Đồng Tháp, 24 March 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam, in collaboration with Tram Chim National Park and the Mekong Conservancy Foundation (MCF), convened the workshop “Sustainable restoration of Wetland Ecosystems in the Mekong Delta.” The workshop provided an opportunity to reflect on results and lessons learned from habitat restoration efforts in Tram Chim, while opening dialogue on the future of wetlands as the Mekong Delta navigates simultaneous pressures from climate change, livelihood transitions, and profound shifts in hydrology, water resources, and land use.

Wetland ecosystems form the ecological backbone of the Mekong Delta, encompassing globally significant sites such as Tram Chim National Park, Lang Sen Wetland Reserve, U Minh Thuong National Park, and Mui Ca Mau National Park. These ecosystems support thousands of aquatic and terrestrial species, sustain millions of livelihoods, regulate water systems, store carbon, conserve genetic resources, and strengthen climate resilience. However, wetlands are increasingly under pressure from land-use conversion, fragmented infrastructure development, pollution, altered hydrological regimes, invasive species, and climate extremes, leading to habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, and declining ecosystem quality.

In this context, wetland restoration is no longer understood as simply replanting vegetation or designating protection zones. It increasingly requires restoring appropriate hydrological regimes, reconnecting wetlands with river systems, promoting climate-adaptive livelihoods such as flood- and salinity-resilient production models, and establishing sustainable financing mechanisms for conservation. This integrated approach is gaining traction across the Mekong Delta, where nature-based solutions are increasingly recognized as a critical pillar for climate adaptation and sustainable development. Discussions at the workshop also highlighted the central role of science and data in monitoring, management, and decision-making to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of restoration efforts.

At Tram Chim National Park - a Ramsar site spanning over 7,300 hectares and home to more than 250 bird species - restoration efforts are already yielding positive results. UNDP and partners are piloting a payment mechanism for wetland ecosystem services, restoring 110 hectares of critical habitat for the endangered Sarus Crane, and supporting climate-adaptive livelihood models such as rice-fish farming. These interventions help reduce pressure on natural resources while improving incomes for buffer zone communities.

Mr. Bùi Thanh Phong, Deputy Director of Tram Chim National Park’s Management Board, emphasized: “Wetland ecosystem restoration cannot succeed through the efforts of a single institution or locality. It requires the active participation of government at all levels, scientists, businesses, international organizations, and local communities.”

The workshop also served as a multi-stakeholder platform connecting policymakers, protected area managers, scientists, businesses, and local communities to share experiences, identify challenges, and strengthen collaboration for the 2026–2030 period, particularly in mobilizing resources and advancing models such as ecotourism, nature-based agriculture, and innovative finance. Through discussions on ecosystem status, emerging challenges, and opportunities for collaboration, the workshop reinforced the need for interdisciplinary, practice-based, and inclusive approaches to wetland restoration.

Restoring wetlands in the Mekong Delta is not only a biodiversity conservation priority—it is essential for water security, local livelihoods, and strengthening resilience and climate adaptation across the region.

For any media inquiries, please contact:    

Phan Huong Giang    
UNDP Media and Communication Analyst, Climate Change and Environment    
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org  
Mob: 0948466688

Lý Văn Lợi 
Project Coordinator 
Mekong Conservancy Foundation (MCF) 
Email: lvloi@ctu.edu.vn