From Curiosity to Field Research: Conservation Innovation in Vietnam

Shrimp-mangrove ponds in Ca Mau, Vietnam (taken during field trip)

In my second year of undergraduate study, I found myself at a familiar crossroads that many research-driven students encounter: the quest for a thesis topic that would not just fulfill academic requirements, but truly ignite my intellectual passion. My academic interests had always been the intricate connections between human life, economic development, and environmental protection—but finding the right focus felt like solving a complex puzzle.

That's when I stumbled upon Payments for Environmental Services (PES) in Vietnam. It was like discovering a hidden gem in environmental policy. Vietnam stood out as a pioneer in Southeast Asia, developing innovative conservation approaches with support from international organizations. What made this particularly fascinating? PES is typically a market-driven tool, but Vietnam operates under strong state control—a contradiction that immediately grabbed my attention.

My exploration ultimately zeroed in on the Mangrove Payments for Forest Environmental Services (MPFES) in Ca Mau, a province nestled in the Mekong Delta. This wasn't just an environmental hotspot; it was an economic powerhouse driven by the high-value black tiger shrimp industry. Specifically, I focused on Vien An Dong village in Ngoc Hien district—a commune spanning 13,595 hectares, with 3,000 households navigating complex economic and environmental challenges.

The fieldwork in September was eye-opening. I engaged with a diverse range of: international organizations, local authorities, private sector representatives, and most importantly, the farmers whose lives are intimately connected to mangrove environmental-economic system. Each conversation peeled back layers of complexity I'd never imagined.

Seeing the shrimp farming models firsthand was fascinating, but interacting with farmers was the real game-changer. Their lives were so different from mine—a stark reminder of the human stories behind environmental research. These conversations weren't just interviews; they were windows into a completely different world.

The experience transformed my understanding of conservation. My research deepened my commitment to supporting vulnerable farming communities. These individuals are not just subjects of study but active participants in a complex ecological and economic system, bearing the most significant risks while often receiving the least recognition.

Moreover, I became convinced that the private sector could be a powerful ally in environmental protection. Unlike traditional conservation efforts struggling with limited resources, businesses bring financial strength and innovative thinking to the table.

This research became more than an academic exercise. It was a journey of understanding how environmental protection, economic development, and human lives intersect in the most unexpected ways. My key takeaways? Conservation isn't just about protecting nature—it's about supporting the communities that depend on it. It's about finding innovative solutions that work for both people and the environment.

For those curious about environmental policy, sustainable development, or the complex realities of conservation, this is just the beginning of the story. Stay tuned for future posts where I'll unpack the details of Payment for Environmental Services and findings from my fieldwork experience.