The overarching goal of this project is to effectively manage and protect marine, coastal, and island ecosystems, increasing the coverage of Marine Conservation Areas (MCAs) to about 3% by 2025 and 6% by 2030 of Vietnam's coastal area. This effort aims to contribute to the restoration and development of critical marine ecosystems nationwide.

During Phase 1, from now until 2025, the plan sets targets to expand the area and allocate functional zones for the existing 11 MCAs in Vietnam. Additionally, it aims to establish new MCAs and put them into operation to ensure that the total area of MCAs reaches approximately 0.25% of Vietnam's coastal area. Furthermore, the plan includes setting up protection zones and undertaking coral reef, seagrass, and mangrove restoration to regenerate and rehabilitate marine ecosystems, providing a habitat for aquatic species in Vietnam's coastal regions. The goal is to restore approximately 0.2% of the total coastal area of the country.

In Phase 2 (until 2030), the plan aims to establish 13 MCAs, ensuring that the total area of MCAs reaches 0.5% of Vietnam's coastal area. It also focuses on the effective management of 112 fisheries resource protection zones and time-limited no-fishing areas, covering 2.5% of the total natural coastal area in Vietnam.

Cu Lao Cham Marine Conservation Area has become a favored destination for tourists.

During this phase, the plan will establish and utilize other effective conservation areas in the sea (OECMs) to ensure that the area of effective conservation areas in the sea reach 0.5% of the total coastal area of the country. Additionally, it aims to maintain effective management of wetland MCAs along the coast to ensure that the total area of coastal wetland MCAs reaches approximately 1.5% of the total coastal area in Vietnam. This phase also includes setting up protection zones and rehabilitating coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves to regenerate and restore marine ecosystems, creating a living environment for aquatic species in Vietnam's coastal regions. The goal is to restore approximately 1% of the total coastal area in the country.

Bao Tram