participation at the Central andProvincial Level, as indicated in Mr. Choeng-Hoy Chung's report outine. This will include adescription to match the organization chart already prepared Deadline: May 31st

7. Prepare Section V: Part B: Involving Local (district and commune) govemmental and non-govemmental entities. This will include a description to match the organization chart alreadyprepared Deadline: May 31st

8. Work with the Community Resources Specialist to transform the issues guidelines document,which at the moment is generic (e.g., the same for all sites) into a specific issues guidelinesdocument for each site. This will be done by extracting the relevant information from theEuroconsult report. Deadline: May 23rd (prior to first field trip)

7.2.7 Terms of Reference for HydrauliclWater Resources Engineer

1. Provide a written description of the deltaic process of the Mekong Delta.2. For each of the high erosion coastlines in the Project Area - Eastem Ca Mau Peninsula, Vinh Loi-

Gia Rai, Vinh Chau, and My Long, assess and estimate the number of years before completeerosion of the FPZ, in the absence of any proposed forestry intervention. Document allassumptions and sources of data and information.

Ann.ndix A: Terms of Reference


3. For each of the high erosion coastlines in the Project Area - Eastem Ca Mau Peninsula, Vinh Loi-Gia Rai, Vinh Chau, and My Long, assess and estimate the number of years before completeerosion of the FPZ, with the proposed forestry interventions as outlined in the Euroconsultreport. Document all assumptions and sources of data and information.

4. Review the integrity and technical feasibility of each of the proposed study site models withrespect to their proposed primary, secondary, and tertiary engineering works.

5. Provide a report summarizing the results and findings obtained under this Terms of Reference.

7.2.8 Terms of Reference for Environmental Specialist

1. Meet with the Consultant Team Leader during the second field mission to scope the details of theenvironmental and social review of the five proposed farm models.

2. Conduct a field visit to each of the five study sites to review the environmental and social effectsof the proposed study sites.


7.2.9 Terms of Reference for Provincial Coordinator - Tra Vinh

1 Participate in the first mission (2 to 11 May) to be performed under this Subcontract.2. Provide all necessary logistical support to the Subconsultant and the Consultant in the

implementation of this study in Tra Vinh.3. Provide all required local study area maps for all site visits made by the Subconsultant; these are

to include: topography; soils; existing land use; existing canal system; and other maps asrequired.

4. Provide a detailed description of the resettlement areas and resettlement plans for the FullProtection Zones in the province.


7.2.10 Terms of Reference for Provincial Coordinator - Soc Trang

1. Participate in the first mission (2 to 11 May) to be performed under this Subcontract.2. Provide all necessary logistical support to the Subconsultant and the Consultant in the

implementation of this study in Soc Trang.3. Provide all required local study area maps for all site visits made by the Subconsultant; these are


4. Provide a detailed description of the resettlement areas and resettlement plans for the FullProtection Zones in the province.


s4


7.2.11 Terms of Reference for Provincial Coordinator - Minh Hai

1. Participate in the first mission (2 to 11 May) to be performed under this Subcontract.2. Provide all necessary logistical support to the Subconsultant and the Consultant in the

implementation of this study in Minh Hai.3. Provide all required local study area maps for all site visits made by the Subconsultant; these are


4. Provide a detailed description of the resettlement areas and resettlement plans for the householdsliving in the FPZ of Westem Ca Mau Peninsula, Eastem Ca Mau Peninsula, and Vinh Loi-Gia Rai.


A n-andifA - Terms of Reference

GEC Ltd. Coastal WeUands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmentrl and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

8. Appendix B: General Environmental Description ofMinh Hai, Soc Trang, and Tra Vinh Provinces17

8.1 CLIMATE

The Mekong Delta Provinces of Minh Hai, Soc Trang, and Tra Vinh (hereafter denoted as the 'ProjectArea Provinces, or PAP") are located in the monsoon tropical region, therefore climate conditions isstrongly affected by climate characteristic of this region with two distinct seasons; the dry and rainyseasons.

The temperature in the PAP is high and vares little, the annual average temperature is 26.50C.

Rainfall strongly affects most socioeconomic activities in the PAP. The PAP has two distinct seasons:dry and rainy. The rainy season occurs at the same time as the Summer monsoon and the dry seasonis coincides with the Winter monsoon.

In the West and Southwest part of the the PAP, the rainy season starts at May and lasts at the end ofNovember (duration of 7 months), the rest months is dry season. In the East and Northeast part of thethe PAP the rainy season starts later (about 10-15 days) and come to the end earlier (also about 10-15day) than in the West and Southwest parts.

In the rainy season, there are about 10O-150 days of rainfall with the total average accumulated rainfallis of 1500 to 2300 mm, comprising 90% of the total annual rainfall. Rainfall is not significant in the dryreason; the entire dry season has about 7 to 15 rainy days with the total accumulated rainfall of about 60to 150 mm, occupying less than 5% of the total annual rainfall.

8.2 SOILS

The soils of the PAP are dominated by acid sulphate soils of varying levels of depth and activity;these soils are a major environmental factor to be considered in the overall economic development ofthe PAP. Experience with similar soils under similar conditions elsewhere suggests that acidgeneration from these soils, in the absence of suitable crops or adequate farm level watermanagement, creates severe environmental problems, affecting both commodity production andother environmental and social resources such as fisheries and drinking water supply. In addition,successful farm level water management over such large areas is uncertain, as is the ability ofaltemate crops (those that would minimize acidity generation from these soils) to be successfullycultivated and marketed.

There are essentially three ways in which acid generation from these problem soils can be avoided:

(i) leave the areas of acid sulphate soil, particularly the shallow acid soils, as fallow. This is

17This is a synthesis of information presented in ESSA Ltd. (1992) EVS (1996), and various other sources.

*:D- ct--r-l C ma nt4l rnJsrinrtion of Proiect Area Provinces 47

Coastal WeUands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

only a viable for potential acid sulphate soil areas, as the active sulphate soil areas arealready generating acidity;

(ii) cultivate crops on the acid sulphate soils that minimize soil disturbance, such asMelaleuca tree species. This is a viable option on both potential and active sulphate soilareas; and

(iii) cultivate crops that could potentially create acid, such as rice, but apply watermanagement techniques to suppress sulphuric acid formation. For example, acontinuous layer of water on the field forms an anaerobic layer that serves as a barrier tothe migration of oxygen. This, in turn, prevents acid generation. This is a viable optionon both potential and active sulphate soil areas.

The effects of the Vietnamese-American war on soils remain In some coastal districts. Bombingduring the war caused destruction and removal of topsoil in particular sites and these sites remaindifficult to regenerate.

8.3 SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGY AND SALINITY

8.3.1 Surface Water Hydrology

There are four factors influencing the surface water hydrology of the PAP:

(i) Precipitation Regime The major feature of the precipitation regime is the fact that most ofthe annual precipitation falls dunng a six month period, from approximately May toNovember, and the freshwater input from precipitation during period from December toApril is minimal. This means precipitation by itself is unable to supply fresh water to thestudy area during the ciry season;

(ii) the Mekong River The! Mekong River is the only practical surface source of freshwaterduring the dry season;

(iii) Ocean Tides The tides of the South China Sea along the the PAP coastline fluctuatewidely, with the high tide reaching up to 1.5 m above sea level daily. These tidalamplitudes and levels are substantially higher than the elevation of the study area; and

(iv) Transportation Canals During the past one hundred years, a network of canals wereexcavated across the Ca Mau Peninsula to provide drainage and transportation routes.Primary canals in the PAPpattem intersect and connect with major natural rivers. These,coupled with the low relief of the study area and the surrounding Ca Mau Peninsulaprovide multiple routes for both fresh and salt water drainage into and out of the studyarea.

These factors determine the main hydrological features of the PAP (Table 8).

* * -- .. :____. ~rnf4rn of, Pmipct Area Provinces


Table 8: Summary of inflow and outflow in rainy and dry season, Ca MauPeninsula. Results are from calibration procedures conducted for the VRSAP

hydraulic model (Units m m3/s).

INFLOW: I. precipitation 699 0. Mekong above Phung Hiep 321 70• Phung Hiep Canal -111 27

TOTAL INFLOW 999 97

OUTFLOW:- * Dai Ngai River 64 33. My Thanh River 198 -28. Ganh Hao River 136 -5

Total to East China Sea 398 0

* Ong Doc River 70 -3a Tac Cau River 19 5* Cai Lon River 286 100

Total to West China Sea 375 102

TOTAL OUTFLOW 773 102 i

INFLOW minus OUTFLOW: 2726 -

First, freshwater supply from the Mekong River in the dry season is much less than in the rainyseason, about 50% of rainy season flow.

Second, precipitation is a much more dominant source of fresh water to the Ca Mau Peninsula thanthe Mekong River in the rainy season, with approximately 80% of freshwater coming fromprecipitation and 20% from the Bassac River.

Third, there is a general movement of water to the West China Sea; most of the water in the PAPdrains to the West China Sea. In the rainy season, about 30% of the total otflow is to the EastChina Sea and this decreases to about 10% in the peak of the dry season. This is caused by thedifference in tides between the East and West China Seas, coupled with the low elevation throughoutthe study area in particular and the Ca Mau Peninsula in general, and illustrates the dominating effectof the East China Sea tidal regime on the hydrology of the study area.

Fourth, the net movement of water from east to west in the PAP caused by the East China Sea tidesmeans that much of the fresh water supply from the Mekong River does not reach the study area but

instead exits the Ca Mau Peninsula to the East China Sea.

. _----'~- _ _ _ J:.... . _wi_nmepS lnocr-rintion of ProiectArea Provinces 49


8.3.2 Salinity

In the dry season, the tides of the East China Sea, coupled with the low freshwater supply from theBassac River and the almost total absence of precipitation, mean that the PAP experiences extensivesalt water intrusion. Table 8 indicates that slightly more the 25% of water entering the Ca MauPeninsula and the study area is marine water from the ocean, via the My Thanh, Ganh Hao, and OngDoc Rivers. An isohaline map generated from the VRSAP simulation of the early February, 1990condition demonstrates very clearly the effect of this salinity intrusion. Salinity is greatest nearest theocean and almost the entire southern Ca Mau Peninsula is under the influence of marine water.

8.4 POPULATION

The proportion of persons under age 15 years of age in the PAP accounts for 42% of the population.Although the population growth rate of the PAP declined steadily from 2.7% in 1979 to 2.2% in1994, itis still higher than that of most other areas in the Mekong Delta, which results in a higher populationpressure on economic growth and development. The current dependency ratio of the PAP is 98%,whereas the average ratio of the entire Mekong Delta is 93%.

Over 80% of the population of the PAP live in rural areas. The predominantly rural population isdispersed, but due to the problem of water inundation as well as requirements for communication andtransportation it is unevenly distributed. Most population concentrate on natural levees and thecoastal plains, along the banks of canals and rivers, and beside the roads. Most farm families live insmall settlements situated at the intersections or along the banks of the canals and rivers.

A substantial portion of population increase in the PAP is attributed to net migration. Despite arelatively low living standard the province has attracted a significant number of in-migrants everyyear. Up to the early 1990s most of the migrants originated from the provinces in northem and centralpart of the country. They were moved from densely populated areas to less populated andloruncultivated areas in the Central Highlands and the southem part of the country to build new(agriculturally) economic zones there. However those people have encountered a number ofdifficulties including the lack of cultivating expertise and experience and various other hardships inthe newly colonized areas. Many of them were than moving out those areas to more prosperousareas in the Mekong Delta and a number of them settled in the PAP.

On the other hand, a large part of the migrants coming to the PAP from the early 1990s onwardoriginated from the provinces within the Mekong Delta. Most of them are spontaneous (and henceare usually considered non-legal, too) migrants who are primarily motivated by economic reasons.They came to the PAP to exploit woods and other forest and aquatic products. They are the mainfactor causing a rapid disappearance of thousands of hectares of forests and a seriousenvironmental degradation in recent years. Because most of those illegal migrants came to the PAPwithout any registrafion or knowledge of the relevant authorities, there are no reliable statistics onthem, but their actual number is estimated in the tens of thousand. Meanwhile, many householdswho have migrated to the PAP prior to 1 990s now tend to move out the province to other provinces inthe Southeast Region or the Mekong Delta for better living conditions.

* -J: .- -__1 C-;_n f na ienntion of Proiect Area Provinces


8.5 LAND USE

Current land use in the PAP is dominated by agriculture: more than 50% of the total land of theprovince is used for growing agricultural products. This is followed by aquaculture, 20% of the totalarea, and forestry, at slightly more than 12% of the agricultural land. Land that is not being used forvarious reasons is high, about 10% of the total land area.

The area of land not being used has decreaed substantially in recent years, reflecting increaseeconomic activity throughout the province.

While the area of protected forest and Melaieuca forest have increased, there has been a largedecrease in the area forested in mangrove. Almost 50% of Minh Hai's mangrove forests havedisappeared in the last four years. Concommitant with the decrease in mangrove has been anincrease in the area devoted to shrimp farming activities. This trend exists in all the coastal districtssave for U Minh, and is most dramatic in the districts of Ngoc Hien and Dam Doi and, to a lesserdegree, the districts of Vinh Loi, Tran Van Thoi, and Gia Rai.

There has been extensification of agriculture throughout the PAP. This extensification has consistedof a shift away from rainy season rice cropping into other agricultural commodities, particularly uplandand perennial crops such and beans, pineapple, and sugarcane. The shortage of fresh water in thedry season makes it possible to cultivate two crops of nce in very limited areas of the PAP.

8.6 ECONOMY

8.6.1 General

The primary sector is a backbone of the economy of the PAP. Agriculture, forestry and fishery stillemploy nearly 85% of its labor force though they contribute only 55% to GDP figures. This clearlyindicates that labor productivity in this sector is very low and the sector is likely to have a surplus oflabor for a long time. The manufacturing employs only 7% of the labor force but contributes around20% to GDP. Over 71% of the provincial gross industrial output are generated by the state-ownedlarge scale enterprises which concentrate in aquatic products processing industry. While most of theprivate enterprises are of small scale and unable to absorb larger numbers of laborers because oflack of investment capital, the state-owned enterprises in the PAP as well as elsewhere in the countryare under a restructuring process, which prevent them from recruiting workers in large numbers asbefore. This makes the process of transition of laborers from agriculture to manufacturing proceedvery slowly although there is a significant wage gap between the two sectors. The service sectorcontributes about 25% to GDP.

8.6.2 Income

In 1993, the PAP had an annual income of VN Dong 1,670,000 (around USD 160.0) which is roughlythe same as the average income of the entire Mekong Delta population but is substantially lower than

--- - _- _ -- m-o na.fco*w;__tinen+nn nf Proiect Area Provinces S1


the national average which was estimated, based on Vietnam's Living Standard Survey in 1993, toUSD 230. Nevertheless, there is significant gaps in income among different types of households. Thehighest annual income per capita, over VND 4 million, was observed among the householdsspecializing in aquatic production which account for some 12% of the province's total population. Aperson in household that eamed most their income from trade, sales and services assumed anaverage income of VND 2,300,000 per year. Households of this type account for 5% of the totalpoRulation. Another 42% of the population live in the areas of multi-plant cultivation and had anaverage percapita income of around VND 1,700,000 per year. And finally, the households that areengaged in monoculture production eamed the lowest income, i.e., about VND 1,100,000 per head.In addition, 21% of the Minh Hai's population eamed less than one third of the income of an averageresident of the province.

8.6.3 Agriculture

Agriculture is the largest economic sector in the PAP, and provides by far the largest source ofemployment for people. The important crops are: rice; sugarcane; pineapple; and vegetables. Theprovince is a net exporter of foodstuffs. Rice production as exhibited a steady increase in the lastdecade (9.7% annual increase in total production since 1986) in response to movement to a freemarket economy. Increases in production of most other crops have been less consistent and reflectthe lack of extension, markets, and availability of inputs as constraints to production of crops otherthan rice. Yet, the land area devoted to non-rice agricultural crops is increasing, as farm householdsseek to obtain greater production from land in areas that are not suitable for rainy season ricecropping because of hydrological and soil conditions.

8.6.4 Forestry

Forests and trees in the PAP are used for various purposes, including fuelwood, house construction,fumiture, food, and environmental protection. The natural forest are decreasing quickly, and thereare no plantation forests used for large scale timber or pulp/paper operations. The PAP has had ascattered tree planting program for a number of years, directed towards local environmentalprotection and provision of fuelwood. About 25,000 trees are planted per year, and can provide asustained harvest of about 25,000 rn3 of wood per year.

Fuelwood is an extremely important issue the PAP (as it is throughout all of Viet Nam, where thebuming of wood comprises about 90% of the domestic energy consumption nationally). Fuelwoodrequirements in the Mekong Delta average 0.3 m3 per capita per year. This is equivalent to about520,000 m 3 of fuelwood per year for the current population of the PAP. Using published yield curvesfor Melaleuca, an estimated 300,000 m3 per year is available on a sustained harvest basis'5. This,plus the sustained harvest from planted scattered trees, means a fuetwood shortfall of about 40% of

"'this was estimated by assuming all the 'Other Forest" land was capable of producing a per ha yield equal to that of aMelaluce forest operted on an 8 year rotation. 'Other Foresr land likely contains harvested mangrove areas that havenot been regenerated, but It is assumed that this is compensated for by the harvest of sttered trees such as Eucalyptusand nipa palm. Quantitative variations in these assumptions do not change the basic qualitative assertion that current forestresources are not able to provide fuelwood to the inhabitants of the province on a sustained basis.

, _ ... p ____, c_.. __ o-4"- of rief Arp Provinces

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetfands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

annual requirements; about 200,000 m3 of fueiwood must be found from other sources. The rapiddecline in mangrove forests is caused in part by shrimp aquaculture, but is also almost certainly dueto human harvest for fuelwood.

We also observed, during our field visits, rather extensive coverage of mangrove along the majorcanals throughout the the province, reflecting the current salinity and tidal intrusion throughout mostof the PAP. These mangroves have not been recorded in land use inventories, but representsignificant habitat for aquatic biota. Nipa palm, a tree used for housing construction and requiringbrackish water occurs throughout the main canals in the province.

8.6.5 Fisheries

Fisheries are an important economic sector of the PAP, contributing about 24% of GDP. There areessentially two types of fisheries activites in the PAP: shrimp aquaculture; and captire fisheries.

8.6.5.1 Capture Fisheries

Using Minh Hai as an example, fisheries stocks in the PAP are over-exploited and in danger ofcollapse. In Minh Hai, total marine catch increased almost two-fold from about 58,000 t in 1980 to101,000 t in 1994, but this occurred because of an increase in the number of boats from slightlyunder 2,000 to almost 4,000 and a corresponding increase from about 25,000 to slightly more than97,000 total horsepower. The catch per unit effort (VHP) over this period decreased from 2.29 t/HPto 1.04 t/HP, a 55% decrease.

Most of this has occured in the last five years, when fishing collectives were abolished under nationaleconomic reform policies and parastatal fishing enterprises emerged under fisheries policies thatessentially viewed increasing capture fishery resources as a means to increase revenues and foreignexchange eamings. Current national fisheries plans aim to reduce the number of vessels in inlandwaters and increase the number of vessels and engine capacity of the offshore fleet. Targets for thePAP are for an increase in total engine capacity to more than 150,000 HP by the year 2010. Underthis scenario, predictions for the future, in the absence of appropriate interventions, are for continueddecline in fish stocks.

8.6.5.2 Aquaculture

Again, using Minh Hai as the example province for the entire PAP, the total area used for shrimpfarming in the PAP increased ten-fold, from 12,000 ha in 1980 to 124,000 ha in 1994. Essentially twotypes of shrimp aquaculture are practiced in Minh Hai'9:

(i) extensive system (94,800 ha, 76.3% of shrimp aquaculture area) - totally reliant on

"There are two other systems practiced: semHntensive and intensive, but these account for 200 ha, or about 0.4% of thetotal shrimnp aquacuiture area in the study area.

- n + ; n,*.~ f Prrite Ara Provinces 53

Coasual Wetlands Protcton and Deoelopment Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

natural inputs; and

(ii) improved extensive system (29,000 ha, 23.3% of shrimp aquaculture area) - ponds arestocked with hatchery larvae and feed is supplied, but water is exchanged entirely bytidal movement.

The increase in land area under shrimp aquaculture was accompanied by an increase in total shrimpproduction of only six-fold, from 5,400 t in 1980 to more than 29,000 t in 1994, and shrimp yield overthis period declined from about 0.45 tUha to 0.235 t/ha. There are two reasons for this:

(i) a decline in natural shrimp source for the extensive systems caused by over-exploitationin the capture fisheries; and

(ii) the unplanned and unregulated intensification of shrimp aquaculture (from completelyextensive operations to almost 25% of the area under shrimp aquaculture experiencingsome type of intensification). As early as 1991, indications were that all theenvironmentally suitable land available for shrimp farming had been exploited. Again,national policies to expand aquaculture production, coupled with perceived opportunitiesamong households for increased income from intensification, led to rapid intensification.The use of poor pond designs, poor farming techniques and self-pollution, pondconstruction in acid soils, mangrove destruction, pesticide pollution of surface watersfrom increased use of high yielding rice varieties in Zone I, and low quality post-larvaeobtained from nurseries durng this intensification led to declining yields in the "improvedextensive' systems.

Minh Hai wishes to decrease the total shrimp farm area to approximately that which isenvrionmentally sustainable, approximately 80.000 ha. But, national fisheries policies call forincreases in area for shrimp farming and a doubling of yield by the year 2010.

8.7 AQUATIC RESOURCES

8.7.1 Surface Water Quality

Sida has supported a water quality monitoring program throughout the Mekong Delta since 1988;eleven permanent stations are located in the PAP province. The focus of this program is oninorganic chemical water quality parameters, the program does not cover organic chemicals (e.g.pesticides), heavy metals, or biological water quality parameters (e.g. bacteria, disease organisms).It is the only permanent water quality monitoring network in the PAP.

There have been a number of water quality monitonng surveys and campaigns in the PAP, but thedata and information collected in these initiatives are maintained in the institutions that wereresponsible for collection. Some pesticide measurements in water have been taken, but veryinfrequently.

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of BSuffer Zone Component

Surface water quality in the study area is extremely poor, particularly with respect to salinity andbacterial contamination and acidity in some areas; it is therefore almost never used as a drinkingwater source. Every coliform measurement taken of canal water in the PAP exceeds the coliformstandards for coliform. The lack of sufficient groundwater wells, however, means that canals areextensively used as a source of domestic water. Bacterial contamination comes from using thecanals as a dump for raw sewage from latrines; only about 10% to 20% of the study area populationhas sufficiently adequate toilets to prevent bacterial contamination of water.

Acid water is generated from acid sulphate soils in the early part of the rainy season and dispersesover large areas of the PAP. pH of canal water, particularly in the acid sulphate soil areas of ThoiBinh and Hong Dan Districts, can drop to 3-4 for extended periods of time during the rainy season.This is reflected at, for example, Ca Mau, where acidity increases in canal water for the first fewweeks of the rainy season. This acid water can disperse over large areas, results in pH depressionsin the shrimp aquaculture areas of Dam Doi, Ngoc Hien and Gia Rai, and can affect shrimp yield.

Other than salinity, pH, and acidity, the PAP surface water meets World Health Organizationstandards in all cases.

8.7.2 Marine Water Quality

There is no consistent monitoring of marine water quality conditions in the PAP. As is the case withfresh water quality, there have been a number of surveys and campaigns measuring marine waterqualtiy; these initiatives have been restricted to the inshore marine zone. These measurements ofsimple inorganic water quality parameters, suggest that inshore marine water quality is good.

8.7.3 Groundwater

Confined aquifers with good ground water supplies exist under the Ca Mau Peninsula in general andthe PAP in particular. The depth of the good aquifers varies from 100 m to 400 rn with much of thestudy area having an aquifer at 100 to 120 m The aquifer is artesian, and in the area between CaMau - Bac Lieu canal and the East Sea, many of the wells exhibit a piezometric head above groundlevel, causing wells to overflow. In the area north and east of Ca Mau, the piezometric head is aboutI to 3 meters below ground surface. There is no consistent groundwater quality monitoring in thePAP and, any groundwater quality monitoring that is carried out is done at wells used for domesticwater supply.

8.7.4 Aquatic Ecosystems, Biota, and Biodiversity

Relatively little data on the distribution of aquatic plants in the study area is available. Some of theshallower secondary canals in the study area are experiencing problems with extensive carpets ofwater hyacinth choking the canals, especially in the dry season.

--- f MlJwv,ntinon of Proiect Area Provinces 55


Studies in the lower Mekong basin suggest that the fish in the area can be grouped into two groupsbased on their spawning behaviour and environmental tolerance:

(i) 'White" fish (principally species from the families Cyprinidae, and Schilbeidae), migrateinto the main channels during the dry and early rainy season to avoid the severeconditions in the inundation areas during those periods. They spawn in relativelysheltered waters after inundation has reached its peak.

(ii) "black" fish (principally from the families Clar,idae, Siluridae and Ophiocephalidae) havea broader environmental tolerance than "white" fish and are more widely distributed inthe area. They are chiefly bottom dwellers, and show a broad range of spawningbehaviour.

Results of 1985 and 1991 fisheries surveys conducted acrros the Ca Mau Peninsula incidate that therivers and canals of the study area support 191 species of fish (in 48 taxonomic families), and 34species of shrimps and prawns (in 7 taxonomic families). In terms of average daily production, 46%of the catches consisted of fish. The most economically important species include goby, mullet, sole,snake head fish, cat fish and Sardina species. Most of the remaining biomass in the daily catchesconsists of shrimp (48% of the total (highest densities occurring in the south-eastem stations)), withsmall numbers of prawns (Macrobrachium spp.; 2% of the catches (and concentrated in the north-west of the study area)), and crayfish (4% of the daily catches). Among the economically importantshrimp species caught in the area are: Metapenaeus lysianassa and M. ensis (together accountingfor 71% of the shrimp production), other less important species account for 17% of the shrimpproduction. The most high valued shrimp species (in terms of market price) is Penaeus indicus; thisspecies accounted for 2% of the catches.

8.8 TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT

8.8.1 Terrestrial Ecosystems

Despite the overwhelming influence of human populations in the PAP, there remain pockets of whatcould be termed natural ecosystems:

(i) the remaining mangrove forests;

(ii) the areas of Me/aleuca forest;

(iii) grassland ecosystems representing degraded land with low lying acid soils. This isessentially the fallow land that lies within the province; and

(iv) a number of protected areas throughout the province.

All of these ecosystems, though, have been and are continuing to be heavily to the impacts of humanactivities, largely through resource harvesting.

-^ __._W. c Cwi rlann fserintion of Proiect Area Provinces


8.8.1.1 Coastal Forests and Wetlands

The PAP once possessed the largest area of both mangrove and Melaleuca forests in Viet Nam.Estimates are that about 300,000 ha of Minh Hai was once covered by coastal forests and wetlandsprior to the American war and recent unsustainable exploitation. Now, only about 67,000 ha ofmangrove remain, and the area of Melaleuca, although a higher proportion of its onginal area thanmangrove, is smaller still.

