Designing and zoning an MPA for climate adaptation
The zoning of the MPA followed an ecological systems approach and now prioritizes strictly protected areas, ecological restoration, tourism development, and reasonable exploitation and development areas. The management of the zones is undertaken according to different requirements to meet the needs of the ecosystem and the local community. The zoning allows for specific adaptation measures including coastal and river bank erosion prevention measures. Mangrove reforestation projects are conducted at the mouth of the river and along the banks of the river. Several small dikes and sea walls to protect against flooding and rising tides are built.
The declaration for Hoi An to become an eco-city was a trigger to establish the MPA and ensure its benefits for the people of Hoi An.
The MPA management is currently not able to control the outside fishes' activities on their water bodies, which may undermine the capacity of local marine resources to recover from previous activities. Current outside activities of local fishermen result in the overexploitation of certain species. Further, they are often caught when they are still too small for sale. The Cham Islands marine ecosystem health is also threatened by upstream activities that have a detrimental impact on water quality. Illegal logging and hydropower development cause increased erosion which results in sediment discharge that has an adverse impact on coastal ecosystems. The diversity of stakeholders and conflicts between resource users makes it difficult to ensure local ecosystem health. Challenges will best be resolved by innovative, participatory mechanisms that encourage integrated management strategies.