HAEC is managed by Hai Au Can Tho Hotel Restaurant and Tourism Co., Ltd. | A member of SEACORP Group.

 

In the ecological landscape of the Mekong Delta, Cù Lao Dung (formerly part of Sóc Trăng) emerges as a vast green strip of land — where rows of Sonneratia caseolaris (mangrove apple trees) stretch toward the East Sea, shielding coastal villages and nurturing an abundant source of life. Yet alongside this vitality lie pressing challenges: coastal erosion, loss of biodiversity due to over-intensive shrimp farming, illegal logging, and the mounting impacts of climate change.

In response to these challenges, the Women4Mangrove (W4M) project was born — a proposal submitted to UNEP/GEF under the framework of the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand (SAP SCS). More than just a conservation initiative, W4M embodies a greater aspiration: to restore the mangrove forests of Sonneratia and Avicennia, while creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities — especially by empowering women, the unsung guardians of life on the frontlines of the sea. In this journey, HaiAu Can Tho, represented by Ms. Nguyễn Ngọc Sương (Master of Heritage Studies & CEO of the company), proudly stands as one of the project’s dedicated members.

Mangrove Restoration – Challenges and Opportunities

Cù Lao Dung lies between the branches of the Hậu River, where two major river mouths meet the East Sea. This land is rich in revolutionary tradition, ecological diversity, and abundant aquatic resources. The endless stretches of sugarcane fields, shrimp ponds, and mangrove forests stand as living proof of the enduring vitality of this fertile region.

The mangrove forests of Cù Lao Dung were once known as the “green shield” of the former Sóc Trăng coast (now under Cần Thơ City). However, previous restoration efforts have not been strong enough—hindered by both objective and subjective factors—and a lack of sustainable alternative livelihood solutions has made regeneration even more challenging.

Recognizing both the challenges and opportunities, the W4M project—and especially the women involved, notably female entrepreneurs—have shown that when empowered, they can transform mangrove forests into a new source of livelihood. The project began with the establishment of a nursery managed by the Women’s Union. Each seedling planted, each young sapling nurtured, symbolized not only the rebirth of the forest but also the growth of hope. From there, a conservation model intertwined with sustainable livelihood emerged: as the forest was revived, people, too, discovered a new path to live in harmony with nature.

Practical activities that have been and are being implemented under the project include:

  • Production of non-timber forest products, such as herbal tea made from Sonneratia caseolaris flowers and other local specialties.

  • Community-based agro-ecotourism, combining mangrove planting experiences with ecological tours and cultural exchanges with local residents.

Objectives and Vision – When Women Become the Heart of Conservation

What makes W4M truly different does not lie in the number of hectares of forest restored, but in who plants the trees — and why. From the very beginning, the project placed women at its heart. They are no longer the ones “behind the scenes,” but the leaders: nurturing seedlings, managing nurseries, crafting local products, and sharing the forest’s story with visitors.

The W4M project aims to integrate mangrove restoration with the development of regenerative livelihoods:

  • Nurseries and mangrove training centers managed by women.

  • Support for herbal tea production from Sonneratia caseolaris flowers — transforming local flavors into economic products.

  • Development of community-based agro-tourism, where visitors can plant mangroves, learn about the ecosystem, and experience local culture firsthand.

The goal of W4M is therefore not only to revive mangrove forests but also to empower women to lead change. When women have a voice, entire families transform. When communities trust in women’s hands, the sustainability of the conservation model is secured.

Key Activities of the Project – Where Conservation and Livelihoods Walk Hand in Hand

What sets W4M apart is the seamless integration of conservation and economic development. The forest is no longer a burden; it becomes a valuable resource. The project’s solution lies in transforming nature’s gifts into regenerative livelihoods.

  • Restore 5 hectares of Sonneratia caseolaris mangrove forest in Cù Lao Dung.

  • Establish one mangrove nursery, managed by the Women Entrepreneurs’ Association.

  • Train participants in the full production process of herbal tea from the mangrove forest, including harvesting, processing, and marketing.

  • Implement eco-tourism courses and experiential programs connected to the forest, raising community awareness.

  • Conduct policy dialogues to ensure integration of gender, youth, Khmer ethnic groups, and support for disadvantaged households.

A vivid example is the herbal tea made from Sonneratia caseolaris flowers. This mangrove species, long associated with the wetlands, is now transformed by women’s craftsmanship into a beverage with a distinctive flavor — both healthy and deeply connected to the story of the forest. Each package of tea is more than a product; it carries a message: “By drinking this tea, you are contributing to forest conservation.”

Alongside this is community-based tourism. Visitors to Cù Lao Dung do more than just observe — they actively participate: planting mangroves with their own hands, listening to local stories, and enjoying rustic meals made from mangrove forest products. Through these experiences, tourism becomes a bridge, spreading the message of conservation far and wide.

HaiAu Can Tho – Connecting Heritage with Sustainable Development

Many believe that Cù Lao Dung will become a new destination for eco-tourism, scientific research, and community-based experiences — a place where mangrove forests are not only a “green fortress” against climate change but also an endless source of inspiration for sustainable development.

As a tourism enterprise closely connected to natural ecosystems and cultural heritage, HaiAu Can Tho partners with W4M to transform the Cù Lao Dung mangrove forest into a new symbol of sustainable tourism in the Mekong Delta.

With deep local knowledge and a strong sense of social responsibility, HaiAu Can Tho carries the mission of bringing visitors closer to nature, while simultaneously creating economic opportunities for women, enabling them to become the guardians of the forest. By partnering with W4M, they demonstrate that the solution is neither sacrificing livelihoods for conservation nor exploiting nature recklessly for survival. The solution lies in finding a path of symbiosis, where both humans and nature can thrive together.

Women4Mangrove – Sowing the Seeds of a Green Future

The project not only restores the forest but also sows hope: local women can become pioneers of change, collectively writing a new story for Cù Lao Dung.

The journey continues, with many challenges still ahead. Yet, like the tiny mangrove seedlings pushing up from the riverbanks, hope for a greener tomorrow is steadily growing. W4M is more than a project; it is a statement: conservation and livelihoods are not two parallel paths, but a shared journey — a journey where humans and mangrove forests thrive and grow together.