Despite strong recent reforestation efforts, mangrove forests have continued to decline due to cutting

for fuelwood, and conversion to shrimp farming. The remaining forests cannot meet continuouslyincreasing demands for timber, lumber, and fuelwood; and the existing reforestation programs are in

no way sufficient to compensate for forest losses. The area of mangrove forest in the Minh Hai

declined from about 86,000 ha in 1980 to its current level of about 67,000 ha in 1994, a loss of19,000 ha. Estimates made by Euroconsult (1996) are that 1 ha of mangrove forest provides rearinghabitat for 0.7 t of capture fisheries yield. This implies that the loss of mangrove since 1980 has

contributed to a more than 13,000 loss of capture fisheries yield, about 13% of current fisheries

harvests and a much higher proportion of sustainable fisheries yield.

Melaleuca ecosystems, less disturbed than mangrove wetlands, are nonetheless under intensehuman pressure, and much of the original Melaleuca swamp forest has disappeared due to frequentfires and human activities. Some parts of these marshes have been restored to their natural

conditions, and the diversity of wildlife has partially recovered, particularly in water birds. Agriculturalextensification, primarily the cleanng for paddy cultivation, cutting of fuelwood, aind accidental and

purposely lit fires during the extraction of honey and aromatic oils are the main threats to theremaining Melaleuca forests. In particular, agricultural activities have affected inland marshes in two

ways. First, wetlands have been lost through their conversion to agricultural lands. Second,

drainage activities and excavation works for canals and raised bed cultivation have led to theoxidation of pyrite, acidification, the formation of iron and aluminum on acid sulfate soils and changes

in the hydrological regime increasing the nsk of forest fires. The acidity of drainage water from these

areas may cause detrimental effects on adjacent wetlands, agriculture, aquaculture, and domesticwater supplies.

8.8.1.2 Proteced Areas

The PAP has about 10,200 ha of protected area, in six locations:

(i) The Vinh Thanh Bird Sanctuary in Bac Lieu District - a 125 ha remnant of an extensive

coastal forest severely damaged during the American war and subsequent wood cutting;it was declared as a sanctuary in 1962. It is an important breeding site for waterbirds>

Protection is relatively good, although the threats are poaching, insecticides used in the

adjoing rice fields, and continued destruction of mangroves in the surrounding area;

(ii) Bau Sen (Dam Doi) Bird Sanctuary in Dam Doi District - a 129 ha patch of moderately

degraded mangrove declared as a sanctuary in 1985. The site is particularly important

. -.- . _. c_.;__fel rae-jni nfPm ieet Area Provinces 57

Coastal Wetands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.EnvironmenXtl and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

to waterbirds. Principal threats are poaching, continued mangrove harvesting, andaltered water regime due to agricultural activities in the surrounding area;

(iii) Cha La Bird Sanctuary in Cai Nuoc District - a 20 ha patch of very degraded mangroveforest, under some fornn of official protection since 1940. It is important as a breedingsite for waterfowl. The site is very degraded, and principal threats include poaching andmangrove cutting;

(iv) Ong Trang Nature Reserve in Ngoc Hien District - 1,540 ha on two uninhabited islandsformed by deltaic aggradation processes, established as a nature reserve in 1993.Successional processes are very active in the reserve, and main threats are tree cuttingand insufficient resources for demarcation and actual reserve establishment;

(v) Dat Mui Special Reserve Forest in Ngoc Hien District- a 4,474 ha remnant of a largemangrove forest in Ca Mau Cape established in 1987. The degradation of the reserve isalmost complete, due to shrimp aquaculture and mangrove cutting for fuelwood. Thissite once had the best mangrove in all Viet Nam; and

(vi) Vo Dat Nature Reserve in U Minh District - about 4,000 ha in size; this is the onlyreserve in the study area that contains substantial Melaleuca resources. But, littleinformation conceming this reserve could be recovered, save for the fact that wildfirespose a substantial threat to the reserve.

There have been a number of plant and animal inventories (terrestrial and aquatic) done in the CaMau Peninsula. A Viet Nam Red Book exists, but there was insufficient time in to denote which, ifany, Red Book species exist in in the PAP.

8.8.2 Air Quality

There are no air quality monitoring stations in existence in the the PAP or in the entire Ca MauPeninsula. Given the low level of industrialization in the Minh Hai, air quality is likely not a problem;the study team certainly never noticed any problems with the air quality at any time during the fieldvisits. Most air quality problems (if there are any) are likely localized, probably in more developedareas such urban centers, with combustion engine exhaust and charcoal plants.

8.9 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

8.9.1 Health

Despite the significant improvements in health care services provided to its population, the PAP hasfaced a number of difficulties and constraints in developing its health facilities and personnel.Statistics shows that among 10,000 population there are only 2.1 medicine doctors and 11 hospitalbeds. The majority of the health centers at subdistrict levels do not have any medicine doctors. Inadditon, a number of health facilities are now in a serious disrepair or being deteriorated, and most

__ -_____t:._ r. _____.^ ¢_.t;_w_A_~r n^f -e"+inn nfiPmW. A rpa Provinces


hospitals and health centers have suffered the shortage of all kinds of equipments, treatment facilitiesand medicines because of lack of investment capital. A paradox is that while the province is short ofhealth facilities, the costs of treatment and other health care services are often too expensive relativeto the low living standard of the population, which prevents patients from using the health facilities.Given a rather specific topographical conditions, the underdevelopment of the infrastructure systemof the province is also an important factor impeding the provision of health services to the people.

Most rural households live in very poor sanitary conditions. In particular, it is their tradition that theyinstall toilets on banks of rivers and canals and dispose exhume directly onto water. An officialstatistics of the province shows that only 11.3% of all the households have toilets that meet sanitarystandards. At the mean while, 43% population in towns and over 50% population in rural areas stillhave to use water from canals and rivers without any treatment. This is one of the major factorscausing frequent epidemic and a very high morbidity among the population of the PAP.

8.9.2 Nutrition

There is a dichotomy in the nutritional status of the population of the PAP Adults generally receiveadequate nutrition. This is reflected in the low percentage of unacceptable birth weights (c2.5 kg,WHO standard); 1.7% of children bom in the PAP in 1993 had an unacceptably low birth weight.

Nutritionally, young children in the PAP appear to be less well off than older children and adults. In1993, 46% of children surveyed in the PAP suffered from some level of malnutrition2' This situationgrows more acute in districts that grow less rice per capita, have smaller percentage of totalcultivated area irn rice, and a correspondingly larger percentage of cultivated land in shrimpproduction. This suggests that a large proportion of households are making insufficient incomecultivating non-rice crops to provide adequate nutiritional requirements for household members.

8.9.3 Quality of Drinking and Domestic Water Supply

Two uses of water are of concem: drinking water, and domestic water; water used for cooking,bathing, laundry, and so on. There are four sources of water used by the persons living in the studyarea:

(i) canals, used by approximately 61% of the rural population for domestic water supplyonly;

* (ii) municipal tap water, used by 86% of the urban population in the study area for bothdrinking and domestic water supply (actually very high capacity groundwater wells);

(iii) groundwater, used by approximately 39% of the rural population and 14% of the urbanpopulation for both drinking and domestic water supply; and

20measured using the Harvard standard, modified for Vaet Nam

~ ____J:. b. c ¢_,;_ nep- nf PrniPrt ArPa Provinces 59


(iv) rainwater, used only as a source of drinking water by much of the rural population.

8.9.4 Surface Water for Drinking and Domestic Water

Surface water quality in the study area is extremely poor, particularly with respect to salinity andorganic matter and bacterial contamination; it is therefore almost never used as a drinking watersource. The lack of sufficient groundwater wells, however, means that canals are extensively usedas a source of domestic water. Bacterial contamination comes from using the canals as a dump forraw sewage from latrines; only about 10% to 20% of the study area population has sufficientlyadequate toilets to prevent bacterial contaminabon of water.

8.9.5 Groundwater for Drinking and Domestic Water

Groundwater forms an increasingly important source of water for drinking and domestic use.Groundwater quality varies with the depth of the well, with deeper wells having little or no bacterialcontamination and shallower wells having increasingly dangerous levels of bacterial contamination.Salinity does not appear to be a problem with groundwater wells.

8.9.6 Rainwater for Drinking and Domestic Water

During the rainy season, households without access to groundwater often gather and store rainwaterin clay jars. Additional water is purchased from vendors who transport it by boat in clay containers.Fresh water from wells is generally expensive, approximately USD $0.06 per 200 litre container, andsometimes difficult to obtain.

8.9.7 Health

Despite the significant improvements in health care services provided to its population, the PAP hasfaced a number of difficulties and constraints in developing its health facilities and personnel.Statistics shows that among 10,000 population there are only 2.1 medicine doctors and 11 hospitalbeds. The majority of the health centers at subdistrict levels do not have any medicine doctors. Inaddition, a number of health facilities are now in a serious disrepair or being deteriorated, and mosthospitals and health centers have suffered the shortage of all kinds of equipments, treatment facilitiesand medicines because of lack of investment capital. A paradox is that while the province is short ofhealth facilities, the costs of treatment and other health care services are often too expensive relativeto the low living standard of the population, which prevents patients from using the health facilities.Given a rather specific topographical conditions, the underdevelopment of the infrastructure systemof the province is also an important factor impeding the provision of health services to the people.Most rural households live in very poor sanitary conditions. In particular, it is their tradition that theyinstall toilets on banks of rivers and canals and dispose exhume directly onto water. An officialstatistics of the province shows that only 11.3% of all the households have toilets that mneet sanitary

- .. - - , _P-. r.4.... _#DOmiarl A r& Prnvinc,s


standards. At the mean while, 43% population in towns and over 50% population in rural areas stillhave to use water from canals and rivers without any treatment. This is one of the major factorscausing frequent epidemic and a very high morbidity among the population of the PAP province.

8.9.8 Disease

The PAP experiences most of the well-known tropical diseases, namely malaria, Dengue fever, andencephalitis, as well as diseases such as tuberculosis and cholera. But, the universal presence ofbacterial contamination in surface water supplies, plus the use of surface waiter for domesticpurposes by a high proportion of the population, means that water-bome diseases of bacterial originare extremely prevalent. The reported cases of diarrheal disease vary from about 30 to 150 per1,000 children less than five years old. It must be remembered, however, that these are only thereported cases and the number of actual cases is much higher than these stated figures. It has veryclearly been demonstrated in other studies that the level of reporting varies with the level of healthcare services2"

8.9.9 Education

The population in the PAP as well as in other provinces in the Mekong Delta has a low level ofeducation in comparison to the average level of the entire nation (Error! Reference source notfound.). Results from the 1989 population census, which is the only basis for the analysis ofeducation, indicates that 13% of children aged 6 to 9 years did not go to school at all. There is noevidence that the situation was improved over the past 5 years. Children often begin to go to schoolquite late to their age because of the poor transportation system. Rural children usually have to passa number of dangerous 'monkey bridges" over canals and streams before they reach their school.Many are therefore kept at home until they can go to school safely on their own. Thus, at least 20%of children aged 11-14 years were still on grade 1 to 5 (primary school) while they should have beenon grade 6 to 9 (lower secondary school). This pervasive phenomenon of late school starting canadversely influence children's education career because the opportunity costs of their schoolingincreases as they grow and are available for work. Moreover, older children may feel uncomfortablesharing class with younger ones, which could result in high drop out rate and high repeating rate.Their education therefore is usually shorter than that of those who start school at the right age.

The 1989 census reveals that a vast majonty of Minh Hai's population do not finish the compulsoryprimary education (grade 5); less than 2% have completed upper secondary education and only 1%obtained different levels of tertiary education. Now the PAP is facing a severe shortage of workersthat have middle and higher level of education/skill. As shown in Table 2, the number of persons whoare qualified as technical workers or obtained middle and higher level of education account for only2% of the population aged 13 years or older, which is lower than the respectve figure for the entireMekong Delta, 3.7%, and by far lower than the national average, i.e., 9.7%. Moreover, the gap ineducational attainment between males and females also seems to be a serious problem. Theproportion of persons with middle or higher qualification among women is only half of that among

2"ESSA (1992).

-----. _ _......,,, t lritinin nf Prminct Area Provinces 61


men. All this indicates that the PAP will have to face a serious shortage of skilled manpower whichshould be a prerequisite for of its successful implementabon of industrialization and modemizationprograms in particular and its socio-economic development in general. This is also one of the keyobstacles to its information, education and communication programs in all areas. In addition, theexpansion of school facilities and the development of teaching personnel have lagged far behind theneeds of a steadily increasing number of school age children. the PAP is currently lacking nearly3,700 teachers of all grades, including 3,000 primary school teachers. The teaching quality is alsovery low and many teachers will have to be retrained. While the situation could hardly be improved orresolved in a few years or so, the PAP should really have to design elaborate and sound policies,programs and incentives to promote education, training and human resource development. That theprovince planned to dedicate 3% of its total budget to educational development is certainly notcommensurate to the requirements.

The financial constraints and the shortage of skilled manpower all together make the school systemof the PAP concentrate mostly in towns or densely populated rural areas, which is not commensurateto its unevenly distributed population which is much influenced by the topographical features. Thisgreatly limit the accessibility of children to the school system. In this case, an improvement of thetransportation system would assume a special meaning to the educational and human resourcedevelopment of the PAP province.

Another key factor that influences the educational level of Minh Hai's population is their low livingstandard. Although children in compulsory education are exempted from tuition fees and those athigher grades pay only nominal school fees, many families in fact cannot afford books, tools andother costs, which tend to increase over time, for their children. In addition, children in poor familiesoften have to participate in eaming activities as supporting laborers, which prevents them from goingto school or makes them drop out from school very early. Thus, the improvement of the education inthe PAP depends much upon how it will succeed in its socio-economic development and theimprovement of its population living standard. However, the low level of educabon is in tum one of thekey barriers to the successful implementation of its socio-economic programs. This vicious circleseems to last for a long time into the future if there is no breakthrough of the situation.

8.10 EMPLOYMENT

In 1994 the PAP had a total labor force of 759,000 workers accounting for 42% of its population. Theagriculture and fishery currently employ 84.3% of the total labor force. Another 3.6% are engaged inthe forestry. The manufacturing employs 7% and other industries only 4% of the labor force (Error!Reference source not found.). The number of unemployed is estimated to around 10,000 persons,accounting for nearly 13% of the economically active population, which is extremely high incomparison to other rural areas in the country. In addition, an official statistics from Minh Hai'sPlanning Committee indicates that each laborer is employed for an average number of 180-200 daysa year, which clearly suggest that the unemployment in the PAP is rather extensive and theemployment rate could be quite high. More seriously, the PAP is currently very short of skilled labor.Only 1% of its labor force in age span 16 years and above are qualified as technical workers; and thenumber of persons with middle or higher qualification accounts for merely 0.5%.

- _ ,-, .. _ . ____ c_..:___l n-e-nnn mf Pmiret Area Provinces


Given the resource constraints the PAP has faced a number of difficulties and challenges in creatingemployment for its rapidly increasing population. Most people do not have much choice of eamingactivities because most employment is still created form the monocultural rice procluction. While thelabor transition process from agricultural to industrial sector proceeds very slowly because of lack ofinvestment capital and skilled manpower, the province has found it very difficult to diversify industriesand occupations within the agricuftural production because it still cannot determine the right productsto be produced andlor forecast their perspective on both domestic and international markets.Furthermore, agricultural land is not allowed by law to be converted to non-agricultural usage, whichalso tends to slow down the process of economic restructuring and labor transition.

8.11 GENDER ISSUES

Viet Nam is a patriarchal society, and women appear to undertake the majority of the work in thehousehold. In addition to sharing in farming activities with the men, women are responsibie for manyoff-farm economic activities, as well as all the household and child care responsibilities. It is almostcertainly the case that women are generally not underemployed. Women perceive themselves as fullpartners on the farm. When asked their occupation, they stated that they are farmers. In somecases, for example if the husband has an off-farm occupation such as being a govemment official,the wife considers herself the only farmer in the family. They tend to be the business heads of thefamily and operate most financial endeavours. Local trade, including local marketing, appears to bealmost entirely run by women.

8.12 INFRASTRUCTURE

8.12.1 Electric Power Supply

The electricity power supply capacity of the PAP province was improved to some extent in recentyears. In 1991 the province has been connected to the national transmission system. This system iscurrently providing most electricity energy to the towns and key economic zones of the province.However, the PAP still lags far behind other provinces in the Mekong Delta in terms of electricitypower generation and consumption. Up to 1994, 52 out of the 119 urban subdistricts (i.e., 43.7%) andonly 5.2% of rural households in the province are supplied with electricity power. Hence, theelectricity consumption is still very low, that is, about 45 kwh per head a year.

8.12.2 Transportation

The transportation system in the PAP is one of the poorest in the Mekong Delta. Given itsgeographical and topographical features the transportation is very largely delpendent on the welldeveloped canal system. All the vehicle road stretch about 240 km long in the province. Thus theaverage road density ii around 3.1 m per sq. km. Most of the roads are of poor quality, not pavedand only suitable for low tonnage vehicles. Currently 6 out of the 11 district towns, namely Thoi Binh,U Minh, Tran Van Thoi, Cai Nuoc, Ngoc Hien and Dam Doi, are not connected to the vehicle road

-- ' -- ~-------."-'+ , Jf PmiPA Area Provinces 63


system. Most villages do not have vehicle road connected to their centers. The only road ofconsequence traversing the project area is the National Highway No.1, which crosses the area in aneast west direction and terminates at Ca Mau. The National Highway No. I is paved and the roadsurface is essentially level being between 1.3 and 1.9 m above mean sea level, except at some 20bridges where the road rises to cross canals or rivers. Other than this highway there are Provincialroads, most of which are located within towns. These roads are generally un-surfaced andimpassable by motor vehicles in the rainy seasons. There are no railways in the province.

The National Highway No. I is paved and the road surface is essentally level being between 1.3 and1.9 m above mean sea level, except at some 20 bridges where the road rises to cross canals orrivers. Other than this highway there are Provincial roads, most of which are located within towns.These roads are generally un-surfaced and impassable by motor vehicles in the rainy seasons.

At present the area in served by three main navigation canals plus numerous minor waterways. Thethree major navigation canals are described as follows:

(i) Ca Mau - Bac Lieu Canal This canal is the main traffic artery of the area at present,accommodating the largest vessels (up to 250 tonnes) and carrying the bulk of goodsdestined for markets in other Provinces or for trans-shipment at Ho Chi Minh City. TheCa Mau - Bac Lieu section is 67 km long and averages 50 to 70 m wide. The averagedepth is from 4 m to 6 m depending on the tide but there are shallower sectionsparticularly at the point where tidal fronts meet and sedimentation occurs.

(ii) Quan Lo/Phung HiepCanal This canal connecting Ca Mau with Phung Hiep is 119 kmlong, 50 to 70 m wide but only 2 to 6 m deep. There are four bridges crossing thissection of the canal varying in clearance above water level from 3.26 m to 4.36 m.These along with a number of locally built pedestrian bridges restrict the size of boatwhich can use the canal.

(iii) Chac Bang - Thoi Binh Canal This canal is 40 km long with average width of about 40 mwith varying depths generally less than 4 m. It provides navigation from Ca Mau throughThoi Binh to the Cai Lon River.

The well developed canal system has been seriously deteriorated. The canals have not beendredged for years. Many sections Ihave become to shallow for heavier tonnage vessels and oftenimpedes even the traffic of low tonnage vessels, particularly in dry season. More seriously, the use ofheavier tonnage and high speed vessels on the canals has undermined and eroded canal banks,which in tum accelerate the sedimentation process.

_. _ __, _.~ :____1 vi^ f Prnipet A rpa Provinces

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffeir Zone Component

9. Appendix C: Detailed Environmental Review of BufferZone Component

9.1 PILOT SITE #1 - BAI GHE

Location of Pilot Site - Sub-project No. 1, West Coast of Minh HaiArea of Pilot Site - 2,113 ha.% Sub-project occupied by Pilot Site - 47% of areaAssumed Representativeness of Pilot Site for other Sub-Projects22 - assumed applicable to Sub-projects 2, 7, and 8

9.1.1 Proposed BZ Model23

The primary constraint to production at Bai Ghe is that water depth can not be maintained in theponds. This is due to a variety of reasons, including: porous soils; high rates of siltation; small,improperly compacted dikes; and, inadequate sluice gates. The combination of these factors resultsin reduced pond surface area and shallow water depth despite frequent introduction of tidal water thathas the negative affect of increasing siltation in the pond. Besides limiting productive area, theshallow depth results in high daytime water temperatures and generally poor culture conditions.Under traditional extensive culture conditions, PLs enter the pond during monthly high tides wherethey remain through the smaller juvenile stages before migrating out against the current of anotherhigh tide several months later.24 It is at this time the farmer captures these larger shrimp in a trapinstalled in the pond side of the sluice gate. In the shallow hot ponds at Bai Ghe, juvenile shrimpmigrate against the incoming water at a much earlier stage to escape the poor conditions, therebybeing harvested at a smaller, less valuable, size. By simply deepening the ponds so that wild shrimpstocks remain in the pond longer, farmers at Bai Ghe could probably double the value of existingcrops because of the higher prices they would fetch for larger shrimp.

With at least some restoration of wild post-larval stocks throughout the Delta, a continuation ofextensive culture techniques is the lowest risk strategy for this site. Separate supply and drainagecanals would be desired, but at the modest culture densities proposed by Euroconsult (430kg/ha/crop), they are not essential. By dredging the existing canal and using thie spoils to improvepond dikes, farmers would still have the option of stocking the higher valued P. monodon. a model isproposed whereby farmers at Bai Ghe would rely on wild stocks during the rainy season, and stockwith high-health P. monodon, though at lower yields of 214 kg/ha/crop, during the dry season. Todiversify risk and increase revenues, is is also proposed that farmers polyculture sex-reversed Tilapiawith shrimp.

22for the purposes of the environmental review23This section is taken from Scurs and Larnpietti (1996)24PLs and juvenile shrimp tend to migrate into estuaries where they feed on the benthos and organic particulate of thisnutrient-rich environmnt. It is the behavior of sub-adults to migrate out of the estuary to oftshore locations where theymature and mate. These migration activities are stimulated by stong tidal acton.

A -%.naf;v n- n!.llIa,, Social Review of Buffer Zone Component 65


Three interventions at Bai Ghe are recommended:

(i) dredging the existing canal to use the spoils for strengthening and raising the level of thefarmer's dikes along the canal;

(ii) providing farmers access to credit for working capital and to construct concrete sluicegates; and

(iii) providing extension services and access to high-health P. monodon post larvae and sexreversed tilapia.

Larger, stronger dikes and better gates would enable farmers to maintain a higher water level in theirponds, thereby increasing pond surface area while improving culture conditions. The enlarged canalwould facility siltation prior to use, and with improved dikes and gates, farmers would require lessreplacement water to maintain depths, thereby reducing pond siltation. These measures, coupledwith extension services to improve pond management (pond preparation, fertilizing, etc.), plus highquality shrimp and fish stock, would increase the value and the quantity of the harvest.

9.1.2 Description of Current Environmental Conditions

9.1.2.1 Physical Resources

Soils Permanent saline soil and saline acid sulphate soil, the acidsulphate soil is distributed at a depth of 0.3 - 0.4 m belowthe surface.

Surface Water Resources The surface freshwater resource in the area is limited,however the rainfall in the region is high enough and allowto accumulate for one paddy crop/year.

Groundwater Resources The groundwater with proper quality for drinking purpose isdistributed quite deep in the region with limited exploitationcapacity.

Marine Water Quality The results of studies on marine water quality in EastemSea (Gulf of Thailand under Viet Nam's NationalEnvironmental Project KT 03.22 indicate that marine waterquality in the area is still good

* Salinity is in the range of 7-18 ppt* Suspended Matter (SS) content is quite low

(< 20 ppm)* total nitrogen is ranged from 0.5 to 0.7 ppm.* The NH4-N is quite low (<0.02 ppm)* total Phosphorus content is lower than

0.005 ppm.

66 Appendix D: Detailed Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlnds Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

* Total Iron ranges from 0.02-0.05 ppm* The residues of pesticides and herbicides

are observed in very low range and it is canbe explained due to agricultural runoffwater.

Geology and Minerals No data available.

Air Quality There have been no studies on air quality in the region, butthe air quality is generally good due to very low industrialand agricultural (i.e., spraying of pesticides and herbicides)activities.

9.1.2.2 Ecological Resources

Terrestrial Biota Floral resources in Minh Hai are rich in both quantity ofspecies, size of individual and ecosystems. According to thestudy of Prof. Phan Nguyen Hong there are 32 of wetlandspecies and 32 others. The terrestrial fauna is quite rich,there are observed 8 frog species, 21 reptile species, 41birdspecies and 20 mammal species

Forests Main forest style in the area is mangrove, most of them aresecondary forest.

Wetlands Before the war (1943) the mangrove forest is abandon in theCamau peninsula but during the war time and especiallyfrom 1983 the coverage of mangrove forest is decreasedramatically. According to the statistics in period from 1983-1988 in MinhHai about 25;000 Ha forest had been loosen.At the present time the reforestation project MILIEV fundedby Netherlands Govemment is just started and it is plannedto be completed in 1999.

Aquatic Biota The preliminary study on aquatic biota in the Minh Hai-KienGiang coastal and marine areas shown that there are noabsolute dominant species of aquatic biota.

Freshwater Fisheries There are no freshwater fisheries in the study site.

Marine Fisheries Mainly nearshore, however the provincial authorities havesupport to increase distant fishery facilities.

Biodiversity Generally high in biodiversity

^_^^i n- fnlfrJt SnaeiaLReview of BufferZone Component 67


Parks and Reserves None in this Pilot Site

9.1.2.3 Social and Economic Resources

Income See Appendix B.

Food Production See Appendix B.

Drinking Water Supply See Appendix B.

Nutrition and Health See Appendix B.

Education Very poor condition; see Appendix B.

Employment See Appendix B.

Ethnic Minorities Most of the Pilot Site population is Kinh.

Gender Issues See Appendix B.

9.1.3 Impact Analysis

9.1.3.1 General Impacts

Influx of New Settlers The tendency of population to change from agriculturalactivities into aquacultural activities in the area is quite high.Therefore more and more people are attempting to moveinto coastal areas to seek new sources of income. It meansthat the physical population growth in the area is notcontrolled by law but by aquaproductivity (marine fishery,shrimp cultivation). That will strongly impact on forestry inthe area.

Land Tenure, Resource Use A major risk to successful project implementation. Lessonsfrom throughout Asia clearly show that giving localcommunibes the skills in managing the natural resourcebase on which their livelihoods depend, and theresponsibility for managing those resources, is the mosteffective way of achieving sustainable management of theseresources. Local management as the mechanism forsustainable management of the BZ and FPZ require thatthese communities have secure access to and use of the

A f nooml.auI .an#ifor PQviow of Buffer Zone ComDonent


resources on which their livelihoods depend. The reality ofthe current situation, however, is that most productivenatural resources in the Pilot Site are treated as openaccess common property resources, plus the fact that landtenure is confused and incomplete. Legal and policyframeworks will need modification to allow localcommunities security of access to the particular naturalresources on which their livelihoods depend and for whosemanagement they are responsible. Assistance of someform will likely be required to provide successful resolutionof the land tenure and resource acess issue in the Pilot Site.

Extension Extension programmes would have positive impacts onsocio-economic and environmental conditions. The rightextension programme help people to understand properpractices in forestry, shrimp cultivation practices andenvironmental health.

Credit In Minh Hai the credit problem seem to be less sensitive incomparison with other parts, however the proper creditsupport will help people to keep stable economic incomeand then positive impact on forestry development in thearea.

Ethnic Minorities Not an issue in this Pilot Site, as most of the population is ofthe Kinh ethnic group

Role of Women Impact is uncertain, as the Project Description does notcalculate existing or incremental labor requirements andwhich household members will be required to take up anyadditional labor requirements

9.1.3.2 Effects of Non-Foresry BufferZone Activities on the Environment

Conversion of Wetlands Due to low tidal level from Westem Seea (Thailand gulf) andquite high elevation of the area and acquisition rate of coastline is quite high (50-80 n/year) the intake water canal aswell as the shrimp-ponds are used to idregged quite deep,there are high potential of AS exposure during processconversion of wetland for pond construction. Exposure ofAS will cause decreasing pH value of surface water andimpact negatively on water quality as well as shrimpcultivation. However, the negative impact can be easilymitigated.

A __d_4; n. nO~r;11- .£nt RoviPW of Buffer Zone Comronent 69


Pollution, Pond Effluent Main pollutants in pond effluent apparently are excessnutrients and depend upon aquacultural practices and kindof culture (extensive or semi-extensive, the intensive is notrecommended in Mekong Delta).

Risk of Aquaculture Disease Very high in Mekong Delta in recent two year of 1994-1995and still a potential threat in 1996.

Introduction of Exotic Species The dramatic shrimp diseases in Mekong Delta over twoyears can be explained partially by introduction of infectedPL from central Viet Nam (NhaTrang).

9.1.3.3 Effects of Extemal Factors on Sustainability of Non-Forestry Buffer Zone Activities

Land Use Practices The non-proper ratio between forest and shnmp-pond aswell as its distribution can impact negatively on sustainbalbeaquaculture. The agricultural practices in the region is quitesimple (one paddy crop) and have limited impact

Industrial Pollution At the present time there are no industries in the region, butthe shrimp-feed factory project in Ong Doc is planned forinvestment. It means that the environment of the regionnow is free of industrial effluents. Even in the case whenshnmp-feed factory project is implemented the industrialeffluents are not considerable.

Natural Hazards Not an issue.

Domestic Pollution The population density in the region is not so high, howeverdue to life style and economic conditions the sanitationsituation in the region can be accessed poor, mainpollutants created by human settlements are domesticwastes discharging directly into the environment (soil orsurface water) can cause deterioration of the water quality.

Pollution from Navigation Waterway traffic in the region is not so high due to somereasons

* in coastal area: the water depth is shallow.* inland area: only small boats can access.

Therefore the pollution causing by waterwaynavigation is not a significant issue in the projectsite.

A ~ r~ .g1- .- ib. Dnvu-aw of Raffer Zone Comoonent


9.1.3.4 Effects of Buffer Zone Forestry on the Environment

Site Clearing Effects on Soil Erosion The problem of soil clearng during reforestation in buffer

zone is not high.

Vegetation Removal Effects Not an issue

Forest Harvest Soil Erosion Not an issue

Nutrient Loss by Harvesting Not an issue

Fertilizer, Pesticides, Herbicides Not an issue, because mangroves growing in the shrimp

ponds will not undergo intensive management requiring theapplication of fertilizers, pesticides, etc.

Direct Damage in Harvest Operations Negligible, because of the limited mangrove harvesting that

will be allowed

Decrease in Water Quality The conventional way of shrimp pond practices involve quite

high water exchange rate, low nutrient inputs and thereforethe impact of increasing nutrient inputs on water quality issmall.

Habitat and Habitat Structure This will be a positive effect, because reforestation of

mangrove will increase habitat structure

Loss of Forest Products from Pests The problem of forest losses due to pest species is not a bigproblem in Mekong Delta and the problem can beconsidered negligible.

9.1.3.5 Effect of Extemal Factors on Buffer Zone Forestry Activities

Land Use Practices The buffer zone and full economic zone is separated by an

irrigation canal. One paddy crop is practicing in the fulleconomic zone and there are high potential of negativeimpact by spraying of pesticides and herbicides. The

practices shown that the spraying pesticides and herbicidescan disperse 5-10 km far away by wind. The water ofirrigation canal is fresh water (rain water) therefore its

exchange rate is quite low and high potential ofaccumulation of agrochemical such as pesticides,

herbicides as well as fertilizers.

A -- anoWv r- la.t*llad Soeial Review of Buffer Zone Component 71


Water Pollution There are differences between economic activities bufferzone and full economic zone, the water pollution by extemalfactors is minimized.

Natural Hazards Not an issue.

9.1.4 Recommendations for Mitigation and Monitoring

To mitigate the negative impacts following measures should be applied:

(i) To control over settleiment process and population density, to support reasonableeconomic income of population through area of land use, ratio between forest andshrimp-ponds as well as other sanitation and healthcare conditions;

(ii) Shrimp cultivation extension

(iii) Financial support;

(iv) Forestry extension programme-

(v) General environmental extension and education programme.

9.1.5 Comments on Replicability of Bai Ghe Buffer Zone Pilot Site

This Pilot Site can be applied only in coast line from estuary of OngTrang River to the boundary withKien Giang province.

9.2 PILOT SITE #2 - DAM DoI

Location of Pilot Site - Sub-project No. 3, Eastem Ca Mau PeninsulaArea of Pilot Site - 2,616 ha.% Sub-project occupied by Pilot Site - 33% of areaAssumed Representativeness of Pilot Site for other Sub-Projects" - assumed applicable to noother Sub-projects

9.2.1 Proposed Buffer Zone Model26

At the stocking densities currently employed, there may a problem with self pollution of shrimp pondsthrough the existing canal system. Their proposal to add two new inlet canals would improve waterexchange rates, plus it would also likely increase the supply of wild shrimp seed entering ponds. But,

25for the purposes of the environmental review'This secion is taken from Scura and Lampietti (1996)

A _~,pow _Vof rtfrffOronp Comoonent


these canals, as designed. would be opened to the sea over a mudflat, and the feasibility ofmaintaining these waterways open must be confirmed. The inter-tidal mudflat zone at the site is likelyto be unstable, with potential for problems maintaining open the mouths of newly constructed canals.Much of the same benefit (increased water exchange and separate inflow and effluenit) could likely beobtained by dredging the existing tidal creek (Dau Da) to serve as an inlet canal with the Bo CoCreek serving as the effluent canal. This would reduce the earthwork costs for canal infrastructure toabout 25% of the Euroconsult proposal, while minimizing the risk of constructing new waterwaysthrough the coastal mudflats.

Furthermore, because of the uncertainty of crop failure during the rainy season, and with at leastsome wild post larvae now present, a farm model consisting of extensive shrimp farming practicesduring the rainy season, with one crop of P. monodon produced during the dry season. This strategystill offers the option for upgrading the culture practices in the future. It is proposed that credit beprovided for an additional concrete sluice gate at each farm that would enable better management ofwater flow in and out of ponds. These measures, coupled with extension services that improve pondmanagement (pond preparation, fertilizing, improved feeding strategies, etc.), plus the availability ofhealthy P. monodon post larvae, should increase yields and financial retums to the farmers. Inaddition, the culture of sex reversed Tilapia would diversify the farmer's risk.



Soils Permanent saline soil and saline acid sulphate soil, but theacid soils are distributed deeper than in Bai Ghe study site.

Surface Water Resources . The same as in Bai Ghe study site. However, in 1994 theone paddy crop area in the full economic zone of Dam Doidistrict was converted into shrimp cultivation area thereforethe rainwater reservation canal and salt prevention dikeshave been demolished.

Groundwater Resources The same in Bai Ghe study site.

Marine Water Quality The results of studies on marine water quality in EastemSea (Gulf of Thailand under Viet Nam's NationalEnvironmental Project KT 03.22 indicate that marine waterquality in the area is still good:

* Salinity is higher than 18 ppt* water is quite turbid; Suspended Matter (SS)

content is higher than 40 ppm* The NH4-N in the rivers is negligible (0) but in the

canal and shrimp ponds is quite high and in range of0.013-0.55 ppm.

-- __ h ,..-.- _;.., D; P ,f SF##O7 7r~on IFlfnlnfPnf 73


* Total Phosphorus in the canals of Dam Doi is higherthan in other area of Mekong Delta from 0.034 -0.608 ppm.

* Total Iron is ranged from 0.02-0.05 ppm* silica content of marine water is in range of 5-7 ppm.* residues of pesticides and herbicides are observed

in very low range and it is can be explained due toagricultural runoff water.

* the pH value is in range of 7.2 - 8.1Heavy metals the observed results shown that the heavymetals concentration is quite low and still below thresholdcausing toxicity to aquatic life

* Pb < 0.005 - 0.012 ppm* Cu < 0.005 ppm* Cd < 0.001 ppm

Hg < 0.001 ppmAgrochemical residues of DDT-pp, DDT-op, DDD-pp, DDE-pp, Parathion, Tetrachlovalinine, HCB, Pentachlorobenzenare observed but in very low range (0.002-0.035 ppm)

Geology and Minerals No data available.



Terrestrial Biota There are 3 typical ecosystems as follows:* Mangrove forest located along river banks such

as Muong Duong, Muong Dieu, Vam Dam, DamChim, Ganh Hao and Bay Hap rivers.

* Ecosystems in the shrimp cultivation area,along Chung Kiet canal, 6-Dong canal, TramThung, Vam Dong Chet, Vam Bong Ket, Bo Guicanal, Ong Don canal and belonged to followingvillages Tan Thuan, Tan Tien, Nguyen Huanetc.

* Ecosystem in the area between paddy rice areaand shrimp cultivation areas.

A __ J.< rb..4a ^x_^ 0_;. ,,;., Cl, 'f o#r 7..r.fnw,e,remnrsenet


Forests Main forest style in the area is mangrove, most of it issecondary forest. There are several reaisons for this, butthe main one is cutting for firewood.

Wetlands See Section 9.1.2.

Aquatic Biota The aquatic biota in the region is still rich in both structureand species. The main kind is saiine water species.

Freshwater Fisheries There are few remaining freshwater fisheries in the studysite due to overexploitation.

Marine Fisheries Mainly nearshore, and provincial authorities are attemptingto increase offshore fisheries.

Biodiversity Generally high in biodiversity

Parks and Reserves Dam Doi Bird Sanctuary. See Appendix B for a moredetailed description.


Income Main income sources are: nearshore marine fishery, shrimpand other saline water aquaculture such as crab cultivation,and firewood from mangrove. See Appendix B for generaloverview of income situation throughout the Project Area.

Food Production See Appendix B for general overview of food productionthroughout the Project Area.

Drinking Water Supply See Appendix B for general overview of drinking watersupply situation throughout the Project Airea.

Nutrition and Health See Appendix B for general overview of nutrition and healthsituation throughout the Project Area.

Education Very poor condition; see Appendix B for general overviewof education situation throughout the Project Area.

Employment See Appendix B for general overview of employmentsituation throughout the Project Area.

Ethnic Minorities Most of the Pilot Site population is Kinh.

X;_ n. nf;le~tIed ~-i* ;ovi0w of Buffer Zone Comoonent 75


Gender Issues See Appendix B for general overview of gender situationthroughout the Project Area.



Influx of New Settlers The physical resettlement process is chaotic and dependsupon shrimp cultivation success in the area. In the period1987-1993 the shrimp success had occurred not in Dam Doibut in several other regions in Mekong Delta, where shrimpcultivation is good. The result was many households peoplemoved from inland into the coastal area without anypermission. But in the period of 1994-1995, when shrimp-disease caused high economic losses in all the MekongDelta, pullback was observed.This means that the population pressure on these area ispermanent tendency unless the following problems aresolved:

* Economic support.* Fuel substitution.* Control of physical resettlement process.

Land Tenure, Resource Use A major nsk to successful project implementation. Lessonsfrom throughout Asia clearly show that giving localcommunities the skills in managing the natural resourcebase on which their livelihoods depend, and theresponsibility for managing those resources, is the mosteffective way of achieving sustainable management of theseresources Local management as the mechanism forsustainable management of the BZ and FPZ require thatthese communities have secure access to and use of theresources on which their livelihoods depend. The reality ofthe current situation, however, is that most productivenatural resources in the Pilot Site are treated as openaccess common property resources, plus the fact that landtenure is confused and incomplete. Legal and policyframeworks will need modification to allow localcommunities security of access to the particular naturalresources on which their livelihoods depend and for whosemanagement they are responsible. Assistance of someform will likely be required to provide successful resolutionof the land tenure and resource acess issue in the Pilot Site.

A -- 4; fln- neflr- Pmeipr Review of Buffer Zone Component

GEC Ltd. Coasal WeUands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

Extension Extension programmes would have positive impacts onsocio-economic and environmental conditions. The rightextension programme help people to understand properpractices in forestry, shrimp cultivation practices andenvironmental health.

Credit In Minh Hai the credit problem seem to be less sensitive incomparison with other parts, however the proper creditsupport will help people to keep stable economic incomeand then positive impact on forestry development in thearea. In particular, reasonable interest on credit has strongimpacts on buffer zone development. The income fromforestry activities is long term (at least: five years afterplanting). Without credit and if income from shrimpcultivation activities is poor, there will be no other incomesources besides nearshore fishery activities.

Ethnic Minorities Not an issue in this Pilot Site, as most of the population is ofthe Kinh ethnic group

Role of Women Impact is uncertain, as the Project Description does notcalculate existing or incremental labor requirements andwhich household members will be required to take up anyadditional labor requirements.

9.2.3.2 Effects of Non-Forestry Buffer Zone Activities on the Environment

Conversion of Wetlands The coast line has a quite high elevation and the erosionprocess is very rapid (50-100 rinyear). The proposed BZmodel will have a positive impact on environment if the70:30 ratio forest pond is followed. Otherwise the followingnegative impact may occur:

* exposure of ASS, that will cause decreasing pHvalue of surface water then decreasing shrimpcultivation productivity; and

* deforestation process

Pollution, Pond Effluent The importance of water pollution from pond effluent is stillunknown under extensive and low PL density semi-intensiveshrimp cuttivations. Experience shows that the high PLdensity semi-intensive shrimp cultivation in the MekongDelta is not suitable due to unidentifiecl reasons. In someareas the polluted pond effluent seem to be a reasonscausing shrimp diseases but it is should be studied and can

.A r)*tX45; . flJf$ .Ceei. Review of Buffer Zone Component 77


almost certainly be avoided if separate intake and drainagecanals are constructed.

Risk of Aquaculture Disease Very high in Mekong Delta in recent two years of 1994-1995and still a potential threat in 1996 and onward.


9.2.3.3 Effects of Extemal Factors on Sustainability of Non-Forestry BufferZone Activities

Land Use Practices Before 1994 one paddy crop cultivation was practiced in fulleconomic zone, however it is now changed to shrimpcultivation. It means that there are no freshwateragncultural activities in either buffer zone and full economiczone. The issue to be considered is land use i.e. the ratiobetween forest and shrimp-ponds. The sustainable stockingdensity and actual area of shrimp pond should be assessed.

Industrial Pollution At the present time there are no industries in the vicinity ofthe Pilot Site that would cause threats to buffer zoneactivities

Natural Hazards Not an issue. The only natural hazard that should perhapsbe considered is flooding in the Mekong Delta, but this PilotSite is so far from large sources of freshwater that flood riskis negligible.

Domestic Pollution The population density in the region is not so high, howeverdue to life style and economic conditions the sanitationsituation in the region can be assessed as poor, mainpollutants created by human settlements are domesticwastes discharging directly into the environment (soil orsurface water) cause deterioration of the water quality.

Pollution from Navigation Waterway traffic in the region is not so high due to somereasons:

* in coastal area: the water depth is shallow.* inland area: only small boats can access.

Therefore the pollution causing by waterway navigation,save for perhaps localized leakages of oily wastes frompassing boats, is not a significant issue in the project site.

* ____J:._ Pb.....4II ¢ Ds.,pnf Rtfar 7nnp Cnmnon,nt

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetands Proecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

9.2.3.4 Effects of Buffer Zone Forestry Activities on the Environment

Site Clearing Effects on Soil Erosion The problem of soil clearing during reforestation in bufferzone is not high.




Fertilizer, Pesticides, Herbicides Not an issue, because mangroves growing in the shrimpponds will not undergo intensive management requiring theapplication of fertilizers, pesticides, etc.

Direct Damage in Harvest Operations Negligible, because of the limited mangrove harvesting thatwill be allowed

Decrease in Water Quality The conventional way of shrimp pond practices involve quitehigh water exchange rate, low nutrient inputs and thereforethe impact of increasing nutrient inputs on water quality issmall.

Habitat and Habitat Structure This will be a positive effect, because reforestation ofmangrove will increase habitat structure


9.2.3.5 Effect of Extemal Factors on the Sustainablity of Buffer Zone Forestry Activities

Land Use Practices Not an issue, because economic activities in the fulleconomc zone are the same as those currently in andproposed for the buffer zone.

Water Pollution Not an issue, because economic activities in the fulleconomc zone are the same as those currently in andproposed for the buffer zone.

Natural Hazards Not an issue. The only natural hazard thiat should perhapsbe considered is flooding in the Mekong Delta, but this PilotSite is so far from large sources of freshwater that flood riskis negligible.

^u ____M: . nr.A w t"_it Oavi, of RifforZ7one ComDonent 79


9.2.4 Recommendations for Mitigation and Monitoring


(i) To control over settlemnent process and population density, to support reasonableeconomic income of population through area of land use, ratio between forest andshrimp-ponds as well as. other sanitation and health care conditions;

(ii) Shrimp cultivation extension

(iii) Forestry extension programme.

(iv) General environmental extension and education programme.

9.2.5 Comments on Replicability of Buffer Zone Component

This Pilot Site can be applied only with certainty in Sub-project No. 3: Eastem Ca Mau Peninsula.

9.3 PILOT SITE #3 - BAC LIEU

Location of Pilot Site - Sub-project No. 4, Vinh Loi-Gia RaiArea of Pilot Site - 690 ha.% Sub-project occupied by Pilot Site - 30% of areaAssumed Representativeness of Pilot Site for other Sub-Projects"7 - assumed applicable to noother Sub-projects

9.3.1 Proposed Buffer Zone Model28

In the Bac Lieu district, on the Eastem Ca Mau Peninsula of Minh Hai, there is up to 50 meters ofcoastal accretion per year with new growth mangrove in the FPZ. The land in the BZ is mostlyinhabited by Khmer that traditionally produced salt in shallow evaporation ponds. During the pastseveral years there was a gradual upgrading of ponds for shrimp culture, but since 1993, people inthis area have largely abandoned shrimp farming as an economic activity. There is potential for up to2,000 ha of land to be upgraded in the BZ along Bac Lieu, and Can Tho University has recentlydeveloped a small aquaculture research and demonstration facility adjacent to the proposed studysite.

It is proposed that up to 200 ha of land be used as a study site under the Project to upgrade existingponds for sustainable shrimp culture, and to link farmers to the adjacent FPZ. The close proximity ofthe Can Tho University field station (which would be upgraded under the support service componentof the Project) would facilitate the technical extension services necessary to introduce more

27for the purposes of the environmental review'This section is taken ftom Scura and Larnpietti (1996)

A ^ _ .t e o Es nffr 7#"n m


advanced shrimp culture technologies at this site. This would include stocking at slightly higherlevels to justify the cost of treating incoming water to further insure against the threat of disease. It

would also include shrimp/fish polyculture-either with Tilapia or milkfish.

In this area, there already exists a main supply canal from the sea, and the site has a separate

drainage canal to a nearby river-thereby separating inflow from effluent. The Project would

construct common secondary canals that would also serve to settle the high silt load in the coastal

waters along Bac Lieu. Water treatment ponds would be constructed on each farmer's site, where

chlorine would be used to kill potential viral carriers (other crab or shrimp species) found in the water

supply.

The model for this study site assumes two P. monodon crops per year at 221 kg/ha/crop plus 225

kg/ha/crop of fish.



Soils The main soil in Bac Lieu is permanent saline soil, the soil is

slightly alkali and relatively fertile.

Surface Freshwater Resources Surface freshwater resource in the area is limited.

Groundwater Resources There are no data available on groundiwater resources in

this Pilot Site, but informal observations suggest that thequality and capacity of second groundwater aquifer is good

and it can considered as a source of drinking water supplyfor the area.

Marine Water Quality There are no data available. But the quality of marine water

is likely good due to very low industrial and human activitiesin the region.

Geology and Minerals No information was available.

Air Quality There have been no studies on air quality in the region, but

the air quality is generaliy good due to very low industrialand agricultural (i.e., spraying of pesticides and herbicides)activities.


w . - . __*;- _ D8rfor 7-nat CnnDnonent 81

Coastal Wetlnds Protecton and Development Propjct GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

Terrestrial Biota Very poor, as most of the terrestrial habitat has been lostbecause most of the forest has been cut for fuelwood, andthis process remains uncotrolled.

Forests Very poor because most of the forest has been cut forfuetwood, and this process remains uncotrolled.

Wetlands Very poor.

Aquatic Biota No quantitative data are available. But, the main componentof aquatic biota is the marine ecosystem, and the capacityof the marine system remains healthy.

Freshwater Fisheries There are few remaining freshwater fisheries in the Pilot Sitedue to overexploitation.

Marine Fisheries Mainly nearshore; provincial authorities are attempting toincrease offshore fisheries.

Biodiversity Qualitatively assessed as extremely poor.

Parks and Reserves Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary. See Appendix B for a moredetailed descnption.


Income .Main income sources are: agricultural activities (highlandcrops such as onion, fruit trees), aquaculture activities suchas Artemia in dry season and shrimp cultivation in wetseason. See Appendix B for general overview of incomesituation throughout the Project Area.


Drinking Water Supply The percentage of drinking water coming from cleangroundwater sources is lower than in other parts of theProject Area. See Appendix B for general overview ofdrinking water supply situation throughout the Project Area.


_ _ r_:v t_;1 Oat;aul ont Prffar Zone Comnooent

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlands Protecton end Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component



Ethnic Minorities Much of the Pilot Site population is comprised of Khmer andHoa (Chinese) ethnic groups.

Gender Issues See Appendix B for general overview of the gendersituation throughout the Project Area.



Influx of New Settlers The percentage of the population that is poor has increaseddramatically during the last decade. This is particularly truewith respect to the Khmer ethnic group, as they moved tothe coastal area to seek economic income from low capitalinvestment sources such as the nearshore fishery, andfuelwood.

Land Tenure, Resource Use A major risk to successful project implementation. Lessonsfrom throughout Asia clearly show that giving localcommunities the skills in managing the natural resourcebase on which their livelihoods depend, and theresponsibility for managing those resources, is the mosteffective way of achieving sustainable management of theseresources. Local management as the mechanism forsustainable management of the BZ and FPZ require thatthese communities have secure access to and use of theresources on which their livelihoods depend. The reality ofthe current situation, however, is that most productivenatural resources in the Pilot Site are treated as openaccess common property resources, plus the fact that landtenure is confused and incomplete. Legal and policyframeworks will need modification to allow localcommunities security of access to the particular naturalresources on which their livelihoods depend and for whosemanagement they are responsible. Assistance of someform will likely be required to provide successful resolutionof the land tenure and resource acess issue in the Pilot Site.

'__;_n n^~;h .C^ Pnviow of Burffer Zone Component


Extension Extension programmes would have positive impacts onsocio-economic and environmental conditions. The rightextension programme help people to understand properpractices in forestry, shrimp cultivation practices andenvironmental health. For a long time people in this PilotSite have worked without any reliable extension programs.

Credit Proper credit support should have very positive impact onsocio-economic development in the area and subsequentimprovement in forest and environmental quality.

Ethnic Minorities A major issue in this Pilot Site. The reader is referred toSection 4 and Appendix C for a more detailed descriptionof this general issue.

Role of Women .Impact is uncertain, as the Project Descnption does notcalculate existing or incremental labor requirements andwhich household members will be required to take up anyadditional labor requirements


Conversion of Wetlands There are no more wetlands in the area to convert to ponds.

Pollution, Pond Effluent The elevation of the area is quite high therefore the effluentfrom pond can discharge very quickly and easily into thesea.



9.3.3.3 Effects of Extemal Factors on Sustainability of Non-Forestry Buffer Zone Activities

Land Use Practices The current common agricultural practice in the area (in theBZ) is watermelon in wet season and onion in dry season,these vegetables are cultivated in raised bed with a mix ofshrimp cultivation. In the case of good freshwater supply(tube well) the area of watermelon can be expanded.Farmers spray upland crops with specific agrochemicalssuch as DDT (banned in Viet Nam). This kind of pesticide is

_ _ ,,- r. - rr_.. J e... :_. 0

.,n. ,.w ^S rWmfv 7v.ru,, mn6npnf


very stable in nature, has a high bioaccumulative capacityand may impact strongly on sustainability of non-forestryactivites in the BZ.

Industrial Pollution At the present time there are no industries in the vicinity ofthe Pilot Site that would cause threats to buffer zoneactivities


Domestic Poliution The population density in the region is not so high, howeverdue to life style and economic conditions the sanitationsituation in the region can be assessed as poor, mainpollutants created by human settlements are domesticwastes discharging directly into the environment (soil orsurface water) cause deterioration of the water quality. Theenvironmental resources at risk are shallow groundwaterand human health.

Pollution from Navigation Waterway traffic in the region is not so high due to somereasons:

. in coastal area: the water depth is shallow.* inland area: only small boats can access.

Therefore the pollution causing by waterway navigation,save for perhaps localized leakages of oily wastes frompassing boats, is not a significant issue in the Pilot Site.


Site Clearing Effects on Soil Erosion The site is already cleared, the soil in the area is quiteporous and therefore the erosion rate is significant. Theincremental effects of any soil clearing (uring reforestationin the buffer zone is therefore not high.




A __,_._ n-. n l ¢u-nri Ppuaiw of Buffer Zone Comoonent 85



Direct Damage in Harvest Operations Negligible, because of the limited mangrove harvesting thatwill be allowed


Habitat and Habitat Structure This will be a positive effect, because reforestation ofmangrove will increase habitat structure


9.3.3.5 Effect of Extemal Factors on Sustainability of Buffer Zone Forestry Activities

Land Use Practices The area has a relatively high elevation; it is thereforedifficult to determine suitable type of kind of mangrove treeto replant in the area.

Water Pollution Not an issue, because economic activities in the full.economc zone are the same as those currently in andproposed for the buffer zone.


9.3.4 Recommendations for Mitigation


(i) To control over settlement process and population density, to support reasonableeconomic income of populabon through area of land use, ratio between forest andshrimp-ponds as well as other sanitation and health care conditions;

(ii) Shrimp cultivation extension and financial support (i.e., credit)

- , - -r. ^ ~,,I k c_;. D;^f R?,,ffr 7nnr Cmnrnonnnt

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlands Pratecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component



9.4 PILOT SITE #4 - VINH CHAU

Location of Pilot Site - Sub-project No. 5, Vinh ChauArea of Pilot Site - 309 ha.% Sub-project occupied by Pilot Site - 18% of areaAssumed Representativeness of Pilot Site for other Sub-Projects29 - assumed applicable to noother Sub-projects

9.4.1 Proposed Buffer Zone Models30

Vinh Chau I

A diversified production system of Artemia during the dry season and shrimp/'Tilapia polycultureduring the rainy season is proposed. The Project would provide extension and credit to the farmer for:

* portable pump;* pond dike improvements; and* working capital.

Vinh Chau ll

The land elevation in the FPZ at Vinh Chau is above the highest tides and the only mangrove speciesgrowing in this area are along the slopes of canals, with a few pioneering mangrove species thathave been planted on the mudflats. There is a well defined 'step up' from the mudflat to the higherland of the FPZ just at the point where wave action is eroding the coast. Some people are alreadycultivating onions and other terrestrial crops at these higher elevation in the FPZ, and it is the opinionof the Mission that this activity should be regularized. The Vinh Chau area has limited rainfall and apronounced dry season, so the reforestation of the FPZ would require irrigation. It appears to bemore efficient to finance fresh water wells for small-scale (0.25 ha) vegetable farming in the FPZ inexchange for the farmer planting mangrove in a relatively small area (2 ha) of mudflat or along canalsand creeks.

2&for the purposes of the environmental review'This secion is taken from scura and Lampietti (1996)

.____ .. _,:.. ,_% I_ r__t o^.- O ,0W0#Qrpo 7%nno Inmnonpnt 87



9.4.2.t Physical Resources

Soils The two main kinds of soil in the Pilot Site are permanentsaline soil and dry saline soil.

Surface Freshwater Resources Surface freshwater resources in the area is limited.Groundwater Resources There are no data available on groundwater resources in

this Pilot Site, but informal observations suggest that thequality and capacity of second groundwater aquifer is goodand it can considered as a source of drinking water supplyfor the area.

Marine Water Quality There are no data available. But the quality of marine wateris likely good due to very low industrial and human activitiesin the region.




Terrestrial Biota Very poor. as most of the terrestrial habitat has been lostbecause most of the forest has been cut for fuelwood, andthis process remains uncotrolled.

Forests Very poor because most of the forest has been cut forfuelwood, and this process remains uncotrolled.

Wetlands Very poor.

Aquatic Biota No quantitative data are available. But, the main componentof aquatic biota is the marine ecosystem, and the capacityof the manne system to support aquatic biota remainshealthy.


~ _ _:._sOtC;owMfAIrffPr70 nA Comoonent


Marine Fisheries Nearshore fisheries are severely over-exploited; provincialauthorities are attempting to increase offshore fisheries.

Biodiversity Qualitatively assessed as extremely poor.

Parks and Reserves No parks and reserves at or in the vicinity of the Pilot Site.


Income Main income sources are: agricultural activities (highlandcrops such as onion, fruit trees), aquaculture activities suchas Artemia in dry season and shrimp cultivation in wetseason. See Appendix B for general overview of incomesituation throughout the Project Area.


Drinking Water Supply The percentage of drinking water coming from cleangroundwater sources is lower than in other parts of theProject Area. See Appendix B for general overview ofdrinking water supply situation throughout the Project Area.




Ethnic Minorities The Pilot Site population is comprised of Khmer and Hoa(Chinese) ethnic groups.

Gender issues See Appendix B for general overview of the gendersituation throughout the Project Area.



Influx of New Settlers There is a tendency of movement of Khmer into the coastal

A n- . f cl0 g Cr-iant Q viow of Buffer Zone ComDonent 89


areas. These people is quite poor and the influx of newsettle is impacting negatively on forest resources throughcutting for fuelwood and nearshore fishing.

Land Tenure, Resource Use While people are not permitted to live in the FPZ, theeconomic situation and an incomplete implementation ofland tenure has contributed to uncontrolled resource use(land, fisheries, and forestry in particular). This is a majorrisk to successful project implementabtion. Lessons fromthroughout Asia clearly show that giving local communitiesthe skills in managing the natural resource base on whichtheir livelihoods depend, and the responsibility for managingthose resources, is the most effective way of achievingsustainable management of these resources. Localmanagement as the mechanism for sustainablemanagement of the BZ and FPZ require that thesecommunities have secure access to and use of theresources on which their livelihoods depend. The reality ofthe current situation, however, is that most productivenatural resources in the Pilot Site are treated as openaccess common property resources, plus the fact that landtenure is confused and incomplete. Legal and policyframeworks will need modification to allow localcommunities security of access to the particular naturalresources on which their livelihoods depend and for whosemanagement they are responsible. Assistance of someform will likely be required to provide successful resolutionof the land tenure and resource acess issue in the Pilot Site.

Extension Extension programmes would have positive impacts onsocio-economic and environmental conditions. The rightextension programme help people to understand properpractices in forestry, shrimp cultivation practices andenvironmental health. For a long time people in this PilotSite have worked without any reliable extension programs.


Ethnic Minorities A major issue in this Pilot Site. The reader is referred toSection 4 and Appendix D for a more detailed descriptionof this general issue.

Role of Women Impact is uncertain, as the Project Description does not

. _ _ _.~. _,-.. _ __,_. .:_ D.. D,.ff^, 7e _Imr9vflft

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetands Protecton and Deveelopment ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

calculate existing or incremental labor requirements andwhich household members will be required to take up anyadditional labor requirements


Conversion of Wetlands There are no more wetlands in the area to convert to ponds.

Pollution, Pond Effluent Artemia cultivation requires nutrients and causeeutrophication of water (algal bloom). However the coastline in the area is eroded and the shore bed is sandy-mud;this will therefore have a relatively minor impact on marinewater quality. Also, the elevation of the area is quite hightherefore the effluent from pond can discharge very quicklyand easily into the sea.


Introduction of Exotic Species The dramatic shnmp diseases in the Mekong Delta over twoyears can be expiained partially by introduction of infectedPL from central Viet Nam (NhaTrang).

9.4.3.3 Effects of Extemal Factors on Aquacutture Sustainability

Land Use Practices The proposed mix of shrimp, Artemia, and upland cropscreates potential for pollution. Farmers spray upland cropswith specific agrochemicals such as DDT (banned in VietNam). This kind of pesticide is very stable in nature, has ahigh bioaccumulative capacity and may impact strongly onsustainability of non-forestry activities in the BZ.

Industrial Pollution At the present bme there are no industries in the vicinity ofthe Pilot Site that would cause threats to buffer zoneactivities

Natural Hazards Not an issue. The only natural hazard that should perhapsbe considered is flooding in the Mekong Delta, but this PilotSite is so far from large sources of freshwater that flood riskis negligible. In addition, the Northeast monsoon, anannual event, causes rapid erosion in this Pilot Site.

Domestic Pollution The population density in the region is not so high, howeverdue to life style and economic conditions the sanitation

A^__X;_ n-. ng,~II^ ¢^1visO^w nf Ruffor Zon Comrnonent 91


situation in the region can be assessed as poor, mainpollutants created by human settlements are domesticwastes discharging directly into the environment (soil orsurface water) cause deterioration of the water quality. Theenvironmental resources at risk are shallow groundwaterand human health.

Pollution from Navigation Waterway traffic in the region is not so high:* in coastal area : the water depth is shallow.* inland area: only small boats can access.



Site Clearing Effects on Soil Erosion The site is already cleared, the soil in the area is quiteporous and therefore the erosion rate is significant. Theincremental effects of any soil clearing during reforestationin the buffer zone is therefore not high.





Direct Damage in Harvest Operations Negligible, because of the limited forest harvesting that willbe allowed in the buffer zone.


Habitat and Habitat Structure This will be a positive effect, because reforestation willincrease habitat structure

Loss of Forest Products from Pests The problem of forest losses due to pest species is not a bigproblem in Mekong Delta and the problem can be


considered negligible.

9.4.3.5 Effect of External Factors on Sustainability of Buffer Zone Forestty Activities

Land Use Practices The area has a relatively high elevation; it is thereforedifficult to determine a suitable type of kind of tree to replantin the area.

Water Pollution Not an issue, because economic activities in the fulleconomc zone are the same as those currently in andproposed for the buffer zone. The soils in the area havequite high permeability; the groundwater quality may changeover time due to untreated domestic wastes and pollutionfrom pesticides applied on freshwater crops.




(i) To control over settlement process and population density, to support reasonableeconomic income of population through area of land use, ratio between forest andshrimp-ponds as well as other sanitation and health care conditions;




9.5 PILOT SITE #5 - MY LONG

Location of Pilot Site - Sub-project No. 11, My LongArea of Pilot Site - 724 ha.% Sub-project occupied by Pilot Site - 54% of areaAssumed Representativeness of Pilot Site for other Sub-Projects3l - assumed applicable to Sub-projects 6, 9, and 12

31tor te purposes of the environmental review

* _- . _ _ _ t --..# b,,,;7,.n. np,o m^_ nnf 93


9.5.1 Proposed Buffer Zone Models32

Euroconsult characterizes the collapse of shrimp farming in this area as being due to disease. Theypropose a system of canals that would allow each pond to have separate inlet and outlets. Interviewswith several farmers did not reveal a recent collapse in shrimp production. In fact, farmers in thisarea appear to have done reasonably well, continuing to produce a single crop of P. monodon in thedry season for the last several years. Their relative success may be due to their location at themouth of the Co Chien River, upstream of most other shrimp farms. However, those interviewedconfirmed increased production problems during the rainy season.

The most important constraint in this area appears to be a lack of access to capital. No infrastructureimprovements are required for this site. Recommendations include the promotion of P. monodonculture during the dry season using the high health PLs to be provided under the Project. In an effortto diversify crops from the existing system, farmers would also be provided with access to sex-reversed Tilapia fingerlings.



Soils The main soil in the Pilot Site is permanent saline soil, withelevation from 1.0 to 1.2 m above sea level.

Surface Freshwater Resources Surface freshwater resources in the area are limited.

Groundwater Resources There are no data available on groundwater resources inthis Pilot Site, but informal observations suggest that thereare two kinds of groundwater available in the area:

* Subsurface : in the sand ridges, available inrainy season.

* Groundwater: 100 m depth, of good quality.The quality and capacity of this groundwateraquifer is good and it can be considered as asource of drinking water supply for the area.

Marine Water Quality There are no data available. In general, marine waterquality appears to be good; the drift of small amounts ofcrude oils from offshore exploitation activities into the shorehas been periodically observed.


32This secton is taken from Scura and Lampietti (1996)

- _-: . rs ^il-t t4De pviaw nf Ruffor Zone ComDonent




Terrestrial Biota Very poor, as most of the terrestrial habitat has been lostbecause most of the forest has been cut for fuelwood, andthis process remains uncotrolled.

Forests Very poor because most of the forest has been cut forfuelwood, and this process remains uncotrolled. Onlysecondary forest remains and only in isolated areas.

Wetlands Very poor. The main magrove forest Rhizophora mucronatain the area is practically all gone and now Avicenia alba B.,Avicennia officinalis L., pheonix padulosa roxb., lumnitzerasp. dominate. In the higher elevation areas where the effectof the tide is limited, Phoenix sociation and Acrostichumsociation dominate. The indicative mangrove species incoastline and estuary of Tra Vinh is S.cascolans but itsabundance has decreased due to fuelwood cutting anderosion.

Aquatic Biota No quantitative data are available. But, the main componentof aquatic biota is the marine ecosystem, and the capacityof the marine system to support aquatic biota remainshealthy.


Marine Fisheries Nearshore fisheries are severely over-exploited; provincialauthorities are attempting to increase offshore fisheries.

Biodiversity The biodiversity of coastal area of this Pilot Site is greatlyreduced in recent years due to deforestation and shrimpcultivation activities.

Parks and Reserves No parks and reserves at or in the vicinity of the Pilot Site.


" f"o- n- fanizi. .nesril R,vipw of Buffer Zone Comgonent 95


Income Main income sources are: agricultural activities (highlandcrops such as onion and aquacuiture activities shrimpcultivation. See Appendix B for general overview ofincome situation throughout the Project Area.


Drinking Water Supply Drinking water supply source in the area is rainwater in wetseason and tube wells in dry season. There are twoconstraints to tube wells. First, the Rural Water Supply andSanitation Programme (funded by UNICEF) have placedminimum limitations on the number of familiates per tubewell. Second, the cost per tubewell is very high (due toextreme well depth requirements in this area) so a lot ofpeople can not pay for well water.




Ethnic Minorities The Pilot Site population is comprised of Khmer and Hoa(Chinese) ethnic groups.

Gender Issues See Appendix B for general overview of the gendersituation throughout the Project Area.



Influx of New Settlers The problem of settiement in full protection zone and bufferzone in this Pilot Site is not as significant as in otherproposed Pilot Sites. Again, in recent years (1994-1995),due to shrimp disease, there has been a tendency of shrimpfarmers to pull back from the Pilot Site. However, they stillmaintain acces to their shrimp-ponds and the possibility ofmoving back is high once conditions for shrimp cultivationimprove.

* - .. 'J.. p.. ..... .tr J c _ Dp.f,,ffarY 7cn "r rnmnnnant


Land Tenure, Resource Use While people are not permitted to live in the FPZ, theeconomic situation and an incomplete irnplementation ofland tenure has contributed to uncontrolled resource use(land, fisheries, and forestry in particular). This is a majorrisk to successful project implementation. Lessons fromthroughout Asia clearly show that giving local communitiesthe skills in managing the natural resource base on whichtheir livelihoods depend, and the responsibility for managingthose resources, is the most effective way of achievingsustainable management of these resources. Localmanagement as the mechanism for sustainablemanagement of the BZ and FPZ require that thesecommunities have secure access to and use of theresources on which their livelihoods depend. The reality ofthe current situation, however, is that most productivenatural resources in the Pilot Site are treated as openaccess common property resources, plus the fact that landtenure is confused and incomplete. Legal and policyframeworks will need modification to allow localcommunities security of access to the particular naturalresources on which their livelihoods depeind and for whosemanagement they are responsible. Assistance of someform will likely be required to provide successful resolutionof the land tenure and resource acess issue in the Pilot Site.

Extension Extension programmes would have positive impacts on

socio-economic and environmental conditions. The rightextension programme help people to understand properpractices in forestry, shrimp cultivation practices andenvironmental health. For a long time people in this PilotSite have worked without any reliable extension programs.


Ethnic Minorities Not an issue.

Role of Women Impact is uncertain, as the Project Description does notcalculate existing or incremental labor requirements andwhich household members will be required to take up anyadditional labor requirements

^ __^_F; n- r>~i# Dn-imsl 7avi.w of Buffer Zone Comoonent 97


9.5.3.2 Effects of Non-Forestry BufferZone Activities on the Environment

Conversion of Wetlands The recent conversion of wetlands for pond constructionappears to have caused increased erosion and siltation inrain season.

Pollution, Pond Effluent The study in 1994-1995 shown that the concentration ofH2S, S04-, nutrients (N and P), NH4 in the shrimp-pond arehigher than in river/canal. This means that pond effluentswill increase the concentration of those compounds inadjoining surface waters.


Introduction of Exotic Species The dramatic shrimp diseases in the Mekong Delta over twoyears can be explained partially by introduction of infectedPL from central Viet Nam (NhaTrang).

9.5.3.3 Effects of Extemal Factors on Aquaculture Sustainability

Land Use Practices Due to expanded shrimp cultivation in recent years the saltwater intrusion in the area is quite high. This has caused adecrease in agricultural activities in adjacent area is low andissues relating to agricultural practices can be assessed asminor.

Industrial Pollution At the present time there are no industries in the vicinity ofthe Pilot Site that would cause threats to buffer zoneactivities. Drift of crude oils from the oil exploitation works inBa Ria-Vung Tau offshore area have been recorded in1995 especially during northeast moonsoon, however thefrequency is very low.

Natural Hazards Not an issue. The only natural hazard that should perhapsbe considered is flooding in the Mekong Delta, but this PilotSite is so far from large sources of freshwater that flood riskis negligible. In addition, the Northeast monsoon, anannual event, causes rapid erosion in this Pilot Site.

Domestic Pollution The population density in the region is not so high, howeverdue to life style and economic conditions the sanitationsituation in the region can be assessed as poor, mainpollutants created by human settlements are domesticwastes discharging directly into the environment (soil or

a ____X r .. a., 'rn_a, ,,-is poiu, ft Rr 7onn ComrnnnPnt


surface water) causing deterioration of the water quality.This is compounded by the fact that the soiils in the area arepermeable. Infiltration of human wastes will contaminategroundwater in the area. The environmental resources atrisk are shallow groundwater and human health.

Pollution from Navigation Waterway traffic in the region is not so high:* in coastal area: the water depth is shallow.* inland area: only small boats can access.



Site Clearing Effects on Soil Erosion The site is already cleared, the soil in the area is quiteporous and therefore the erosion rate is significant. Theincremental effects of any soil clearing during reforestationin the buffer zone is therefore not high.





Direct Damage in Harvest Operations Negligible, because of the limited forest harvesting that willbe allowed in the buffer zone.

Decrease in Water Quality Not an issue.

Habitat and Habitat Structure This will be a positive effect, because reforestation willincrease habitat structure

Loss of Forest Products from Pests The problem of forest losses due to pest species is not a bigproblem in Mekong Delta and can be considered negligible.

* __ J~.,:., p.. t 1 < ̂ ,OeM nJ-^ R,wffar7Zonp Comoonent 99


9.5.3.5 Effect of Extemal Factors on Sustainabiity of Buffer Zone Forestry Activities

Land Use Practices The area has a relatively high elevation; it is thereforedifficult to determine a suitable type of kind of tree to replantin the area.

Water Pollution The soils in the area have quite high permeability; thegroundwater quality may change over time due to untreateddomestic wastes.

Natural Hazards Not an issue. The only natural hazard that should perhapsbe considered is flooding in the Mekong Delta, but this PilotSite is so far from large sources of freshwater that flood riskis negligible. In addition, the Northeast monsoon, an annualevent, causes rapid erosion in this Pilot Site.



(i) To control over settlement process and population density, to support reasonableeconomic income of population through area of land use, ratio between forest andshrimp-ponds as well as other sanitation and health care conditions;


(iii) Forestry extension programme


9.5.5 Comments on Replicability of Buffer Zone Component

This Pilot Site can apply only for the northem coast line of Duyen Hai District of Tra Vinh Province.

*____M.D Ou.nviow nf PipferZone Comoonent


10. Appendix D: Detailed Results of Social Review33

10.1 INDICATIVE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN FOR BAI GHE

10.1.1 Background

10.1.1.1 The Project Site and Study Site

Part of the West Coast Protection Forest, Bai Ghe study site is located in Khanh Hai Commune, TranVan Thoi District. It is about 3 km from Ong Doc River Mouth. It covers an area of 175 ha including40 ha of shrimp ponds in Buffer Zone. The RA team did not see any households living in the FullProtection Zone.

Forest trees are mostly Avicennia (Mam Trang). Reforestation has been practiced since 1993. Thisstudy site has typical characteristics of Full Protection Zone, Buffer Zone and Econornic Zone.

The sample of socio-economic survey carried out by EUROCONSULT for 20 families living in the BZof the study site showed that these families settled during 1975 -1995 with an average farm size of3.47 ha of which shrimp pond 2.21 ha (productive/water-surface area of 0.43 ha') and 1.37 ha ofpaddy land in economic zone.

The family has an average 5.8 person of which 2.8 person is labor force. The houses are mainlybamboo type with average area of 38 m2. In 1994-1995, Their income was VND 3.04 million per year(VND 0.523 million per capita per year). Sources of income mainly come from fishing (VND 2.25million); pig raising (VND 1.64 million); shrimp and crab (0.65 million) and paddy in the economiczone (VND 0.77 million).

The project aims at rehabilitating mangrove forest in the BZ to the level of 70% and developing thepond and water supply system to improved extensive shrimp culture to ensure the income of thesefamilies (say 0.7 ha of water-surface shrimp pond) at acceptable level. This is main reason for shiftingshrimp cultivation from now extensive to improved or semi intensive with the project beside the trendof declining natural stock.

The study site is 175 ha.

10.1.1.2 Economic Models

The salient points of the economic model proposed for the Bai Ghe Study Site includle:

(i) the site covers 568 ha of land of which 130 ha are shrimp ponds. It sustains 114households for an average of 1.14 ha per household

3Thm secion is a summary of interpretations made by the national consulbtnts of the interviews conducted during the ruralappraisal

A n-#4i nl- fnot3lip Social Review of Buffer Zone Comoonent 101


(ii) No civil works are recommended to modify the existing canal network to include separateinlet and outlet canals and to build sedimentation ponds

(iii) the primary constraint to production is that water depth cannot be maintained in theponds. By simply deepening the ponds so that wild shrimp stocks remain in the pondlonger, farmers at Bai Ghe could probably double the value of existing crops because ofthe higher prices they would fetch for larger shrimp.

(iv) a continuation of extensive culture techniques is the lowest risk strategy for this site.

(v) a model is proposed whereby farmers at Bai Ghe would rely on wild stocks during therainy season, and stock with high-health P. monodon, though at lower yields of 214kg/ha/crop during the dlry season. To diversify risk and increase revenues, farmersshould consider polyculture of sex-reversed Tilapia with shrimp.

The major uncertainty is the continuation of shrimp disease problems and a reduction of the naturalstock of shrimp over current levels. These risks have been reduced over the Euroconsult proposalbecause of: much smaller capital expenditures; the development of altemative crop strategies (e.g.,tilapia, milkfish); and, a more aggressive approach to the problem of diseased shrimp post larvae34.

10.1.1.3 Proposed Activities

The economic model proposes the following project interventions for Bai Ghe:

Civil Works * dredging the existing canal to use the spoils for strengthening and raisingthe level of the farmers dikes along the canal

Equipment * concrete sluice gates

ConsultantsTraining * providing extension services and access to high-health P. monodon post

larvae and sex reversed tilapia.0 and M * providing farmers access to credit for working capital and to construct

concrete sluice gatesAdministration

10.1.1.4 Other Pertinent Information

none

4Concerns about the economic model include: i) the predicted yield has never been realized in the whole area of Minh Haiprovince for extensive shrimp culture; ii) is the income of farmers in the reas sufficient to survive with about 0.7 ha ofproductive shrimp pond; iii) are natural stocks of PLs sufficient to sustain proposed yields in the long run

-- _J . ~ ~ ~ ~ ,~m vnnn

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Devtelopment ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

10.1.1.5 RuralAppraisal Visit

A Rural Appraisal Team comprised of Mr. Le Quang Thong (Team Leader), Mr. Nlguyen Van Congand Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hien visited the Bai Ghe and Dam Doi Study Sites from IMay 25 - June 1,1996.

The observations that follow are based on 15 interviews conducted by the RA team at Khanh HaiCommune. Of the 15 villagers interviewed, 13 were male and 2 female. All were Vietnamese. Teninterviewees were from Tram Thup A hamlet and five from Trum Thup B hamlet. Eight intervieweeslisted their occupation as "fisherman" only while seven listed their occupation as 'fisherman andfarmer (e.g., fishing more important than farming).

10.1.2 Consultations at Provincial and District Level

10.1.2.1 Provincial Level

10.1.2.2 District Level

10.1.3 Felt Needs of the Community at Bai Ghe Study Site

This section summarize the felt needs of the community under the four headings of resettlementissues. conservation/ coastal protection issues, income generation/ economic development issuesand social issues.

10.1.3.1 Resettlement Issues

Resettlement is not an issue in Bai Ghe. The only related concem of local authorities is with thosewho live temporarily in the Full Protection Zone while collecting forest products.

10.1.3.2 Conservation! Coastal Protection Issues

Forest Enterprises (FE) and Forest and Fishery Enterprises (FFE) are state enterprises. As such,they are the official "owners" of forests and designated forest lands. As state enterprises, theypursue the objective of profit generation. Forest Management Protection Boards are forestryinstitutions dealing with protection and reforestation management. At present, the forest is closedand, in principle, exploitation is prohibited. Income from shrimp farming has decreased due to shrimpdisease outbreak which acts to put more pressure on forests as a source of cash income.

Aquaculture of shrimp is a clear example of the conflict between short term profit generation ofresource use and long term sustainability. As shrimp is produced in poor and remote communitiesand consumed in rich and luxury restaurants in the cities or abroad, the process contains issues ofsocial equity in resource use and management Of special interest is that a wrong way ofdevelopment could lead to the marginalization of people, degradation of food resource and valuable

4 ____J:_ b. n w ~C^o;Af pRaviawof BufferZone Comoonent 103


mangrove forest. The un-sustainability of the production system is well presented in the recentshrimp disease outbreak that badly influence the livelihood of local people. In implementing theprogram of resettlement, issues of the dependency of local people to natural resource need to beconsidered. New areas could not have enough source for subsistence needs and income generation.

10.1.3.3 Income Generation/Economic Developmentissues

The livelihood of local people depends largely upon natural resources for subsistence needs as wellas for commercial purposes. The main sources of income are from: Extensive Shrimp Cultivabon;Fishing in coastal areas and water ways; Crab cultivation; Fuelwood harvesting; and AgriculturalProduction.

Extensive Shrimp Cultivators: The main criteria to select sites for this traditional shrimp farming aredepressed area, soil solidified but not too compact, under Rhizophora apiculata, near water ways orpossible to conduct sea water to the pond in high tide and to drain in low tide.

Fishermen in sea shore and water ways: They prefer sea shore, water way or muddy sediment beg,according to mode of fishing and utensil used.

Crab aquacultivators: The criteria are mostly the same with shrimp pond, but depressed site are notnecessary, some households successfully conduct crab raising in quasi "high" site under Phoenixbut avoid sulfate acid soil.

Traditional Extensive Aquaculture: Except a small quantity of fresh water prawn integrated in ricefield, most of the prawns cultivated for export in Minh Hai province are brackish water species ofthe Penaeidea family. The practice is traditional and extensive: Large ponds (usually 3 to 10hectares) are constructed in the mangrove forest in the area between low and high tide. Somecanals with removable gates connect to larger canals, rivers or directly to the sea. At the high tide,the ponds receive water from the sea. Water which contain wild seeds of prawns is trapped in thepond behind dams. No data about the density of larvae are available, but farmers estimated that thefigure reached at least one or two larvae per square meter of pond area and the approximate yieldfrom such pond is about 150-200 kg per ha.

The main income related issues thereby revealed include:

* villagers need extension services to improve the productivity and reduce risk* incomes are declining as natural resources are depleted. A program to promote

sustainable practices is required to stabilize incomes* farmers are unaccustomed to Tilapia farming; therefore, it should not be counted upon to

"solve" income generation problems.

10.1.3.4 Social Jssues/Physical Infrastructure Needs

Land use right is a complex issue in the area. Historically, due to the war, before 1975 mangrove

____,ret~a-;~O# rs.r_:_t;fD.;^ ffar7^na tznmnnnpnt

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetands Protecton and Deivelopment FrojectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

forests were not much occupied by the people. Since the war, however, communities have beenestablished, at first spontaneously by immigrants who occupied areas in the mangrove forests.

After 1975, according to forest law, mangrove forests and forest land belong to the state. However,due to high profit of shrimp culture, some lands were allocated to local people for shrimp ponds.Minh Hai received planned immigrants from another provinces of the country in the nationalprogram to establish a New Economic Zone.

Quick profit generation was also the driving force behind the establishment of state forestry andfishery enterprises. Authorities at the district and village levels allocated land to military units, socialorganizations, state enterprises/companies and individuals.

However, except FE or FFE who enjoy a legal status in dealing with the forest and shrimp business,a number of state enterprises/companies did not manage their allocated land successfully. They re-allocated their lands to local people to conduct shrimp farming, in so doing becoming a kind of"landlord".

The personnel of provincial, district or village agencies received land but did not have the time or skillto manage the business effectively. Often, they organized cooperatives to let direct aquaculturistsmanage the land and share profits.

Households who have received allocated land and have officially issued land use rights can use thisdocument as a guarantee with the agricultural bank to borrow. They are required to pay taxaccording to site index of the land.

In other cases, a farmer who receives land from other persons or organizations must pay anamount larger than the agricultural tax. Due to their official status, they will meet difficulties whenlands are retired for protection purpose despite having invested in the lands.

The complicated land tenure systems in the area need to be considered not only as problem inimplementing support policy but also as social problem.

10.1.4 Indicative Community Action Plan (ICAP) for Bai Ghe

This section lists the proposed actions stemming from the expressed needs of the community.

10.1.4.1 Resettlement Plan

No resettlement plan required; only a program to deal with temporary fuelwoodharvesters

10.1.4.2 Conservationl Coastal Protection Plan

-.,._. r%. _ c:,.....p c_;_ Dvie"trf Rwr,ffr7nn r CnmDOnen.t ......m.............. 105

Coastal Wetlands Prton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

* Beneficiary participation in the preparation and implementation of a coastal forest plan* The need to continue ito apply the policy of Giving Forest, Giving Land to farmers* For the 70:30 ratio reforestation program in Buffer Zone to succeed, local authorities

must either extend the deadline or support the program with more capital. At present,villagers are receivincg seedlings from FEs but must bear all other costs of replantationthemselves.

* Apply the policy of 'Giving Forest, Giving Land". The FEs manage the average and richforests. Villagers are given responsibility for the management of poor forests atmaximum 20 ha per person. In the managed forest area, villagers may cultivate eitheragricultural products or aquaculture products. They must pay tax starting in the secondyear after the contract. The maximum agricultural or aquaculture development perhousehold is 10 ha of which not more than 2 ha are for digging canals.

* In the replantation forest area where it is not possible to culture shrimp, farmers will be incharge of management and protection and will receive 50% of total revenue after tax.

* Compel shrimp farming farmers to replant on their land* Need to have plan to deal with senous erosion along coastal area

10.1.4.3 Income Generationl Economic Development Plan

* Permission to harvest ocean and forest products (e.g., crab, molluscs, dead wood forcooking)

* Capital for conversion of shrimp ponds to other productive uses. Many households noware not interested in Shrimp farming any more. They would prefer to move back toEconomic Zone

• Fishery extension services. Villagers do not trust the advice of technicians from the FFEon dealing with shrimp disease. They worry about losing their investment capital if theycontinue to invest in shrimp farming.

. To improve the above traditional, natural dependent and extensive systemi, someimproved or high technologies of prawn aquaculture need to be introduced. Improvedextensive aquaculture is a step of towards a more intensive system. The practiceincludes additional input in the form of wild larvae and feed of 200 - 300 kg per hectare.

* Research on fish culture. Shrimp farming alone will not ensure food security* Solve legal cases of land resales on a case by case basis

10.1.4.4 Social Issues/ Physical Infrastructure Plan

* Extension Activity: up to now, institutions for agricultural, forestry and fishery extensionstill limited. It may be caused by problem of transportation to remote areas like thesestudy sites

* Agricultural Credit: Local people indicated that credit is very necessary to developproduction systems, especially in of initial investment as digging pond, concrete gate,etc. Personnel from the provincial office of the Vietnam Bank of Agriculture (VBA) alsoreckoned the issue but he said that fund is not enough to develop credit system. Hementioned that the total debt in Minh Hai province reached 40 billion dong (interest not

A - --:. -,. - -- f-I 0--.l Dati;w nf Riiffpr 7nnp Cnmnonenrt


included), and very difficult to reimburse, due to the shrimp disease out break. Most of

the loan borrowers are from Ngoc Hien district.* People in Thum Thup A Hamlet (Bai Ghe) complained that official credit system is not

easy to access. One of them mentioned his case that he has 6 ha of one crop wetlandnce, with certificate of land use right but cannot borrow loan from the bank of

agriculture. However, in a group interview in FPZ at Thuan Tao Hamlet (Dam Doi), some

households said that they received loans from VBA. Certificate of land use right were

used as guarantee, and the amount of loan depend on land, the average is about 2

millions dong per 1000 sqm. At least four households in the FPZ have borrowed loansfrom VBA since 1994, the highest is 15 millions VND (a woman live in the house

where the PRA team conduct group interview), and the lowest is 4 millions (a young

man has about 2 ha of shrimp pond).* Role of informal credit system: Local people have to accept high interest rate in

borrowing loan from informal credit systems. A woman in Thuan Tao said she borrow 1talent of gold for one year to invest to a motor boat and she has to pay at the end of the

duration 1.6 talents ( interest rate is about 13% monthly). Intermediate traders also give

loans in order to 'seize producer have to sell products for them", but the amount of

money is not much (about 100,000 dong per households).- A conflict in resource use between the fishermen and the shrimp aqua-cultivators is well

reckoned, but the benefit influences of mangrove on shrimp farming are not wellunderstand by local people.

* Agricultural, forestry and fishery extension activities are still poor, technology transferred

are few and not appropriate to local condition.* Improve schooling level of villagers by support fund for class-room construction, salary

for teachers. This is a high demand of both study sites.

10.1.4.5 Summary of ICAP Interventions

Project interventions as requested by the community may be summarized as follows.

Civil Works . cdassroom constructionEquipmentConsultantsTraining * fishery extension services particularly in dealing with shrimp disease

* introduction of high technologies of shrinmp aquaculture* Research on fish culture

0 and M * capital for conversion of shnmp ponds to other productive uses* additional shrimp cutture inputs: i) wild larvae; ii) feed* salary for teachers

Administation * review policy re: harvesting of ocean and forest products (e.g.. crab, molluscs, dead wood forcooking) with a view to authonzing their colection

* beneficiary participation in the preparation and irpbmentation of a coastal forest plan* the need to continue to appty the policy of Giving Forest, Giving Land to famiers* for the 70:30 ratio reforestation program in Buffer Zone to succeed, local authorities must either

extend the deadline or support the program with more capital* support famrers in the replantation forest area where it is not possible to culture shrimp* compel shrimp farming farmers to replant on their land* plan to deal with serious erosion along coastal area* Solve legal cases of land resales on a case by case basis

A.....,..,A;,.. r^ n ^;i <4i*i Fovi,w Of Buffer Zone Comoonent 107


10.1.5 Work Schedule

25 May * Review of relating documentation* Prepare for field trip

26 May * Travel from HoChiMinh City to CaMau* Discuss with Mr. Cuong and Mr. Thanh, officers of Provincial Agriculture and Rural

Development Department. Ovemight in CaMau

27 May * Meeting with Mr. Cuong, Mr. Tan* Go to West Coast Mangrove Forest Management and Protection Board (WCMPB)* Meeting with Mr. Nguyen Van Be, Chief of the WCMPB .* Ovemight in WCMPB office

28 May * Field visit to BaiGhe Study Site. Interview 16 farmers* Ovemight in WCMPB office

29 May a Go to DamDoi Forest and Fishery Enterprise (DDFFE)* Discuss with Mr. Dung, director of DDFFE and other relating persons

30 31 May * Field visit and interview at household level at DamDoi Study Site (20 farmers)31 May . Retum to CaMau

* Team discussion.1 June * Meet Mr. Cuong

* Ovemight in SocTrang2 June * Retum to HoChiMinh City.

10.1.6 List of Interviewees

1 Nguyen Van Ky male Tram Thup A fisherman, farmer2 Nguyen Dung Tien3 Tran Van Hon 4 Nguyen Thi Tuyet female fisherman5 Le Hong Dan male6 Nguyen Van Que fisherman+farmer7 La Van Sau8 Trinh Ngoc Du fisherman9 Lam Van Duy _ -_ _

10 Nguyen Van Khoa11 Tong Thi Hoa . female Trum Thup B fisherman+farmer12 Tran Ngoc Tuan male13 Ta Minh Trinh = fisherman14 Tran Van Hung15 Huynh Minh An

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlnds Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

10.2 INDICATIVE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN FOR DAM DoI

10.2.1 Background


The Dam Doi Study Site is located in Tan Tien Commune, Dam Doi District. It is near the mouth ofGia Long Den Canal. The total study site area is 303 ha, including 54 ha of shrimp ponds.Wetlands forests have been cut seriously because of shrimp culture. The RA team found 12households living in Full Protection Zone.

The situation is worse in Buffer Zone where almost all forests have been cut down. However, since1993, local authority started replantation. Some forest area in Full Protection Zone still remain. In thisproject area, govemment have implemented the Giving Forest, Giving Land To Peasant Program.Forest management has been taken by collaboration between local authorities and villagers.Potential of aquaculture and reforestation is high.

The EUROCONSULT socio-economic survey was carried out on 16 families living in the BZ and 8families living in the FPZ. It showed that these families settled during 1982-1995. The average farmsize is 5.55 ha of shrimp pond with a productivetwater-surface area of 2.56 ha. Each family has anaverage of 5.2 persons of which 2.7 persons are in the labor force. The houses are mainly made ofbamboo (14) wood (8) and masonry (2) and average 51 m2 in area. In 1994-1995, averagehousehold income was VND 4.3 million per year, or VND 0.821 million per capita per year. The mainsource of income is from shrimp culture VND 2.94 million in the BZ and VND 1.25 million in the FPZ.

The project aims at rehabilitating mangrove forest in the FPZ and replanting BZ to the level of 70%and developing the pond and water supply system to improved extensive shrimp culture to ensurethe income of these families (say 1.7 ha of water-surface shrimp pond) at an acceptable level. This ismain reason for shifting shrimp cultivation from an extensive to an improved or semi-intensivemanagement level.


The model developed for the Dam Doi study site is based on extensive shrimp culture with aproposed yield of 440 kg/ha/year. It applies to a 517 ha area that includes 80 ha of shrimp pondsand 40 households. Based on a visit to the site and a review of the Euroconsullt report, the Missionmade the following recommendations:

* much of the same benefit (increased water exchange and separate inflow and effluent)could be obtained by dredging the existing tidal creek (Dau Da) to serve as an inlet canalwith the Bo Co Creek serving as the effluent canal;

* because of the uncertainty of crop failure during the rainy season, a model based on twocrops per year with hatchery produced P. monodon is n=± recommended. A lower riskstrategy would assume extensive shrimp farming practices during thie rainy season, wfth

,b_tt_ t__ .9 D~st,.aw;nf Affa,.7. 0 n Comnonent 109


one crop of P. monodon produced during the dry season. This strategy still offers theoption for upgrading the culture practices in the future;

* It is proposed that credit be provided for an additional concrete sluice gate at each farmthat would enable better management of water flow in and out of ponds;

* extension services to improve pond management (pond preparation, fertilizing, improvedfeeding strategies. etc.);

* supply of healthy P. monodon post larvae;* the culture of sex reversed Tilapia would diversify the farmer's risk.* The Dam Doi pilot study site would be replicable in about 8,000 ha of Buffer Zone along

the Eastem Cau Mau peninsula.


The Mission proposed the following activities:

Civil Works * dredging the existing tidal creek (Dau Da)

Equipment * concrete sluice gate at each farm

ConsultantsTraining * extension services to improve pond management

O and M a credit be provided for an additional concrete sluice gate at eachfarm

* supply of healthy P. monodon post larvae

* the culture of sex reversed TilapiaAdministration


none

10.2.1.5 Rural Appraisal Visit

A Rural Appraisal Team comprised of Mr. Le Quang Thong (Team Leader), Mr. Nguyen Van Congand Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hien visited the Dong Hai and My Long Study Sites from August 3 - 8, 1996.

* _.. _ ___ :.. t. rt_J c_ D-in- mf Rt,,for 7nnP Cnmnonent

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlands Protecton and DeJvelopment ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component


10.2 .21 Provincial Level

10.2.2.2 Distrct Level

10.2.3 Felt Needs of the Community at Dam Doi Study Site

This section summarizes the felt needs of the community under the four headings of resettlementissues, conservation/ coastal protection issues, income generation/ economic development issuesand social issues.


According to local authorities, nearly 90% of households living in Full Protection Zone are illegal,recent arrivals. They have cultivated land in their home provinces but have come to Dam Doi toacquire forest land illegally for exploitation and possible resale. Only 10% of households are familiesthat have been living in Dam Doi for many years.

Meeting with the villagers confirmed the observation of the 90% recent arrivals; though with thecomplication that 30% retain land in their home provinces while the other 60% had either sold theirland before emigrating to Dam Doi or were landless and very poor in their home provinces. As aresult, they still try to live in the Full Protection Zone.

Some other explanations for the many households living within coastal area include:

* they were attracted by the high profits of shrimp farming during 1980's and early 1990's;* natural sea water/forest products seeking can be done without so high price tool or

utensil, and therefore is adapted easily for poor people. At least income eaming activitiesin coastal area is better than here. where does "than here" refer to?7'?

* local authorities did not manage well at the time of starting immigrabon.* especially, some households already received land allocated to them but after that they

re-allocated to other people who did not know well about land policy. They continue toexpand their farming activities although they do not have official land certificates. Payingtax regularly was considered as certificate to justify their legal status. We can view themas semi-legal "tenants.

There are several land tenure system at the Study Site. The peculiarities ol the different andcomplicated land tenure systems need to be considered in implementing a resettlement policy thatseeks to move people out of the FPZ. Three examples concem: i) the Canal Digging StateEnterprise of the Company of Hydrological Works in Dam Doi District; ii) the Cooperative of SaltProducers; and iii) the "Vuong Deo ("Hanging shrimp pond").

A resettlement program was set up in February 1996 with the following objectives: i) to move

Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffr Zone Component November, 1996

spontaneous immigrants who occupied the FPZ and some areas in the BZ that need silviculturaltreatment for ecological recovery out of these area; ii) to resettle and to allocate forest and forest landin appropriate sites in the BZ for the peopie to develop sustainable production systems. The programwill be conducted according to the various laws already in place35. The program is to beimplemented in two steps:

* Step 1: Public awareness and education to allow people move out of the FPZvoluntarily, to help local residence to resettie in appropriate sites, with the Fund forHunger and Poor Eradication and to return people without local residency status toreturn to their home-provinces.

* Step 2: Enforcement procedures to move remaining people out of the FPZs.

Interventions will be made according to the situation of the people: i) households that havericefields or homesteads in their native provinces will be retumed to their home provinces; iii)households that rely on sea fishinq will be moved to suitable areas, and credit will be arranged tohelp them to improve fishing capability (boats and fishing utensils); iii) the real stakeholders for bothconservation/ protection and production activities are not only the govemmental authorities, forestryand/or fishery enterprises, but also local communities. Therefore their constraints and opportunitiesneed to be known.

10.2.3.2 Conservationl Coastal Protection Issues

According to the PSARD, the project area in Minh Hai province will be subdivided into four (4) sub-areas as follow:

* West coast, from Bai Ghe to Bay Hap river* West coast, from Bay Hap to Dat Muie East coast, from Dat Mui to Ghenh Hao

* East coast, from Ghenh Hao to Ken Chi.

Does this imply that there is a FE or FFE for each of the four sub-areas??

Forest Management Protection Boards are forestry institutons dealing with protection andreforestation management. However, the Forest Enterpnse and Forest and Fishery Enterprise arestate enterprises. They are the official "owner' of forests and forest land of the related planningarea. As state enterprises, they pursue profits At present, the forest is closed and, in principle,exploitation is prohibited. However, income from shrimp farming has been reduced due to shrimpdisease outbreak, and households cannot live on revenues from shrimp farming alone. This acts toput pressure on forests for cash income.

3Law of Land; Law of Forest protection and development. Decree No. 02 CP; Decision No. 202 CP on forest and forest landallocation; Decision No. 432/Ttg (7 Aug. 1995); Direction No. 07 (12 May 1993) of the Ministry of Labor, Veteran and SocialAffairs on the establishment of Now Economic Zones. Decision No. 5281QDIUB of te Peope's Commirnttee of Minh HaiProvince.

- _,,.. _. b__t1_ ..;. Ol gWiA ^f Rprffar 7nn Comronent


10.2.3.3 Income Generationl Economic Development Issues

The livelihood of local people depends largely upon natural resources for subsistence needs as wellas for commercial purposes. The main sources of income are from:

* Extensive Shrimp Cultivation* Fishing in coastal areas and water ways* Crab cultivation* Fuelwood harvesting

Extensive Shrimp Cultivators: The main criteria to select sites for this traditional shrimp farming aredepressed area, soil solidified but not too compact, under Rhizophora apiculata, near water ways orpossible to conduct sea water to the pond in high tide and to drain in low tide.

Fishermen in sea shore and water ways: They prefer sea shore, water way or mudcly sediment beg,according to mode of fishing and utensil used.

Crab aquacultivators: The criteria are mostly the same with shrimp pond, but depressed site are notnecessary, some households successfully conduct crab raising in quasi "high" site under Phoenixbut avoid sutfate acid soil.

Traditional Extensive Aquaculture: Except a small quantity of fresh water prawn integrated inricefield, most of the prawns cultivated for export in Minh Hai province are brackish water speciesof the Penaeidea family. The practice is traditional and extensive: Large ponds l(usually 3 to 10hectares) are constructed in the mangrove forest in the area between low and high tide. Somecanals with removable gates connect to larger canals, rivers or directly to the sea. At the high tide,the ponds receive water from the sea. Water which contain wild seeds of prawns is trapped in thepond behind dams. No data about the density of larvae are available, but farmers estimated that thefigure reached at least one or two larvae per square meter of pond area and the approximate yieldfrom such pond is about 150-200 kg per ha.

The main income related issues thereby revealed include:

* villagers need extension services to improve the productivity and reduce risk* incomes are declining as natural resources are depleted. A program to promote

sustainable practices is required to stabilize incomes* farmers are unaccustomed to Tilapia farming; therefore, it should not be counted upon to

"solve" income generation problems.

10.2.3.4 Social Issues/ Physical Infrastructure Needs

Historically, due to the war, before 1975 mangrove forests were not much occupied by the people.The communities have been established and gradually developed, at first spontaneously byimmigrants who occupied ecological niches in mangrove forests.

A __A_J;_ fl. nfsl~fl .¢^l poviw erf Buffer Zone ComDonent 113

Coastal Wetands Protecton and Development aroject GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

After 1975, according to forest law, mangrove forests and forest land belong to the state. However,due to high profit of shrimp aqua-culture, some land were allocated to the local people to createshrimp ponds. Minh Hai also received planned immigrants from another provinces of the country inthe national program of establishing New Economic Zone.

The quick profit generation is also a driving force for the establishment of state forestry and fisheryenterprises. Authorities at district and even at village levels allocated land to military units, socialorganizations, state enterprises/companies and persons.

However, except FE or FFE who has legal status dealing with forest and shrimp business, some ofthe state enterprises/company had not successfully managed their allocate land, they re-allocatedtheir lands to local people to conduct shrimp farming, and became a kind of "landlord".

Personnel at the provincial, district or village agencies received land but they do not have timeand/or skill to manage the business, they therefore organized some forms of cooperatives to letdirect aqua-cultivators to manage the land and share profit distributed by cooperatives.

In cases that households received allocated land and have officially issued land use right, they canuse this document as guarantee with the bank of agriculture to borrow loan. They have to pay taxaccording to site index of the land, as described in the following section. In other cases, a firstfarmer who receive land from other persons or organization has to pay an amount larger thanagricultural tax, and even they have to invest on the ponds, due to their official status, they willmeet difficulties in receiving support when land are retired for protection purpose.

The complicate land tenure systems in the area need to be considered not only as problem inimplementing support policy but also as social problem.

10.2.4 Indicative Community Action Plan (ICAP) for Dam Doi


10.24.1 Resettlement Plan

* Establish official standards for legal and illegal households;* The creation of Full Protection Zone, Buffer Zone, and Economic Development Zones

needs to be put into integrated land use plan;* The Govemment should have a suitable policy to address the delicate question: 'Who

has the right to use and the responsibility to manage local resources?". As the allocationof land for conservation or protection purposes creates impacts on the livelihood of localpeople, human activities assessment must be made a major component of landallocation policy. This is particularly so in Dam Doi.

, . - - - ~~~~~~~ - ~~~1- ~~~

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Deivelopment ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component


* participation of people in the preparation and implementation of coastal plans* continue to apply the policy of Giving Forest, Giving Land to farmers. While the forest

enterprises manage average and rich forests, villagers have taken poor forests atmaximum 20 ha per person. On the managed forest area, villagers can cultivate eitheragricultural products or aquaculture and pay tax in the second year after getting contract.To the current bare land, maximum each household will get 10 ha and must not use over2 ha for digging canals.

* for 70:30 ratio reforestation program in Buffer Zone, local authority must extend thedeadline unless they provide more capital. At present, villagers aire only receivingseedlings from the forest enterprises and are forced to bear other costs of replantationthemselves.

* empower local authorities to force shrimp farmers to replant on their land* on forested areas where shrimp culture is not possible, let farmers be in charge of

management and protection. They should receive 50% of total revenue after taxes.- prepare a plan to deal with serious erosion in coastal areas

10.2.4.3 Income Generation/ Economic Development Plan

* permit sea water/forest products collection (e.g., crabs, molluscs, dead wood for cooking)* Capital for re-production . However, many households now are not interested in Shrimp

farming any more ( Bai Ghe ) they would live to move back to Economic Zone (opinion ofpeople in Bai Ghe) or other areas ( opinion of people on Dam Doi)

* Re-sell shrimp farming land to get back invested capital (in Dam Doi)• Fishery extension. Explanations of the people from Forest Fishery Enterprise or some

other technician have not satisfied villagers about causes of shrimp disease. Thus, theystill worry that they will lose investment capital again if continue doing shrimp farming.

* To improve the above traditional, natural dependent and extensive system, someimproved or high technologies of prawn aquaculture need to be introduced. TheImproved Extensive Aquaculture is a step of improvement towards a more intensivesystem. The practice includes additional input inform of wild lairvae and feedingmaterials 200 to 300 kg per hectare.

• Research on ability of development of fish culture. Shrimp farming alone cannot ensurethe food security for people. as well waste the source of natural fish.

* Credit support together with extension activities.* Solve legal cases of re-sell land based on practical situation Clarify ??

10.2.4.4 Social Issues/ Physical Infrastructure Plan

Extension Actiyj: up to now, institutions for agricultural, forestry and fishery extension still limited. Itmay be caused by problem of transportation to remote areas like these study sites

. _____- -'.*. '.* ~ ~ ^_J tt Dwiffrtfft r7nnrs Comrnonent ..................... 115


Agncultural Credit: Local people indicated that credit is very necessary to develop productionsystems, especially in of initial investment as digging pond, concrete gate, etc. Personnel from theprovincial office of the Vietnam Bank of Agriculture (VBA) also reckoned the issue but he said thatfund is not enough to develop credit system. He mentioned that the total debt in Minh Haiprovince reached 40 milliard dong (interest not included), and very difficult to reimburse, due to theshrimp disease out break. Most of the loan borrowers are from Ngoc Hien district.

People in Thum Thup A Hamlet (Bai Ghe) complained that official credit system is not easy toaccess. One of them mentioned his case that he has 6 ha of one crop wetland rice, with certificate ofland use right but cannot borrow loan from the bank of agriculture. However, in a group interview inFPZ at Thuan Tao Hamlet (Dam Doi), some households said that they received loans from VBA.Certificate of land use right were used as guarantee, and the amount of loan depend on land, theaverage is about 2 millions dong per 1000 sqm. At least four households in the FPZ have borrowedloans from VBA since 1994, the highest is 15 millions VND (a woman live in the house where thePRA team conduct group interview), and the lowest is 4 millions (a young man has about 2 ha ofshnmp pond).

Role of informal credit system: Local people have to accept high interest rate in borrowing loan frominformal credit systems. A woman in Thuan Tao said she borrow 1 talent of gold for one year toinvest to a motor boat and she has to pay at the end of the duration 1.6 talents ( interest rate is about13% monthly). Intermediate traders also give loans in order to 'seize producer have to sell productsfor them", but the amount of money is not much (about 100,000 dong per households).

A conflict in resource use between the fishermen and the shrimp aqua-cultivators is well reckoned,but the oenefit influences of mangrove on shrimp farming are not well understand by local people.

Agricultural, forestry and fishery extension activities are still poor, technology transferred are few andnot appropriate to local condition.

Improve schooling level of villagers by support fund for class-room construction, salary forteachers. This is a high demand of both study sites.

Aquaculture of shrimp is a clear example of the conflict between short term profit generation ofresource use and long term sustainability. As shrimp is produced in poor and remote communitiesand consumed in rich and luxury restaurants in the cities or abroad, the process contains issues ofsocial equity in resource use and management. Of special interest is that a wrong way ofdevelopment could lead to the marginalization of people, degradation of food resource and valuablemangrove forest.

The un-sustainability of the production system is well presented in the recent shrimp diseaseoutbreak that badly influence the livelihood of local people.

In implementing the program of resettlement, issues of tne dependency of local people to naturalresource need to be considered. New areas could not have enough source for subsistence needsand income generation.

.- ._, _ - .,..,..,. .. .. ;..... ;_J -,D. 7

^no fr.mnn( P"f



Community requested interventions may be summarized as follows:

Civil Workcs * dredging the existing tidal creek (Dau Da)

Equipment * concrete sluice gate at each farm

Training * extension services to improve pond management

0 and M * credit be provided for an additional concrete sluice gate at each

farm

* supply of healthy P. monodon post larvae

* the culture of sex reversed Tilapia

Administration

10.2.5 Work Schedule

25 May . Review of relating documentationa Prepare for field trip

26 May . Travel from HoChiMinh City to CaMau

. Discuss with Mr. Cuong and Mr. Thanh, officers of Provincial Agriculture and RuralDevelopment Department

. Ovemight in CaMau

27 May . Meeting with Mr. Cuong, Mr. Tan

. Go to West Coast Mangrove Forest Management and Protection Board (WCMPB)

. Meeting with Mr. Nguyen Van Be, Chief of the WCMPB.

. Ovemight in WCMPB office

28 May . Field visKt to BaiGhe Study Site. Interview 16 farmers

* Ovemight in WCMPB office

29 May * Go to DamDoi Forest and Fishery Enterprise (DDFFE). Discuss with Mr. Dung , director of DDFFE and other relating persons

30 31 May a Field visit and interview at household level at DamDoi Study SKte (20 farmers)

31 May * Retum to CaMau

. Team discussion.

1 June a Meet Mr. Cuong* Ovemight in SocTrang

2 June * Retum to HoChiMinh City.

. _ _.-. rg >__: t_bw;ZR_{Dor 7 Cnmntennnt 117



1 Nguyen Thi Tuyet female Boco fisherman2 Tran Van Loc male3 Bui Van Ky Thuan Tao4 Nguyen Van Chien5 Tran Van Hon .6 Le Van Lam,,7 Doan Van Manh ,8 Tran Van9 Nguyen van Ngot BoCo10 Hoang Van Thung _ _

11 Ngo Thi Diep female12 Lam Thi Tho13 Huynh Thi Hanh14 Tran Thanh Lam male15 Huynh Thi Van female16 Nguyen Van Lien male17 Huynh Thanh Quy18 Nguyen Van Lach19 Nguyen Tan Hung Thuan Tao| 20 |Nguyen Ngoc Tu

10.3 INDICATIVE COMMUNiITY ACTION PLAN FOR BAC LIEU

10.3.1 Background


The Bac Lieu project area is located in eastem Ca Mau Peninsula of Minh Hai Province. It is anaccretion area subject to up to 50 m of deposition annually. Thuan Hoa is the largest commune inBac Lieu. It consists of 12 hamlets: Bien Tay, Dong A, Dong B, Giong Giua, Thach Thang, DapNuoc, Cong Dien, Bo Xang, Con Moi, Vinh An. Thao Lang, Trach Dong. The population of theproject area is 22,518 in 4,016 households (= 5.6 per household). Most of the residents are Chineseand Khmer.

The Study Site is 5.5 km long and 1.8 km wide on average. The total area is 1,000 ha. It begins 4km north of the mouth of Bac Lieu Canal Every 250 m, intake canals (10 m wide and 1.5 m deep)and drainage canals (6 m wide and 1.2 m deep) altemate for a total of 11 intake & 11 drainagecanals. The drainage canals lead Ito Truong Son Canal which runs parallel with the coast and meetsBac Lieu Canal perpendicularly. There are 3 hamlets in the 1,000 ha study site: Bien Tay, Dong A &


Dong B. In Bien Tay, more than 80% of the people are Chinese (Tieu) while in Dong A and Dong B,90% of the villagers are Khmer.

Lay-out of Bac lieu coastal region (1000 ha) This region is 5.5 km long and 1.8 km wide inaverage. Each 250 m along the coast, one intake canal (10 m wide and 1.5 m deep) and onedrainage small canal (6 m wide and 1.2 m deep) were dug altematively. In total there are 11 intakecanals and the same amount of drainage ones. The drainage canals lead to Truong Son Canalwhich runs parallel with the coast and meets Bac Lieu Canal (BL Canal) perpendicularly. The mouthof BL Canal at the coast is 4 km from the closest boundary of the 1000 ha region. BL Canal canserve as a good outlet for the region because the sea current most of the time drifts the waste waterto the southem coast. In case of highly intensive shrimp culture, this may not be good for the regionslie next to Bac Lieu southwards (i.e. Vinh Hau, Vinh Loi regions). If it is in the same trend, thewastewater of Vinh Chau probably pours into Bac Lieu region. Thus wastewater of every regionshould be treated before released to the sea. However, in this Project the waste water from shrimpculture ponds is not a harmful treat.

"337" Project This project has been sponsored by the Central Govemment Fund to exploit 1000 haof coastal area of Bac Lieu City.

The area covers 250 ha from the road to dike 500 (somewhere in between dike 300 and 700 as seenin VTASC map) in which is the existing Artemia-salt production in the dry season and shrimp culturein the rainy season . This area belongs to 26 households (each possesses 12.5 ha, except 4-5households sold half of their land for others, for instance the Faculty of Fisheries bought 6 ha which ishalf area of one Salt-Artemia farmer).

The remaining area from dike 500 to the protection dike (750 ha) is distributed to 400 poorhouserolds from the City for resettlement, each received 1.5-2 ha. The main production has focusedon shrimp culture. The Project needs 10 billion VN dong, but only 4 billion was released to constructcanal and sluice systems.

These farmers really cultured P. monodon in the rainy season of 1994-1995 following the improvedextensive method (1-2 PL/m2, feeding with rice bran, trash fish and pellet feed). But the shrimp alldied after cultured 1-1.5 months (with symptoms: swimming slowly on the water surface, rushingtowards pond dikes and died here; their bodies seemed covered with a green L3yer of algae). Untilnow farmers still get in debt about 200 million VN dong.

In this year, to overcome the shrimp disease problem, they suggest the following plan for eachhousehold of 2 ha:

* 1.3 ha for fish culture: Lates 0.8 ha and Tilapia 0.5 ha. These two species can becultured easily, less risk of disease, and popularly consumed. They can be harvestedafter 6 months.

* 0.7 ha of dike for vegetable planting: they choose 'he" (I do not know English name, itsleaves are similar which of onion and used for cooking soup or as spices ) for standardevaluation due to stable selling price. 'He* can be harvested after 3 months and twice

--- ... ,.,,. r_. : wv e....... u ,.,,;~.-. . , 7..n0 m ,p~omnt 119

Coastal Wetlands Proteon and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

more after 6 months. Others are onion, chili, 'rau muong", even cotton tree because itcan endure salty soil and little insecticidal chemicals are applied. These vegetables canonly be cultivated in the rainy season. If one freshwater well should be available, thecultivation can extended in the dry season as well.

If shrimp diseases no longer exist, they prefer shnmp instead of fish culture. Others species intendedto be cultured are mud crabs, blood cockles...

In the Bac Lieu district, on the Eastem Ca Mau Peninsula of Minh Hai, there is up to 50 meters ofcoastal accretion per year with new growth mangrove in the FPZ. The land in the BZ is mostlyinhabited by Khmer that traditionally produced salt in shallow evaporation ponds. During the pastseveral years there was a gradual upgrading of ponds for shrimp culture, but since 1993, people inthis area have largely abandoned shrimp farming as an economic activity, with increased. There ispotential for up to 2,000 ha of land to be upgraded in the BZ along Bac Lieu, and Can Tho Universityhas recently developed a small aquaculture research and demonstration facility adjacent to theproposed study site.

It is proposed that up to 200 ha of land be used as a study site under the Project to upgrade existingponds for sustainable shrimp culture, and to link farmers to the adjacent FPZ. The close proximity ofthe Can Tho University field station (which would be upgraded under the support service componentof the Project) would facilitate tthe technical extension services necessary to introduce moreadvanced shrimp culture technologies at this site. This would include stocking at slightly higherlevels to justify the cost of treating incoming water to further insure against the threat of disease. Itwould also include shrimp/fish polyculture-either with Tilapia or milkfish.

In this area, there already exists a main supply canal from the sea, and the site has a separatedrainage canal to a nearby river-thereby separating inflow from effluent. The Project wouldconstruct common secondary canals that would also serve to settle the high silt load in the coastalwaters along Bac Lieu. Water treatment ponds would be constructed on each farmers site, wherechlorine would be used to kill potential viral carriers (other crab or shrimp species) found in the watersupply.


Two economic models have been proposed: one based on 1,000 ha (Nghia, pers. comm.), the otherbased on 220 ha (Scura, pers. comm.). Dr. Scura's model is based on 200 ha of existing salt ponds(+10% or 20 ha for houses, dikes, roads, etc) and 50 households. It assumes two P. monodoncrops/yr @ 221 kg/ha/crop+225 kg/halcrop fish.

The model for this study site assumes two P. monodon crops per year at 221 kg/ha/crop plus 225kg/halcrop of fish. The incremental FIRR was calculated at 95 percent and the EIRR at 88 percent.EIRR is lower because of large off farm infrastructure costs to develop the site. Because there isstanding forest in the FPZ at this site, adding protection parcels to the farm model increases both theFIRR and the EIRR slightly.

- -,. _ .'-"--' _ ~ -.. f __r ;^;@ ff nn Cr)moonent

GEC Ltd. Coastal WetUands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

Nghia's model assumes 2.0 ha plots including: i) 1.3 ha for fish culture (Lates 0.8 ha and Tilapia 0.5ha). ii) 0.7 ha of dike for vegetable planting (he', onion, chili, 'rau muong", even cotton tree. Thetwo fish species can be cultured easily, there is less risk of disease and they are popularlyconsumed. They can be harvested after 6 months. The vegetables ( 'he", onion, chili, 'rau muong",even cotton trees) can be cultivated in the rainy season. cultivation may be extended into the dryseason if there are tube wells and water pumps.

Nghia notes that it is impossible to culture P. monodon in the dry season because of: i) leaching ofseawater at old, un-maintained main intake sluices; ii) most canals are heavily covered by sediment.So that P. monodon can be cultured in the dry season, it will be necessary to improve sluices andremove spoil.

10.3.1.3 Proposed Activites

Based on Dr. Scura's model, proposed project interventions would include the following:

il Works * upgrade existing ponds for sustainable shrimp culture;* construct common secondary canals that would also serve to settle the high

silt load in the coastal waters along Bac Lieu* construct water treatment ponds on each farmer's site

Equipment * upgrade Can Tho University field station

Consultants * possible requirement to conduct extension

Training * technical extension services necessary to introduce more advanced shrimpculture technologies

0 and M . PLs for stocking at slightly higher levels

* treatment of incoming water to insure against disease threat

* introduction of shrimp/fish polyculture (Tilapia or milkfish)* chlorine use to kill potential viral carriers (other crab or shrimp species) found

in the water supply.Administration * possible requirement to implement ICAP


Can Tho University has recently developed a small aquaculture research and demonstration facilityadjacent to the proposed study site. The '337' Project, sponsored by the Central Govemment Fundto exploit 1000 ha of coastal area of Bac Lieu City. The area is divided into two parcels: i) 250 ha isexploited by 26 households for Artemia-salt production in the dry season and shrimp culture in therainy season; ii) 750 ha distributed among 400 poor households as part of resettlement. The mainproduction has focused on shrimp culture.

Annrnndiy D- Datailed Social Review of Buffer Zone Component 121



A Rural Appraisal Team comprised of Mr. Le Quang Thong (Team Leader), Mr. Nguyen Van Congand Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hien visited the Bac Lieu Study Site from July 20 - 24, 1996. They wereaccompanied by Dr. Peter McNamee and Mr. David Williams from July 20 - 23, 1996.

The observations that follow are based on a total of 29 interviews conducted by the RA team. Of the29 viliagers interviewed, 22 were male and 7 female; 11 were Chinese, 13 were Khmer and 5Vietnamese; 19 were residents of Bien Tay commune with 5 from Dong A commune and 5 fromDong B commune. 14 interviewees listed their occupation as "fisherman" only, 4 as "farmer' only, 4as "farmer and fisherman" (e.g., farming more important than fishing) and 7 as "fisherman and

farmer) (e.g., fishing more important than farming).

10.3.2 Felt Needs of the Community at Bac Lieu Study Site

This section summarizes the felt needs of the community not the consultant. Needs are listed underfour headings: resettlement issues, conservation/ coastal protection issues, income generation/economic development issues and social issues.

10'.3.2.1 Resettlement Issues

The problem is not how to move people out of the project area (FPZ) but how to reallocate their land.In theory, no one is allowed to live nearby the coastal areas. However, there are hundreds ofcottages within both the FPZ and BZ. All of coastal areas have been distributed to farmers andfishermen by local authorities through a provincial fishery project People who satisfied the followingconditions such as poverty and lack of agricultural land, retired govemment officers could be giventhe land (or land use right). These people have land use right certificates bestowed by the projectmanagement board.

On average, each household has received 1.5 ha. No cases of re-sale were found between farmers.According to the commune leader, many farmers have followed their land or left for another placesince late 1995 because of shrimp disease in 1994 - 1995. Local authorities have not made any planyet for the resettiement of people here.

The RA team did not see any evidence of cooperation between coastal protection projects and

economic development projects within the FPZ and BZ.

10.3.2.2 Conservation/ Coastal Protection Issues

There is no erosion in Bac Lieu as is the case in Dam Doi, Ca Mau. Reforestation is undertakenevery year but the total forest area continues to decrease. This is due to inefficient management.Managers at the provincial level have not given full responsibility to commune authorfies. Therefore,it is difficuKt to control illegal cutting. Most fishermen or farmers only care about their work and how to

.. - .- : I_ ..I _ IP%. .!.. - : n.__ "an#__R

GEC Ltd. Coastal Welands Proecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

eam a living without paying attention to forest/ environmental protection. After doinig the reallocationin 1992, illegal cutting is more and more serious.

With conservation and coastal protection in mind, GOV formulated a policy of a target land use figurefor shrimp ponds and forested areas of 70% forest area and 30% shrimp pond area. While somehouseholds have leamed about replanting mangroves to reach this target land use, most householdsfall far short of the required forest cover. As the percentage area under forest cover can onlyincrease if the pond area decreases, not only do these households not have the necessary capital toinvest in replantation, they would suffer short term losses by taking land out of shrimp production. Itwill take both time and investment capital to reach that 70:30 target. A case in point: already, theexisting 327 project is facing financial problems.

Pressure on the coastal forest increased throughout the 1990-1995 period. Since local authoritiesimplemented the policy of Land Distribution to form the New Economic Zone in 1992, forested areashave declined significantly. Of note, forested areas declined regardless of good or bad retums fromshrimp farming. When retums from shrimp production were high, trees were cut down to create moreshrimp ponds. When shrimp disease problems resulted in poor retums, trees were cut for cashincome.

The govemment needs to establish lines of communication and promote cooperation between theShrimp-Artemia Project and the Reforestation Project. Only in this way may they satsfy theobjectives of reforestation and economic development.


The issues and felt needs of the community will be understood more easily if introduced by a briefdescription of the main economic activities in the community.

Shrimp farming: (June - November): Compared to the number of households involved in shrimpproduction at the maximum. less than 5% of those households continue to farm shrimp. Somemoved away from the area while others converted their shrimp ponds to natural Tnlapia production,crab farming or natural shrimp-fish-trapped ponds. AJI households practice extensive farming;therefore, incomes are not very stable.

Artemia-Salt production: (December to May): Average income = VND 0.5 million per hectare peryear.

Fishing: (Year round): This is the most popular of income eaming activities. People who have no landor lack capital can support their families either by fishing or temporary work-for hire.

Agricultural production: (Seasonal): Practiced by those with land in the economic zone near to thebuffer zone. They grow single-rice-crop, onion or beans. Paddy yield is around 3.4 ton per hectare.Some Chinese families have long an gardens. At good yield, they can eam VND 12 million perhectare per year.

,. __ ,_,n___t15 .............. :s, D#f t_n ̂mnnFf ...................12312


Work-for-hire: (July - September): During harvesting months (July, August, September), owners oflong an gardens hire villagers from coastal areas; and therefore these people have another additionalincome. In general, there is a lot of unemployment.

The community feels that the following is required in order to promote income generation:

* Capital for new farming activities: People said to RA team that Bac Lieu Fishery ProjectBoard promised to lend them 1 million per household when it changed production activityfrom shrimp farming to the others as Artemia production, crab farming, etc., but theyhave not received any up to present.

* Support of extension service: Extension is important, particularly if households are beingasked to try a new technique or product. Not surprisingly, people are afraid to lose theirinvestment capital.

• Study on ability of getting high income by Tilapia farming. Because people often catch alot of natural Tilapia but it seems this fish still not so attractive to market demand. If theyhave a good market for this fish, villager could get another significant source of income.

* Support for aquaculture production: Many households living along coastal area arewilling to join Sub-project involved Tilapia or milkfish polyculture. But to shrimp culture,they seem not very interested and they agree to join in case of receiving much supportfrom researchers.

10.3.2.4 Social Issuesl Physical i,nfrastructure Needs

Several issues have arisen that will need to be addressed as follows:

* 80% of the people in the study site are poor36 while 90% are Khmer. They have lowincomes, few resources and limited opportunities under existing conditions to improveliving standards. Of the Khmer, it is said that they have too little food for 6 - 8 months ofthe year. With the exception of some household who have land in the project area, otherKhmer families have very little land formally located in the BZ.

* there are limited opportunities to diversify household sources of income in order to makepeople less dependent on subsistence fishing and thus be less vulnerable to foodshortages.

* productive resources and opportunities are not evenly distributed. Lack of food securityis particularly frequent among the ethnic groups as Khmer who lack access to productiveagricultural land. As they live in more remote areas and for various cultural andeconomic reasons, they tend to have much less access to education and healthservices. Furthermore, they are less equipped to compete in an increasingly moneyoriented economy. Only the Chines! Vietnamese groups have been quick to take up theopportunities presented by the emerging cash economy. The Khmer group usually findsitself working for the Chinese/ Vietnamese groups.

3where poor" is defined as having no more than 15 kg rice per month


* Women tend to be disadvantaged by the changes in rural society. They have to sharethe daily work with men. However, women usually devoted much more time for thecommon good of the family than their husbands in activities such as food preparation,child care and housework.

* women are usually more flexible in terms of production plans although they have not gotenough capital to proceed.

10.3.3 Indicative Community Action Plan (ICAP) for Bac Lieu

10.3.3.1 Action Plan by Major Issue

The residents of the study site hamlets of Bien Tay, Dong A and Dong B would like to see thefollowing actions taken to better incomes and quality of life in their commurities:

C tal . .rf tvide usuaI stand armrs of cand rghts re appli7d in Bac pieu, moe aulhrits have no right moveResettlement people out and resettle them. Not only long time residents have land titles. 'Recent" arrivalsPlan ~~~~have obtained apparently valid land cerfificates from the Coastal Protection Board. The project

Cosrain * iocal authoritis must have authority to control illbgal cuttingConservtlon/ *beneficiary created management plan for abandoned land

Coastal . provicJe capital for farnmer can cr,eate the 70:30 forest: pond modelProtection Plan . environmental education required as the people make no apparent link between environmental

protection and their own well-being. The delivery mechanism is critical. Possibilities: 1) Can ThoUniversity demonstration center, ii) schoois; iii) pagoda.

* a land use plan for the 20 - 40 m that accretes each year.* every year, illegal cutting matches replantation and the area of mangroves stays the same. A

management plan is required to increase both the area of mangroves and the size of mangroveson the area. Note: the Conservabon Board is selling the righr to 'collect dead branchese in theFPZ. In other words, the Board responsible for protection is ensuring destruction

Income * Continue to support the people through credit activitiesn Upgrade the Artemia/Fishery Research Station of Can Tho University in Project area so that

Generation/ they have appropriate decision on Tilapla farming as soon as possible. Continue co-operatingEconomic with Can Tho University which has recently developed a small aquaculture research andDevelopment demonstration facility adjacent to the study site.Plan . Improve efficiency of irrigation systems through upgrading existing ponds for sustainable shrimp

culture; construction of common secondary canals that would settle the high sift load in thecoastal waters along Bac Lieu: construction of water treatment ponds.

* Increase technical extension services necessary to introduce more advanced shrimp culturetechnologies

* Collaborate with households to experiment shrimp/fish polyculture. Many households living alongcoastal area are willing to join.

Soia 5e/ * special policy for Khmer is required. It should include subsidized education, access to capitalSocial Issues! and priority for land distribution

Physical . how to improve the education level of the KhmerInfrastructure . freshwater wells for the Khmer for dnnking water. At present time, on average 20 households usePlan one freshwater-pump together.

* promotion of food security; some possible exchange of food (rice) for conservabon services. NB:this has been tried unsuccessfuily in places where the same areas have been planted 3 - 4times. It is important to tie it not just to planting of trees but too tending of trees. This suggestsNGO involvement in project

* work with local authorities to improve road access, schools, health facilities.

* _ _ -. . , ",,;t., _n.- 7 -nonnt ~~~125


10.3.3.2 Action Plan Interventions Summarized by Cost Category

To summarize, the community would like to see the following interventions:

Civil Works o Improve efficiency of irrigation systems through upgrading existing ponds forsustainable shrimp culture;

* construction of common secondary canals; will serve also to settle the high silt

load in the coastal waters* construction of water treatment ponds

* improve road access, schools, health facilities

Equipment * upgrade Can Tho University demonstration center for i) environmentaleducation; ii) Artemia/fishery research

* freshwater wells for the Khmer for drinking water

Consultants * possible requirement (particularly from Can Tho University to conductextension

Training * environmentall education* technical extension services to introduce more advanced shrimp culture

tecnnologies* collaborate with households to experiment with shrimp/fish polyculture

0 and M * capital to finance farmers in achieving the 70:30 ratio of forest area: pond area* Continue to support people through credit activities* subsidized capital for Khmer

Administration * (significant component) sort out land titling problems* empower local authorities to control illegal cutting. beneficiary created management plan for use/ future of abandoned land

* management plan for the use/ management of the 20 - 40 m of beach/coastthat accretes

* management plan to increase both the area of mangroves and the size ofmangroves on the area.

* special policy for Khmer that includes subsidized education, access to capitaland priority for land distribution

* promotion of food security; some possible exchange of food (rice) forconservation services

10.3.4 Concluding Remarks

There is a significant degree of overlap between the lists of project interventions proposed by theproject team and the community.

,.~~~~04 . O%_ __ _f^f Rfffgr 7nnp Comnonent


Not surprisingly, the study team took a narrower view, concentrating on the community's needsprimarily from an income generation point of view. The community took a broader view that includedsocial items as well. Even within income generation, there is a suggestion that the study team took anarrower view that concentrated on maximizing income from shrimp production while the communityexpressed interest in promoting other sources of income generation such as tilapia, polyculture,Artemia, etc..

10.3.5 Work and Travel Schedule

July 20 * travel from HCMC to Can Tho* meet Mr. Nghia, Mr. Tuan (lecturers at Can Tho University) to discuss aquaculture

situation in Bac Lieu and Vinh Chau

* ovemight in Can Tho

July 21 . travel from Can Tho to Bac Lieu* go to study site in Bac Lieu (Thuan Hoa commune)* interview farmers (5 households)* ovemight in Bac Lieu

July 22 * continue to do RA in Thuan Hoa commune (4 households)- meet Mr. Le Minh Chien, Vice-Chairman, Bac Lieu People's Committee

* return to Thuan Hoa commune to meet farmers (4 households)

* ovemight in Bac Lieu

July 23 * meet farmers (16 households) of Thuan Hoa commune* meet Mr. Vo Hoang Minh, Thuan Hoa's leader to discuss present situation

* continue interviews (4 households)* ovemight in Bac Lieu

July 24 * return to HCMC

July 25 and * meetings with Dr. Peter McNamee and Mr. David Williams26 * report preparation

_ ; n- nf~l~.II.,f C PeiRoview of Buffer Zone Comoonent 127



Ly Mier femaie _Chinese BE n Tay Fisherman and farmerLy Mui male ~~Chinese Bien Tay Farmer

Truong Thi Xem female Khmer Bien Tay Fisherman and farmerDinh To Uyen female Vietnamese Bien Tay Fisherman and farmerNguyen Van Bay male Vietnamese Dong A FarmerLe Hong Diep male Vietnamese Bien Tay Farmer and fishermanLe Thi Na female Khmer Bien Tay FishermanThach Long male Khmer Bien Tay FishermanSon Ty male Khmer Dong B FishermanNgo Quoc Khiem male Chinese Dong B FishermanQuach Tan Dai male Chinese Bien Tay Farmer and fishermanKhuu Thanh Hoa female Chinese Bien Tay FishermanQuach Tan Loi male Chinese Bien Tay FishermanTran Thi Lui femaie Khmer Dong A FishermanThach Thi Huong female Khmer Dong B FishermanLam Sang male - Khmer Dong A FishermanSon Leng male - Khmer Dong A FishermanTrieu To Ken male Chinese Bien Tay Farmer and FishermanKim Ku male Khmer Dong B FarmerTruong Van Binh male Vietnamese Bien Tay FishermanThach Penb male Khmer Bien Tay Fisherman and farmerKhuu Van male Chinese Bien Tay Farmer and fishermanNguyen Van May male Vietnamese Bien Tay Farmer and fishermanKim Son male Khmer Dong B FishermanThach Thi Mai female Khmer Dong A FishermanThach Danh Ni male Khmer Bien Tay FishermanTruong Phat male Chinese Bien Tay FarmerNgo Kim male Chinese Bien Tay Farmer and fishermanLy Ngoc male Chinese Bien Tay Farmer and fisherman

10.4 INDICATIVE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN FOR VINH CHAU STUDY SITE

10.4.1 Background


The project area is 5,935 ha with 4,202 ha in the Full Protection Zone and 1,733 ha in the BufferZone. It takes nearly 2 hours from Soc Trang Town to study site by road. The study site at VinhPhuoc Commune covers hamlets Bien Tren A, Bien Tren B, Bien Duoi and Vinh Phuoc Salt co-operative. It is 140 ha in area. Several canals of the existing shrimp farm system run toward the sea.There are 492 ha of forest scattered throughout the Buffer Zone and 1,222 ha of mixed trees


including mangroves in the Full Protection Zone. The main sources of income are farning, shrimp37

and Artemia production. 20% of the population are Vietnamese. 80% are either Khmer or Chinese

EUROCONSULT surveyed 16 families living in the economic zone, 8 families living in the BZ and 1family living in the FPZ. These families settled during 1925 -1962 and have an average farm size of2.0 ha of shrimp pond including a productive water surface area of 1.9 ha.

Each family has an average of 6.8 persons of whom 2.6 persons are in the labor force. The housesare made mainly of bamboo (21) and masonry (4) and have an average area of 45 m2. In 1994-1995, their income was VND 1.7 million (VND 0.232 million per capita). The main sources of incomeare hired labor (VND 1.6 million), salt production (VND 1.04 million), Artemia production, vegetableproduction and handicrafts.

The project aims at rehabilitating mangrove forest in the FPZ and replanting scattered trees on thedikes in the BZ for supplying fuel wood for the area; developing the pond and water supply system forsemi intensive shrimp culture to ensure the income of these families (say 1.9 ha of water-surfaceshrimp pond) at acceptable level.

The potential expansion of Artemia area (which is located in economic zone) to the BZ were studiedby Euroconsult, the field survey and consultation of local people showed that new deposited soil inthe BZ is soft in structure with a high rate of infiltration and shrinkage. As a result, there aredifficulties with water retention for Artemia production. Compacting by heavy machine to reduceinfiltration rates is possible though the cost is much higher than that of excavation and embankmentwithout heavy machine compacting. Furthermore, maintenance of the pond (by hand) may disturbthe compacted layer.

There has been progress in Soc Trang Province to reforest mudflats in erosion areas. Although thiseffort is worthwhile to the degree it slows erosion, it is the opinion of the Mission that over the longerterm, the strong currents and wave action along this coast will result in a gradual decrease in landarea. In the meantime, incentives need to be put in place to encourage local inhabitants to plantpioneering mangrove species in the mudflats and to preserve the FPZ.


The Vinh Chau Study Site has a total land area of 224 ha, a shrimp pond area of 118 ha and sustains47 households. A diversified production system of Artemia during the dry season and shrimpMlapiapolyculture during the rainy season is proposed. The proposed Project would provide extension andcredit to the farmer for: (a) portable pump; (b) pond dike improvements; and (c) working capital. Twomodels are proposed.

Vinh Chau 11 (85 ha of land; 47 households The land elevation in the FPZ at Vinh Chau is abovethe highest tides and the only mangrove species growing in this area are along the slopes of canals,

37Contact people at the Vinh Chau Study Site include: Mr. Vo Thanh Uoc (Coop Manager of Vinh Phuoc Cooperative), Mr.Kim Kinh (Chief Accountant) and Mr. Thien Quang Duc (Chaimran of the Forest Protection Division in Soc Trang)

- - - - - J'-.... ON. M-_7__ _ :14 0-4 ............ ;0,4W- -t D.^ ^e%M^n"n^nft 1............... 29

Coastal Welands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Roview of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

with a few pioneering mangrove species that have been planted on the mudflats. There is a welldefined 'step up' from the mudfiat to the higher land of the FPZ just at the point where wave action iseroding the coast. Some people are already cultivating onions and other terrestrial crops at thesehigher elevations in the FPZ, and it is the opinion of the Mission that this activity should beregularized. The Vinh Chau area has limited rainfall and a pronounced dry season, so thereforestation of the FPZ would require irrigation. It appears to be more efficient to finance fresh waterwells for small-scale (0.25 ha) vegetable farming in the FPZ in exchange for the farmer plantingmangrove in a relatively small area (2 ha) of mudflat or along canals and creeks.

Soc Trang (245 ha of land; 100ha of ponds; 100 households) One of the more successfulreforestation programs in an erosion area is in the Trung Binh District of Soc Trang. The Project willprovide some canal infrastructure, credit for fresh water wells, plus extension and support services toabout 100 households. Each fami will be encouraged to diversify risk through a combination ofshrimptfish culture (1.5 ha) and vegetable cultivation (0.25 ha). It is assumed that the farmer willstock P. monodon for one crop during the dry season, and rely on wild PLs during the rainy season3e.


The following activities are proposed:

Civil Works *pond dike improvements

*fresh water wells for small-scale (0.25 ha) vegetable farming

*canal infrastructure

Equipment * portable pumps

ConsultantsTraining * extension to support investments in new technology

* extension and support services to 100 households0 and M * credit for civil works, equipment and working capital

* diversification of risk through a combination of shrimp/fish culture (1.5 ha) andvegetable cultivation (0.25 ha)

* stocking of P. monodon during dry seasonAdministration

6concerns about the models include: i) whether high concentrations of chemicals used for onion cultivation on raised bedswill affect shimp ponds; ii) the extent to which the application of this model along the coast will act to decrease marketprices for onions; iii) and the feasibility of combining Artemia and shrimp production in soft oil. ft is to be remembered thatthe main area for cultivating onion and vegetable in thts area is iocated in economic zone which has favorable condition offresh water and soil.

s _ ̂_ _, .......- ,. 7^ r__ r_+



In VTASC, total area of Economic Zone (EZ) from the road to dike 700 covers 593.51 ha which ispossessed by 334 households.

Only 43 households involve in Artemia production in the zone from the local road to dike 300. Theycall this "Artemia -Salt Zone (ASZ)". Total area of ASZ is 206.45 ha, in which 160 ha is really Artemiaponds. The remaining ponds (service ponds) are for reservoir, evaporation and fertilizing andcrystalizers. The average rate of service:Artemia ponds of VTASC is 2.7 (433.51:160). This rate ofASRDI Station is also 2.7 (8:3). In the dry season, Artemia and/or salt production is in operation. Inthe rainy season, the same ponds are stocked with P. monodon or trapped natural fish and shrimpseed.

The zone from dike 700 to protection dike is 240 ha. They call "Lang Moi Zone" (Lang Moi meansNew Village). This zone is the "Buffer Zone (BZ)". In the BZ, lots 1-20 were distributed to poorfarmers. Each household received in average 1.32 (0.3-2.2) ha. The remaining (lots 21-29) are not inthe list. The mode of production in this zone is only 'fish/shrimp trap-and-keep method" mainly in theditches due to the higher land topography.

The area from the protection dike to the coastal line (Protection Zone) is not defined by the VTASC. Itis estimated about 150 ha and managed by the Vinh Chau District.

In this dry season, most of farmers have been producing mainly Artemia cysts. As a result, the priceof salt increases to 400 VND/kg in this moment as compared before that is 80-200 VND/kg(production cost is 40-50 VND/kg in which 40% is for raking and collecting, 40% for transportationand 20% for sundry). But only middle men can gain the profit because they have enough money tostore salt and sell it at a profitable time. Most of salt farmers have to sell their salt right away, thusthey are not able to take advantage of the high price period. Therefore in any cases they alwaysDrefer producin]g Artemia cysts (especially when the price of cysts remains high). Only 20,000 tons ofsalt (produced from 250 ha) are needed annually in Vinh Chau and Bac Lieu to keep at high sellingprice. Farmers in these areas should not run after salt production when the salt pnce increasestemporarily.

They all agreed to increase the area of Artemia ponds because more households can involve inArtemia cysts production in the dry season instead of only few rich farmers organize the production. Itis surely realized because some farmers (Mr. Dat, Chin Lai, lot 12 next to the ASRDI Station; Mr.Sang, lot 13; Mr. Bun, lot 14 ... have operated Artemia ponds beyond dike 300). They have workedhard to prevent water leaching through the pond dike and bottom. Reasons of leaching come fromred mud fish" (their eyes degrade and the jaws are with very strong teeth for soil digging which are

adaptive for hiding life in the deep layer of pond bottom), "water snake" and perforated soil. Abulldozer can solve this problem and also help reducing the rate of service:Artemia ponds to 0.33(1:3) (as experience of farmers who only have few Artemia and evaporation ponds and myexperience in Vung Tau). The soil structure of this area was checked by the "pencil method" and it isOK although some samples (from the road to dike 300 and to dike 700) are black (color of very fineorganic matter) instead of brownish (color of clay).

A r. _aft n pid Snecial Review of Buffer Zone Component 131


with a few pioneering mangrove species that have been planted on the mudflats. There is a welldefined 'step up from the mudflat to the higher land of the FPZ just at the point where wave action iseroding the coast. Some people are already cultivating onions and other terrestrial crops at thesehigher elevations in the FPZ, and it is the opinion of the Mission that this activity should beregularized. The Vinh Chau area has limited rainfall and a pronounced dry season, so thereforestation of the FPZ would require irrigation. It appears to be more efficient to finance fresh waterwells for small-scale (0.25 ha) vegetable farming in the FPZ in exchange for the farmer plantingmangrove in a relatively small area (2 ha) of mudflat or along canals and creeks.

Soc Trang (245 ha of land; 100ha of ponds; 100 households) One of the more successfulreforestation programs in an erosion area is in the Trung Binh District of Soc Trang. The Project willprovide some canal infrastructure, credit for fresh water wells, plus extension and support services toabout 100 households. Each farm will be encouraged to diversify risk through a combination ofshrimp/fish culture (1.5 ha) and vegetable cultivation (0.25 ha). It is assumed that the farmer willstock P. monodon for one crop durng the dry season, and rely on wild PLs during the rainy season

10.4.1.3 ProposedActivities

The following activities are proposed:

Civil Works * pond dike improvements

* fresh water wells for small-scale (0.25 ha) vegetable farming* canal infrastructure

Equipment * portable pumps

ConsultantsTraining * extension to support investments in new technology

* extension and support services to 100 households

0 and M * credit for civil works, equipment and working capital

. diversification of risk through a combination of shrimp/fish culture (1.5 ha) andvegetable ciltivation (0.25 ha)

* stocking of P. monodon during dry seasonAdministration

'Concerns about the models include: i) whether high concentrations of chemicals used for onion cultivation on raised bedswill affect shrimp ponds; ii) the extent to which the application of this model along the cosst will act to decrease marketprices for onions; iii) and the feasibility of combining Artemia and shrimp production in soft soil. n is to be remembered thatthe main area for cuitivating onion and vegetabke in this area is located in economirc zone which has favomble condition offresh water and soil.

- __ -.Js.- rh. ,.-i4 ~~p4PPvi.w of Rrjffpr Zone Comronent


Because the canals of VTASC fuse together, there is no separation between main intake anddrainage canals. Thus the wastewater needs to be stored for releasing to the sea in the neap tideperiods. There are two options of production mode: improved traditional production and completelyindividual production.

Improved traditional production Traditional production means collective production of Artemia-saltin the dry season and shrimp culture individually in the rainy season. Improvement of traditionalproduction as my model is actually the application of integrated production system. By mean ofbulldozers, probably compacted shrimp ponds can be constructed efficiently in the area of reservoirand evaporation ponds. In the dry season, the wastewater of SCA can be discharged into Artemiaculture zone (206.5 ha of ASZ, actual data) which is WSA in the model (236 ha). The CSA can beutilized as extensive shrimp culture ponds. In the rainy season, the whole salt lot can be shifted toshrimp culture with the higher percentage of SCA as compared with the dry season.

In the dry season, there are still two options:

* If there no risk of shrimp diseases, P. monodon can be cultured two crops per year. Dr.Scura's modified model gives the IRR and NPV as being 105% and $14324,respectively.

* If there is still risk of shrimp disease, artificial-seed shrimp culture should be replaced byArtemia cyst production in the dry season. In this case the Artemia area occupies 66% oftotal water area. The IRR and NPV are 78% and $10190, respectively

Farmers who want to produce individually (they usually prefer), should follow the above-mentionedmodel, consisting of of 2 ha of land for each farmer, in which 25% is dikes and the remaining is waterarea.


A Rural Appraisal Team comprised of Mr. Le Quang Thong (Team Leader), Mr. Nguyen Van Congand Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hien visited the Vinh Chau Study Site from August 10 - 13, 1996.

The observations that follow are based on 26 interviews conducted by the RA team. Of the 26villagers interviewed, 22 were male and 4 female. Ten were Khmer, 13 were Chines and three wereVietnamese. 17 of the interviewees were from Bien Tren Hamlet while 9 were from Bien DuoiHamlet Ten interviewees listed their occupation as "fisherman" only, four listed their occupation as"farmer" only, three listed their occupation as "fisherman and farmer (e.g., fishing more importantthan farming) while nine listed their occupation as "farmer and fisherman" (e.g., farming moreimportant than fishing).

AA ;,. fl* ,.EwIg" Cor,-inI PviAw nf Ruffer Zonp Comoonent 133


Shrimp can be cultured in the dry season (Dec.-Mar.) because high tides frequently occur in thisperiod and the sea water can be kept well by the newly constructed protection dike and water gates.Some farmers suggested placing compacted shrimp ponds in the BZ. But others said that the soil inthis area contains high percentage of coarse organic particles, therefore it is better to construct theponds from dike 300 to dike 700. Anyway, if possible we can test one compacted pond in the BZ.This is the integrated shrimp-Artemia-salt production system that we have tried before in the dryseason in VC Station (nursery instead of growout ponds in the reservoir area). The main advantagesare that Artemia biomass can be supplied for shrimp ponds and the waste water of shrimp ponds isconducted to Artemia ponds as fertilized water. But at that time, the system was not well managedbecause of water leaching and the poor structure of old protection dike and its sluices. The risk ofshrimp culture in this period is that the PL in hatcheries get higher risk of diseases due to lowtemperature and are treated with many types of antibiotics.

The source of wild shrimp seed should be utilized. One farmer said that P. merguiensis PL occupy30-40% of total and the wild shrimp PL seem appearing abundantly in this first half year. They alsothink that it is better to keep the wild seed in ponds for longer time (1-1.5 months), to apply Derrisroots to kill trash fish and to spread some fertilizers. But it is difficult to follow because the poor has tocollect shrimp every high tide for daily expenses.

To improve and maintain the canal Ipond systems, the whole Cooperative needs credits to equipsome machines: two small bulldozers (150 mil. VND each) to construct compacted ponds and lattermaintenance and one locally-made spoils-removing boat (50 mil. VN dong each) to maintain thedepth of canals.

Most of them suggested to cultivate vegetable (similar which of Bac Lieu study site) in the BZ (in thiscase, freshwater wells are needed). Farmers said that they can control the spread of insecticides intowater bodies by using a restricteci ponds to store water from plant cultivation and selecting quickbiodegradable chemicals.

VTASC needs waste water reservoirs in the rainy season because it does not have an efficientseparate inlet and outlet canal system. The ditches which serve as waste water reservoir can bestocked with Tifapia/milkfish/mud fish/others culture. The waste water can be discharged to the sea inthe neap tide period.

In the dry season, the waste water from fish/shrmp ponds can be used to fertilize Artemia ponds.

The plan is based on shrimp (P. monodon or P. merguiensis) semi-intensive culture with stockingdensity of 3-4 pcs/m2 , maximum 10 % water exchange daily. A yield of 500 kgflhalcrop can beexpected. In according to some climatic and tidal assumed parameters such as: net balance ofrainfall minus evaporation in the dry season is maximum -150 (in Feb-Mar) and in the rainy season inaverage +100 mm (Jun-Sep); in the spring tide period, the BZ can take in 30 cm seawater deep fromthe original land level and 50 cm lthat of EZ; duration of no incoming tide lasts maximum 10 days inthe dry season and 7 days in the rainy season. Modeling reveals that the total volume of clean waterstock defines maximum area of shrimp culture.


Unlike the case in Minh Hai Province and Tra Vinh Province , Full Protection Zone areas in SocTrang occupied by farmers although theoretically it is managed by Vinh Chau District PeopleCommittee.


The existing projects: 327 project of Vietnamese govemment, Rehabilitation of Mangrove ForestProject of govemment of Netherlands and Vietnam. Their important objectives include planing andimplementation of mangrove forest rehabilitation activities.

According to local leaders and relating officers, programs of reforestation under 70 : 30 ratio has notlogical, at least in Vinh Chau study site. Therefore , they are proposing different ratio as 50:50 .40:60. etc. based on particular situations. Farmers are not willing to replant the tree followed 70: 30ratio since they will lost much of cultivated land in Buffer Zone.

People who living nearby coastal area are pleased with reforestation plans because they will haveincome through work - contact with project managers . In long - term , there production would beimproved . Their sjggested plan:

- Step 1: Distribution to each household officially .- Step 2: determine clearly the boundary of each plot.* Step 3: Plan Rhizophoracea and Avicennia marina.- Together with the above steps, manager make output contract with the farmers.

In Buffer Zone, farmers tend to plant Eucalyptus.

However, it is necessary to conduct training courses relating forestry and coastal protection plan forlocal people.

The width of Full Protection Zone and Buffer Zone are 250 meters, 500 meters , respectively andthey are separated by Coastal Protection Dike, Dike 700 and Dike 300.

The Economic Zone includes all area of Vinh Phuoc co-operative with about 590 ha and 334 hahouseholds. Extensive Shrimp farming, fish production have been done here. Next shrimp farms isArtemia production area which is 46 ha from 43 households.

10.4.3.3 Income Generationl Economic Development issues

The main sources of income are shrimp farming. Artemia Production, Agricultural cultivation, fishing.

Shrimp farming: During late 1980's and early 1990's farmers considered salt production as theirmajor source of income. Since 1992, high efficiency of shrimp farming attracted farmers to replacesalt production by shrimp farming. They invested a lot of money borrowed from govemment creditsystem or from private sector hopefully get high return from shrimp ponds. Then, they suffered

a X:_~ f'b. n , ~*C-il Ovi.w of Buffer Zone Component 135





10.4.3 Felt Needs of the Community at Vinh Chau Study Site

This section will lists the key feedback of the RA exercise. It summarize the felt needs of thecommunity under the four headings of resettlement issues, conservationl coastal protection issues,income generation/ economic development issues and social issues.


There are 10 households living within Full Protection Zone. These families have been living here formore than 25 years. They do not know anything about resettlement program except theestablishment of ' Lang Moi last few years. The opinions of local authorities are as follows:unnecessary to move these household out of Full Protection Zone. These families have been livinghere for years ( more than 25 years ). They do not know anything about resettlement programexcept the establishment of " Lang Moi " last few years .

According to local authority, it is unnecessary to move these households out of Full Protection Zone.

Settle down community in Buffer Zone is basic factor to manage reforestation and forest protectionprograms in coastal areas .

The coastal area nearby Vinh Phuoc co-operative , the study site in Vinh Chau , almost has no moreforest . It caused by inefficient management and over-cutting during 1994 - 1995 when shrimpfarming had been in serious disease . At the present time reforestation has been doing localauthorities prefer to keep households living in FPZ rather than move them into Buffer Zone . But theyalso control the migration from other places to this coastal areas. Though land - certificate has notbeen released yet , local authorities gave these farmer land for cultivation, on average 2 ha perfamily. Actually, most coastal areas of Full Protection Zone have been given to villagers by localauthorities. Only few of land receivers cultivated on this land and no one pays tax to govemment .

Needs of people:

* Continue giving land in Full Protection Zone to farmers so that they can farm on it orreplant forest tree through contracts with forest managers.

* Allow people to do aquaculture production along coastline.* Having additional source of income through taking work-contract with reforestation

project managers.

GEC Ld. Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

Health services should be constantly concemed. For example, the use of DDT in onion production iswidely without any cautions.

Investment on road construction, freshwater supply are necessary, too. In Lang Moi, on averageevery 15 families got one water-pump and they have to carry water for long distance from water-pump to home.

10.4.4 Indicative Community Action Plan (ICAP) for Vinh Chau



Confirm regulations relating Full Protection Zone. If authority accepts households livingwithin Full Protection Zone are legal, they should reorganize their productivity there. Intheory, govemment do not allow people to live within the Full Protection Zone. However,there are cottages scattered in Full Protection Zone. Furthermore, resettlement maybecomes difficult when local authorities have divided and distributed land in FPZ topeople. Is it a good opinion of govemment to let people living in or <owning land in FPZparticipate in the preparation of coastal protection plans ?

10.4.4.2 Conservation! Coastal Protection Plan

e Provide capital to farmers who are willing to get work-contract of reforestation and forestmanagement.

e Plant Rhizophora in Full Protection Zone. In Buffer Zone, Tra trees (Thespesia populnea)will be planted in the area between shrimp ponds. Local authorities also shouldencourage farmers to develop home gardens. The existing perennial trees found out inBuffer Zone are long an, cashew trees, *xo-ri trees. Home garden would be benefit onboth income eaming activity and reforestation plan.

* Redistribute land in coastal area since many households, let their land uncultivated afterreceiving it from local authority.

* Determine certainly project areas under different projects as 327 Project, Rehabilitationof Mangrove Forest Project, 'Coastal Wetlands Protection and Development Project

* Control situation of overfishing in coastal area including crab, natural Tilapia.* Conduct training course for farmers on farming system and reforestation activities.* Have particular regulations of land use in project area.

10.4.4.3 Income Generatfon/Economic Development Plan

* Improve shrimp-farming in coastal area and Artemia production in Buffer Zone.

a ___ts:... rlo. ¢_ixl Q..1*viAW nf P,tff,r Zone Comoonent 137


* Study on altemative aquaculture such as crab farming, Tilapia farming, sea-bass farmingetc. It is possible to set some pilot project in study site (at Bien Tren Hamlet or LangMoi Zone); and collaborate with Vinh Phuoc co-op managers.

* Increase extension service so that farmers can cultivate more economic efficiently* Upgrading Vinh Chau Artemia Research Stabon* Implement suitable credit support to producers. Solve the existing credit problems

causes by last shrimp farming tumdown .

10.4.4.4 Social Issuesl Physical Infrastructure Plan

* Similar to the case of Bac Lieu study site , 90 percent of total population in Vinh ChauStudy Site are Khmer and Chinese (70% , 20% respectively). Schooling level is too low.Many Khmer people can not speak Vietnamese. They have few chances to leam aboutcultivation technique through communication system. To Chinese, the situation seems tobe better. Almost all long an farms owned by Chinese households.

• Recent years, many farmer have left to towns or cities to look for job.• Lack of public services like school, health station transportation means.* Ethnic people are limitedl opportunities to diversify household sources of income.* Community of Khmer should have special policy in order to improve their living standard.

So far, they have no solution for debt problem. Other social plans are similar to Bac LieuStudy Site (see Report of Bac Lieu Study Site field trip).


The following summarizes desired project interventions as seen by the community.

Civil Works * schools, health center, local roads upgrading, particularly for Khmer communitiesEquipment * Upgrading Vinh Chau Artemia Research StationConsultantsTraining * Conduct training course for famiers on farming system and reforestation activities

extension services so that famiers can cultivate more efficiently0 and M * Provide capital to farmers who are willing to get work-contract of reforestation and forest

management.* Plant Rhizophora in Full Protection Zone* suitable credt support to producers. Address existing credit problems causes by last shnmp

farming turndownAdministration * Redistribute land in coastal area

* Confirm regulations relating Full Protection Zone* preparation of coastal protection plans* Control situation of overfishing in coastal area including crab, natural Tilapia.* land use management plan* have particular regulations of land use in project area.* Improve shnmp-hfmming in coastal area and Artemia production in Buffer Zone.* study altemative aquaculture such as crab farming, rilapia famning, sea-bass farming etc.* special program to expand opportunities for Khmer people to diversify household sources of

incore* special policy to address debt problem among Khmer

-~~~~~~~~~ - ._ _:. r. n_SI_.. Ce_-^il DAV; w #a,f 7onn fpemnonn,n

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmentl and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component


10 August * Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Soc Trang.* Meet Mr. Le Van Tu, technical officer of Soc Trang Forest Protection Division.* Arrange the trip on August 11.

11 August * Go to Vinh Chau.* Meeting with Mr. Kim Kinh, Mr. Hoc, Mr. Le Van Tu to discuss about study site.

* Do RA to farmers (8 households)* Ovemight in Vinh Chau

12 August * Continue doing RA (14 farmers).* Visit the areas belonged to Full Protection Zone, meet 4 farmers there.* Come back to Soc Trang* Ovemight in Soc Trang

13 August * Meeting with Mr. Thien Quang Duc, Mr. Ly Hong Khuong and Mr. Le Van Tu,leaders and local authorities of Soc Trang.

* Come back to Ho Chi Minh City.


As interviewed by Dr. Nghia:

Cao4 1_ 6 Lam Chieu Tet |12| Kim Kinh 3 7 Vo Thanh Uoc 15

Bu3rngHa 3 8 guyen Thanh Trung 164 Ngo Thai Hoc 8 9 Tran van Tang _0

5 Hoang Dai Phung 11 10 Nguyen ThanhPhu 2

As Interviewed by RA Team

4 Chien Ruc female Khmer BienTren Farmer and fisherman2Kim Kinh male Khmer BienTren Farrner and fisherman

J 3 ~~~~~~Le Thanh Hung rnale Vietnamese BienTren Farmner aird Fisherman4 Thac Th bXM MR female Khmer BienTren Fisherman5 Trieu Phet male Chinese BienTren Farmer and Fisherman6 Vo Viet Hung male Vietnamese Bien Duoi Farmer7 Lam Ngoc Huynh male Chinese Bien Duoi Farmer8 Ha Thach Phat male Chinese BienTren Fisherman and Farmer9 Nguyen Van Tam male Khmer Bien Duoi Fisherman and farmer

Anrannrliy 1: DetaIed Social Review of BufferZone Component 139


10_Kim Van mate Khmer BienTren Feranisherman14 Huynh Bo nh ale Chinese BienTren Frmanisherman12 Luu The Phi male Khmer BienTren Fisherman and Farmer13 Ly Hai male Chinese Bien Duoi Farmer and Fisherman14 Huynh Phong Vmh male Chinese Bien Duoi Farier and Fisherman15 Thach Keo__ __ male Khmer Bien Duoi Fisherman16 Kha Tenh male Khmer BienTren Feranisherman17 Quach Bi male Chinese BienTren Fisherman18 Ly Van Nhan male Chinese Bien Tren Farmer and Fisherman19 Nguyen Van Hung male Vietnamese Bien Tren Farmer and Fisherrnan20 Thach The Sot male Khmer Bien Duoi Fisherman21 Tran Tai Di male Chinese_ Bien Duoi Fisherman22 Huynh Ai Phung female Chinese Bien Duoi Farmer and Fisherman23 Tran Xup male Chinese Bien Tren Farmer24 Lam Ngoc Hoa female Chinese Bien Tren Farmer25 Phung Chanh Du male Chinese Bien Tren Fisherman26 Son Dan male Khmer Bien Tren Fisherman

10.5 INDICATIVE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN FOR DONG HAI

10.5.1 Background


The Dong Hai Study Site covers an area of 1,954 ha of which 631 ha is in the Full Protection Zoneand 1,323 ha is in the Buffer Zone. 163 households are living in FPZ according to a report of theCommune Committee. Forest Protection officers report that, in fact, 278 households live in the FPZ.The study site includes Ho Tau Hamlet, Ho Thung Hamlet and Phuoc Thien Hamlet. Immigrationfrom the Buffer Zone and inland areas has acted to increase the number of households in the FullProtection Zone. Most of the income eamed in both FPZ and BZ is from aquatic products. FromDuyen Hai District Town, it takes roughly 2 hours by boat to come to Dong Hai. Transportation bymotorbike is very limited.

According to the Euroconsult report, the project area includes Long Vinh, Dong Hai, Hiep Thanh, MyLong and Long Hoa. Together, they cover 6,525 ha with 3,949 in the FPZ and 2,576 ha in the BZ.The study site of 1,954 ha is 30% of the project site area of 6,525 ha.

The species Sonneratia caseolans and Rhizophora apiculata are proposed for the re-establishmentof the coastal protction forest. The provincial authorities have resettlement programs for the coastin general and the community in Ho Tau in particular39.

2Contac people for the Dong Hai Study Site were Mr. Nguyen Van Leo (FPD) and Mr. Nguyen Anh Dung (Ho Tau).

_ _.. _. r _:_t Do..,;,,,, ,,f D.u# ., 7no Comnonent



The first mission did not visit Dong Hai; however, it is assumed that the economic model for My LongStudy Site applies here as well. The salient points of relevance to Dong Hai include:

* an average pond area 2.6 ha per household is implied. Farmers appear to have donereasonably well, continuing to produce a single crop of P. monodon in the dry season forthe last several years. However, those interviewed confirmed increased productionproblems during the rainy season. The farmers interviewed do not appear to have aproblem with water supply.

* no infrastructure improvements are required for this site* the most important constraint in this area appears to be a lack of access to capital* recommendations include the promotion of P. monodon culture during the dry season

using the high health PLs to be provided under the Project.* in an effort to diversify crops from the existing system, farmers would also be provided

with access to sex-reversed Tilapia fingerlings.


Civil Works * no infrastructure improvernents are required for this site

EquipmentConsultantsTraining * extension services associated with the supply of high health PLs and sex-

reversed tilapia0 and M * promotion of P. monodon culture during the dry season using the high health

PLs* access to sex-reversed Tilapia fingerlings* improved access to capital

Administration


none


A Rural Appraisal Team comprised of Mr. Le Quang Thong (Team Leader), Mr. Nguyen Van Congand Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hien visited the Dong Hai and My Long Study Sites from August 3 - 8,1996.

The observations that follow are based on 25 interviews conducted by the RA team. Of the 25

A ____X:_ n. nt.~Z/^w q "Pa vipwof Buffer Zone Comoonent 141

Coastal Wetfands Protecton and Development Projet GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

villagers interviewed, 18 were male and 7 female; all were Vietnamese; all were residents of Ho TauHamlet. 17 interviewees listed their occupation as "fisherman" only while 8 listed their occupation as"farmer and fisherman" (e.g., farming more important than fishing).



10.5.2.2 Distrct Level

10.5.3 Felt Needs of the Community at Dong Hai

This section will lists the key feedback of the RA exercise. It summarize the felt needs of thecommunity under the four headings of resettlement issues, conservation/ coastal protection issues,income generation/ economic development issues and social issues.


Resettlement is a significant problem in Dong Hai both in terms of numbers (over 200 households livein the FPZ and must be resettled) and because of how they eam their living. 80% are fishermen;therefore, to move them to the BZ is to compromise their ability to eam a living by traditional means.

Officers of Provincial People Coimmittee and Forest Protection Division have prepared a newresettlement site. However, except for some of the commune's leaders, none of residents in FPZknow about the resettlement program. As a result, they are unprepared for it.

According to a Provincial Officer, the resettlement program will be implernented only in next fewyears. The new site for those 278 families will be taken from Buffer Zone. However, interviewingDeoDle in Buffer Zone revealed that they didn't know that their land was to be reallocated.

After resettlement, these families can practice agricultural cultivation in Buffer Zone and fishingactivities in coastal areas. The resettlement program includes a component of canal dredging forboat transportation.

What is the difference between keeping these households or moving all of them out this site. Forthis, an provincial officer answered simply that the presence of these households make the coastalforest management more difficult.

It is useful to know most villagers had contributed much for the revolution during the war. Shouldn'tconclude that they are residing illegally to bring them out of Full Protection Zone.

Furthermore, provincial authorities are conducting an experiment in clam culture on a 100 ha plot.This must be factored into any resettlement plan.

A - r-. fl,,,d, Cn ,4 Paviow nf Ruffer Zone Component


In summary, needs of community on resettlement issues are as follows:

* Let them know more about new resettlement site, as well as the time thiey have to leave.* Subsidize their operation cost when they start cultivating in new resettlement area.* Supply well enough new land. The present average land owned by each household is 2.5

ha.* Compensate fully total cost of rebuild their house including transportation fee.* Lend money enough for at least 6 months ( approximately 2 to 3.5 million dong)* Make decision on this problem the earlier the better.


Coastal erosion has destroyed much of the Dong Hai project area over the last !50 years. Erosiondamage is most serious in Ho Tau Hamlet. Reforestation is undertaken every year yet the total forestarea increases slowly. Reasons for this include: inadequate policy for the Buffer Zone; ineffectivelocal regulations, weak support from national budget; restricted cooperation with scientific researchinstitutes. During the field visit, the RA team saw some small boats carrying fuelwood which was cutdown from the replantation forest.

Project 327 includes a plan to replant 104 ha of mangrove forest in Dong Hai of which 60 ha would bein the Full Protection Zone.

As is the case with resettlement, local people know nothing about the coastal protection plan of thegovemment. Despite this, when the RA team asked them about their opinions of appropratemanagement of reforestation programs, they were very willing to enter into work contracts if offered.Villagers felt they could organize themselves into special groups in order to implement and managereforestation. The villagers understand well the characteristics of forest trees, soils and weather.They would be able to collaborate with policy makers on coastal protection plans.

Fishermen and farmers wish for support in terms of capital investment. Indirectly, this has a positiveeffect on forest protection. In offering more opportunities for fishermen and farmers, theirdependence on forest products will decrease.

In the Buffer Zone, there is some experience with forest replantation to a 70:30 ratio betweenforested area and cultivated area. To farmers within Buffer Zone, it seems they aire not attracted bythis because technicians or foresters cannot prove the advantages of the 70:30 ratio. But officially,people must follow that regulation of govemment.


80% of people in study site are extremely poor; eaming an average daily income of only VND 5,000.This group is comprised of fishermen. 15% of people in study site enjoy a little better livelihoodbecause of shrimp ponds, agricultural land and some even small fishing boats. However, the 'goldenperiod' of shrimp seems over. Likewise, there is only a single-crop to agricultural land. Some other

A M A. n ftfla,rf Social Review of Buffer Zone Component 143


people who live by work-for-hire have a difficult life, even worse than people in the first group. 5% ofpeople are unemployed.

With agricultural support services almost non-existent, it is hard to expect how people can have abetter living standard.

Needs of the community to promote income generation include:

* Capital: extremely necessary. At the present, people still are in debt with average amountbetween 1 million to 6 millions dong. It make them difficult to borrow ore for next cropseasons.

* Extension activities: Nearly no extension activities here .* Freshwater: There is only 1 UNICEF water - pump for all of Ho Tau Hamlet (100

households) at present.

10.5.3.4 Social issues. Physical infrastructure Needs


* Low schooling level of villagers: Due to economic constraints, many families could notsend their children to school. With the exception of some household who could sendchildren to district high - school. others could never let their children study up higher thangrade 3 at primary school. At the present time, there is only one ' school ' with 1 class-room which is enough for 30 pupils. Teacher is also a villager.

* Fishing Activities for poorer households: While coastal protection plans provide asupplementary source of income for wealthier farmers, their importance for poor farmerscan be crucial. Because poorer people eam a greater share of their total income fromnon-farm activities than do middle and upper-income people . The fuelwood trade isgenerally dominated by the poor, for example. The poor are gradually losing one of theirmain sources of income unless govemment especially support them in resettlementproblem. In Buffer Zone, the poor who usually exploited by middlemen who controlaccess to the market. Thus, when implement any project, govemrnment should pay muchmore attention on the poor.

* The role of women in income eaming activities: Generally, men have greater access togenerate income while women's activities revolve more around the basic needs of thefamily most particularly food production and child care.

10.5.4 4. Indicative Community Action Plan (ICAP) for Dong Hai

This section will look at the implications of the expressed needs of the community for Project Start-upand Implementation.


10.5.4.1 Resetlement Plan

* Need to let villagers in Full Protection Zone understand clearly govemment policy onresettlement as well how it implements. Then, local authorities can get the support ofpeople.

* To the people who owned land in areas where new resettlement site will be, localauthority should consider in more details the way of performance project. Negativeimpacts may happen to these households because surely their land will be narrow.

* At the macro-view, relating organizations should estimate the pressLure on Buffer Zoneafter receiving more than 200 families. If not, the same situation (moving back to FPZ)will happen naturally .

* The question is how govemment control or manage well new replantation forest in BufferZone if they have only 6 permanent guards for this site. Then, what solution for clamfarming area along the coastline.

* The RA team could not see new resettlement sites but we leam that they are belonged toBuffer Zone within Ho Tan Hamlet and Phuoc Thien Hamlet.

10.5.4.2 Conservation! Coastal Protection Plan

Increased govemment investment was needs in forest protection activities. It mayenlarge forest protection force or cooperation between forest Protection Station in DongHai needs to have at least one high-speed boat.

* A comprehensive training program for forest protection personnel at different levels wasrequired.

* Try to overcome the fact that nature reserves do not quality for financial assistance fromnational sources.

- Urgently Confirm regulations of land use rights and ownership in Buffer Zone. Our RAteam do not understand why up to now Buffer Zone area is still considered by localauthorities as common land and therefore it will taken out of present owners without anycompensation.

* Increase intemational support for forest protection plans to enhance protected areasystem.

10.5.4.3 Income Generation! Economic Development Plan

* develop farming systems in the BZ through the delivery of needed supporting servicesand inputs

* expand the credit system, particularly rural medium term credit. Relate to the 327project, Agricultural-Bank branches

* study fishery cultivaton methods, for example, extensive shrimp farming in the dryseason and Tilapia farming in the wet season

* market research into new products* solve problem of fuel wood demand* management fishing boats

A -__X;_ n- -#nUm-5 Pno;n Raviaw of Buffer Zone Comronent 145

Coastal Wetainds Protecton and Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

* agro-forestry extension training* communications and market information

The above activities will be implemented by agencies of the district or commune with supportresearch and extension agencies at the provincial level.

10.5.4.4 Social issues/ Physical infrastructure Plan

In Full Protection Zone:

* Find some social find to support public services to villager as water-pump healthstation.

* Supply more means of transportation, especially boats.* Support villagers including both children and adults to improve the schooling level .* Introduce people about family-plan

In the Buffer Zone:

I Improve people's knowledge of aquaculture-farming and agricultural cuftivation .* Establish and strengthen associations as farmer Association, Women Union.* Control the migration.

10.5.4.5 4.5 Summary of ICAP Interventions

Civil WorksEquiprnent * high-speed boat for increased forest protection

* rnanagernent fishing boats. water-pumps* health station* slow boats for transportation

ConsultantsTraining * public awareness to improve understanding of GOV policy on resettlement

* comprehensive training of forest protection personnel* agro - forestry extension training* support to general educational improvement* training in famity planning* improve people's knowledge of aquaculture-farming and agriciultural cultivation

C and M * financial assistance to nature reserves* BZ farming systems supporting services and inputs* expand credit system. increase rural medium term credit

Administration * resettlement plan for BZ. mgt. plan: replantation forest in BZ* confirm regulations of land use n,ghts and ownership in BZ* study of fishery models: extensive-shrimp farming in dry season; Tilapba farning in rainy season* marketing research of new products* address problem of fuel wood demand* communications and market information* establish and strengthen associations as farmer Association, Women Union.* control of mgration

s____J:. bo ie^f xr,ffar7on, Comoonent



3 August * Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Tra Vinh

* Meet Mr. Nguyen The Nam, vice-head of Forest Protection Division of Tra Vinh todiscuss about resettlement, income generation and other issues in My Long andDong Hai

* Ovemight in Tra Vinh4 August * Travel to Dong Hai which belonged to Duyen Hai District and go to study site (Ho Tau

Hamlet) by boat

* Meeting with 7 farmers* Discuss with local authorities (Mr. Dung, Mr. Bui)* Ovemight in Dong Hai

5 August * Continue to do RA with local residents (18 farmers)

* Attended Opening-Celebration of the summer-class in Dong Hai* Meeting with more than 40 farmers during the celebration

* Ovemight in Dong Hai6 August * Travel to My Long Commune

* Meeting with Mr. Mai Minh Tanh and Mr. Nguyen Van Ha, leaders of My LongCommune

* Ovemight in My Long7 August * Meeting with 12 households

* Come back to Tra Vinh Town* Ovemight in Tra Vinh

8 August * Meeting with relatingauthorties (Mr. Leo, Mr. Phat, Mr. Linh, Mr. Nam) to discusssome more details

. Retum to Ho Chi Minh City


1 Ngo> VaLn Dutng male hsherman2 Nguyenn VaLn Hoja male fisherman3 Vot VaLn Lua>n male farmer and fisherman4 TraBn VaLn NaLng male fisherman5 Nguyenn VaLn YaLng male fisherman6 Nguyenn VaLn Tari male farmer and fisherman7 Yoamn VaLn Hoa male fisherman8 ThaVch VaLn Th'a male fisherman9 Nguyenn VaLn T'Arng male fisherman

A .- n-W-n- rl%aiI.d Social Review of Buffer Zone Component 147

Coastal Wetlands Protecton and Development Project GEC Ld.Envnronmentul and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996

10 TraBn VaLn Dutngg male fisherman11 Nguyenn Cu Ujt male fisherman12 Tr"^ng VaLn ThaJng male fisherman13 TraBn Thi An female fisherman14 TraBn Thu Anm female farmer and fisherman15 Nguyenn Baj HaVnh male farmer and fisherman16 Le> VaLn Hafi male fisherman17 ThaVch VaLn RAjt male fisherman18 La>m VaLn Ngh\a male fisherman19 Nguyenn VaLn BXnh male fisherman20 TraBn Thb Tam female farmer and fisherman21 Nguyenn Minh Cajng female farmer and fisherman22 Nguyenn NgoVc Anh female farmer and fisherman23 Ngo> Thb BFnh female farmer and fisherman24 Le> VaLn Ta>m male fisherman25 Taf Thb Da>n female fisherman

10.6 INDICATIVE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN FOR MY LONG

10.6.1 1. Background


My Long Commune is located in Tra Vinh Province about 30 minutes from the national road bymotorbike. My Long Commune cofisists of nine hamlets named Hamlet I through Hamlet 9 TheMy Long Study Site covers an areal of 1,360 ha of which 525 ha is in the Full Protection Zone and835 ha is in the Buffer Zone. The study site covers hamlets number 2 , 3 , 4, 5 and 6. Records ofthe local authorities show there are 260 households living in Buffer Zone and about 10 families livingin Full Protection Zone. The study site is 1,360 ha or 25% of the project site area of 6,525 ha.

Farmers in the Buffer Zone come into coastal areas daily to fish. People of Hamlets 4 and 5 haveshrimp ponds. Other farmers have agricultural land within the Buffer Zone40.


The model proposed for the My Long Study Site covers 724 ha of land, includes 146 ha of ponds andsustains 56 households.

'Contact people for the My Long Study Site were: Mr. Mai Minh Tanh (Commune Leader), Mr. Nguyen Van Ha (Officr ofthe Commune Committee)

v A A ̂..,and,v- rwftsise,f QnvrisI QPvipw of EBuffer Zone Comoonent


*1

Euroconsult characterizes the collapse of shrimp farming in this area as being due to disease. Theypropose a system of canals that would allow each pond to have separate inlet and outlets. Interviewswith several farmers did not reveal a recent collapse in shrimp production. In fact, farmers in thisarea appear to have done reasonably well, continuing to produce a single crop of P. monodon in thedry season for the last several years. Their relative success may be due to their location at themouth of the Co Chien River, upstream of most other shrimp farms. However, those interviewedconfirmed increased production problems during the rainy season.

The farmers interviewed do not appear to have a problem with water supply. Furthermore,Euroconsult proposes to construct the new canals at the mouth of the Co Chien River, in an area withrapid currents and significant movements of material over the mudflats.

The most important constraint in this area appears to be a lack of access to capital. No infrastructureimprovements are required for this site. Recommendations include the promotion of P. monodonculture during the dry season using the high health PLs to be provided under the Project. In an effortto diversify crops from the existing system, farmers would also be provided with access to sex-reversed Tilapia fingerlings.


Proposed project interventions may be summarized as follows:

Civil Works * no infrastructure improvements are required for this site

EquipmentConsultantsTraining * extension services associated with the supply of high health IPLs and sex-

reversed tilapia0 and M * promotion of P. monodon culture during the dry season using the high health

PLs* access to sex-reversed Tilapia fingerlings

* improved access to capitalAdministration


none


A Rural Appraisal Team comprised of Mr. Le Quang Thong (Team Leader), Mr. Nguyen Van Cong

Annondir D: Detailed Social Review of Buffer Zone Component 149


r

and Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hien visited the Dong Hai and My Long Study Sites from August 3 - 8, 1996.

The observations that follow are based on 12 interviews conducted by the RA team. Of the 12villagers interviewed, 9 were male and 3 female. All were Vietnamese. My Long Commune consistsof Hamlets numbered 1 through 9. Three interviewees were from Hamlet 2, two from Hamlet 3, fivefrom Hamlet 4 and two from Hamlet 5. Three interviewees listed their occupation as "fisherman"

only, four listed their occupation as "farmer" only while five listed their occupation as "farmer andfisherman" (e.g., farming more important than fishing).




10.6.3 Felt Needs of the Community at My Long

This section summarize the needs perceived by the *community under the four headings ofresettlement issues, conservation/ coastal protection issues, income generation/ economicdevelopment issues and social issues.

1O.6.3.1 Resettlement Issues

Generally speaking, there is no biq problem of resettlement since there are only few households inthe Full Protection Zone. They are considered legal residents because:

* they have been living here for long time (more than 20 years)* the area where these farmers cultivated did not belong to the Full Protection Zone when

they came to the site* The Govemment has yet to advise them about resettlement.

The RA team tried to meet some of these farmers (Mr. Bay, Mr. Sau Mung, Mr. Tam) in order to gettheir opinions about resettlement. Iln general, they are ready to follow any govemrnment policy, even ifthey have to move out of FPZ. Mr Tanh, the commune's leader said that in My Long Commune willhave no problem of resettlement.

The problem is how to establish and apply firm regulations for the Full Protection Zone. Mr. Tanhbelieved that was unnecessary to move the households within the FPZ out. These few householdswill not cause any significant effect on the coastal protection forest. On the contrary, their experiencewith the area will assist the authorities in activities of replantation and forest management. Tanhaffirmed that in recent years, no one has been permitted to live inside or near to the Full ProtectionZone.

_A 1. F+_AI,. ¢~ O*vI.W of Rstflfo 76P7a ComnOnAT?



Conservation through coastal protection plays an important role in My Long. The problem ofhousehold food security is not simply one of agricultural output, but encompasses all factors affectinga household's access to an adequate year round supply of food. The problem of household food orincome is not only one of the next season's protection such as rice crop, shrimp production, fishingetc., but also includes other factors such as deforestation.

Villagers here understand well the role of the coastal forest because they themselves suffered theimpact of deforestation. People know that the coastal area plays an closed relation to Qth,irhousehold food and income. Results of a survey of farmers, especially those living in coastal areasshowed that they understood the issue more than the RA team had presumed. As a result, therenave been very few cases of illegal cutting Qf trees. Villagers appreciate that the forest providescritical support to its agricultural production as well as insurance against storm and crop failure.Thus, both directly and indirectly, many forestry activities have an impact on their livelihood.

At present, there are at least three known coastal protection projects in My Long: i) the "32T' Projectin both the FPZ and the BZ; ii) the 'Improve Westem Field ' or '773" Project in the BZ and theEconomic Zone; and iii) the "Nam Mang Thit" Project in the BZ.

Relation between shrimp farming and coastal environment: Interviewing with local people did notreveal that the dramatic downtum in the shrimp production is declining seriously , especially to semi-intensive shrimp farming. What does this mean? NB Thong's explanation "up to the time of the lastfield trip (Aug 6) shrimp disease still threatens shnmp production of farmers especially those whopractice semi-intensive farming" doesn't seem to add any meaning,

Although reforestation has been taking place slowly because of a limited budget, there has beengood cooperation between villagers and forest managers. Villagers living in coastal areas areencouraged to form groups which have responsibility for forest management. Despite low paymentfor the work of reforestation, they always work hard because they are aware the importance ofreforestation. Villagers also contribute to coastal protection project by giving advice to localauthorities, for example, in the selection of appropriate tree species. Interviews conducted by the RAteam showed that the coastal Protection Plan for My Long is well organrzed despite being small.

According to work contracts, each household may take 10 ha of forest or more to manage and theywill receive on average VND 50,000 per hectare per year. About 40 per cent of households hayeentered into work contracts.

In the Buffer Zone, local authorities implemented project 327 which has to recover about 327 ha ofsonneratiacea

The national budget for 327 proiect distributed to My Long is too small. For example, it was sufficientto replant only 5 ha in 1996. Officers in My Long wish they could find other sources of financialsupport to increase the speed of reforestation.

A --. t n- MnoefteiI- .,c-ini PoviAw of Buffer Zone Comoonent 151


The Nam Mang Thit Project may improve rice-production in Buffer Zone, expected since 1997.

Forest Managers together with district authorities have implemented the 'Giao Dat Giao RungProgram " giving out forest lands to the peasant. what is meant by "giving out forest land"?

Very few cases violated forest protection.

10.6.3.3 3.3 Income Generation! Economic Development Issues

Paddy cultivation which has only one crop per year. For last 3 years , farmers in Buffer Zone haveproduced a single rice crop in the rainy season. Hopefully, after Nam Mang Thit project finished,farmers would grow double-rice-crop in both rainy and dry seasons. The paddy yield tends toincrease every year since 1993. However, pest attack still often threats paddy production. Eachhousehold has on average 2 ha of paddy field

Livestock raising is still limited. Fanrners belonged to average-class could raises cows, pigs for cashincome. However, cow farming is not out of afford of households belonged to poor-class. Poorhouseholds could not raise livestock due to economic constraints. Minimum capital for a couple ofcows is 2 million dong.

Fishery and aquaculture production has become one of major subsector of agriculture . Productionfrom inland fisheries has been done within buffer zone and partly in coastal area . But most fishingactivities have been done along coastal area.

Other crops such as com, beans, cashews trees are also grown in Buffer Zone. But income fromthem seemed not very high.

Although farmers have different sources of income as mentioned above . their livelihood seemedunstable. Retums from rice production were not enough to recover all costs. The RA team could seesome bare fields in Buffer Zone. The agricultural productions need big amount of capital meanwhilevillagers can not reach that requirement.

Shrimp farming is another source of income despite three consecutive years of shrimp disease.Actually, 80% of former shrimp farming households stopped investing in this activity. The remaining20% of households are continuing with extensive shrimp farming.

Overfishing becomes serious and regulations conceming fisheries management are difficult toenforc . Local authorities are trying to control the problem but will be inefficient unless people'sincome is less dependent on fishing activities.

Credit systems do not work efficiently . The RA team received many complaints about unfair lendingboth in terms of choosing borrowers and of related procedures. Capital requirements for productionare very high yet the banks would not lend money to people who are so poor. For example, to raise

- _ J ft_ .. t.I r............ . : D,.N, t.rne mn,napyt


2 pigs each household needs at least VND 2 million; to cultivate 1 ha of paddy requires VND 1.5million. These are very significant amounts to poor households.

Extension activities must increase in the future. Agro-Forestry Extension staff should come to meetvillagers more regularly. Villagers said that they could meet technical officers or extension staff onceor twice a year. As it stands, many production problems must be solved by the villagers themselvesrelying on their own experience.

10.6.3.4 Social Issues/ Physical Infrastructure Needs


* About 60 per cent of the people in the study site are poor while most of them arefishermen . They have no agricultural land or productive equipment for fishing . They arereally willing to have a support from govemment. Due to lack of capital for productionthey have less opportunities to improve their living-standard.

- My Long commune has just been divided into My Long town and new My LongCommune. It made come changes in personnel and therefore indirectly may effect to theimplementation of project-

- There are limited chances to diversify household sources of income in order to helpvillagers less dependent on subsistence fishing and thus be vulnerable to food shortage.

- Most of poor producer ( both farmer and fisherman ) do not trust much on ability ofborrowing money through govemment's credit system. They often complain about itscomplicated procedure. But producers can not get enough money for production byborrowing from private sector due to high interest rate, which is up to 4% per monthcompared with the one from go agricultural-bank is 1.2% - 1.7% per month.

* Land in Buffer Zone tends to be uncultivated or unutilized not only because of capitalproblem but also caused by impetuous leaving of main labors to cities in order to getwork there.

* Needed credit for constructing 2 sluice gates at the beginning of supply and drainagecanal branches.

* As well as for dredge 2 canal branches.* Credit for enlarge extension staff as well their operation.* Improve the school which is so old and dilapidated.

10.6.4 Indicative Community Action Plan (ICAP) for My Long


A ... J.. r%.fl-*-'-cim! nPaiw nf ulffer Zone Comoonent 153


t


Define clearly standards of legal residency. Suggested basic conditions:

* People must have lived there for long time and their farming must be known by localauthorities.

* People have no land-use-right certificate but pay tax regularly.* People who land-use-right and permanent resident certificates.

Although the problem of resettlement is not too serious, local authority should have specific programfor households living within Full Protection Zone.


It's very necessary to implement coastal protection plans , especially at hamlets 2, 4 and 5. Theyprotection plans would include two sub-components, firstly for activities carried out within protectedarea, secondly, for other practices which are carried out Buffer Zone . We can not implementprotection plans independently in each Zone, the farmer sub-component, activities are likely toinclude:

* Improving protected area planning capacity by strengthening management plan and co-operation it into local strategies.

* Operation and Managing must be collaborated with local farmers in Buffer Zone so thatthey have an additional source of income.

- Promoting public support for conversation through environmental education andconservation awareness campaigns. This means enlargement of agro-forestry extensionstaff and economic managers.

* Carrying out combined operation since there exist different projects in Tra Vinh and MyLong particularly.

* Recover the shrimp farming of households in Buffer Zone in appropriate way so that itcan lower the pressure in Full Protection Zone.

The RA team expect that coastal protection plans in My Long have some advantages and couldimplement better than other places like Soc Trang. Bac Lieu.

10.6.4.3 Income Generation/Economic Development Pan

* Reorganize Credit system: It must be improved to satisfy people's needs . Manyinterviewers complained of unfair or inefficient activities in terms of choosing borrowers.On the other side, govemment have to, support more through the lending money andlower interest rate.

* Aim to test and disseminate smallholder - based agricultural and agro-forestry technique;and ensure delivery of useful supporting services and inputs including credit.

* Develop sustainable farming systems, integration of livestock production into existing

A -- J..- Une r.flnf rnerial Pfview of Buffer Zone Component

GEC Ltd. Coastal Wetbands Protecton end Development ProjectNovember, 1996 Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component

farming systems; strengthen extension and service systems.* It is proposed that the activities of Buffer Zone Development Component are closed to

economic development. Thus, they should be initialed on commune level by communebasic and by a community planing. To do that, local authority must establish a planingdivision which includes experienced villagers.

* Carry out land allocation, agro-forestry extension, environment training.

10.6.4.4 4.4 Social Issues/ Physical Infrastructure Plan

* Basic needs relating to community health, education as well the cultural needs will beattended to by programs delivered to. For example, needs to have a social find to rebuildthe school, health station and improve present roads within commune.

* Project activities should encourage activities of the association as Women Union, FarmerAssociation.


To summarze, the community would like to see the following interventions.

Civil Works . rebuid the school, health stabon and improve present roads within commune* carrying out combined operation since there exist different projects in Tra Vinti and My Long

particularly.* recover the shnmp farming of households in Buffer Zone to reduce pressure in FPZ

EquipmentConsultantsTraining - promote public awareness through general environmental education and conservation campaigns

* extension services in: i) smaliholder agncultural and agro-forestry technique; ii) sustainablefarming systems; iii) integration of livestock production into existing farming systems

O and M . reorganize credit system to address complaints of unfair selection of borrowers and supportgovemment through subsidized lending rates

* ensure delivery of useful supporting services and inputs

Administration a define clearly standards of legal residence to include: i) long term residency; ii) productive farmingactivities well-known to local authorities; iii) those without land-use-right certificate but who paytax regularty; iv) those with land-use-right and permanent resident certificates.

* coastal protection plans, especially in hamlets 2,4 and 5

* Improve protected area planning capacity by strengthening management plan and co-operation

* carry out land allocation* establish a planning division that includes experienced villagers. Initiate them in basic community

planning. Ensure that BZ is closed to economic development

* Support of activities of the association as Women Union, Famer Association

A__4 n- na#Iiiaef i Review of Buffer Zone Component 15

Coastal Wetlands Protecton end Development Project GEC Ltd.Environmental and Social Review of Buffer Zone Component November, 1996


3 August * Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Tra Vinh^ Meet Mr. Nguyen The Nam, vice-head of Forest Protection Division of Tra Vinh to

discuss about resettlement, income generation and other issues in My Long andDong Hai

* Ovemight in Tra Vinh4 August * Travel to Dong Hai which belonged to Duyen Hai District and go to study site (Ho Tau

Hamlet) by boat* Meeting with 7 farmers* Discuss with local authorities (Mr. Dung, Mr. Bui)* Ovemight in Dong Hai

5 August * Continue to do RA with local residents (18 farmers)* Attended Opening-Celebration of the summer-class in Dong Hai* Meeting with more than 40 farmers during the celebration* Overnight in Dong Hai

6 August * Travel to My Long Commune* Meeting with Mr. Mai Minh Tanh and Mr. Nguyen Van Ha, leaders of My Long

Commune* Ovemight in My Long

7 August * Meeting with 12 households* Come back to Tra Vinh Town* Overnight in Tra Vinh

8 August * Meeting with relating authorities (Mr. Leo, Mr. Phat, Mr. Linh, Mr. Nam) to discusssome more details

* Retum to Ho Chi Minh City


5 P DuongVan Nghia male Hamlet 4 Farmer and fisherman6< Quang Quoc Binh male Hamlet 4 Farmer7 NyTran Van Da male Hamlet 4 Farmer and fisherman4 Phan Van My male Hamlet 2 Farmer5 Pham Van Tron male Hamlet 5 Farmer and fisherman

6 Nguyen Van Kha male Hamlet 5 Farmer and fisherman

7 Nguyen Thi Ngoc female Hamlet 4 Farmner and fisherman

8 Huynh Van Bien Xmale Hamlet 2 XFarmerX

9 Do Thi Ngoan female Hamlet 3 Fisherman10 Duong Hong Ngoc female Hamlet 3 Fisherman11 Nguyen Van Son male Hamlet 2 Fisherman12 Tran Van Lap male Hamlet 4 Farmer

A _^ rl. ma#aHa Rnewinl Rviaw of Buffer Zone Comoonent

Environmental and Social Review of the Buffer Zone Component

Documents

Transcript of Environmental and Social Review of the Buffer Zone Component