In my academic journey, I’ve been fortunate to be part of several impactful projects, one of which is the “Analysis of the Ecosystem Services of Mangrove to Aquaculture and Fisheries in Vietnam.” This project built upon the data I collected in 2015, allowing us to enhance our understanding of the vital role that mangrove ecosystems play in supporting aquaculture and fisheries across Vietnam

The project involved collecting additional data and creating a comprehensive panel dataset that spanned eight coastal provinces in the Mekong Delta. By integrating new data with the insights from our previous surveys, we aimed to develop a more nuanced understanding of how mangroves contribute to the livelihoods of local communities engaged in aquaculture and fishing. This integrated approach allowed us to analyze the dynamics of ecosystem services more effectively and explore their implications for sustainable resource management. 

Assisting my master’s supervisor throughout this project provided me with invaluable experiences and learning opportunities. His guidance and expertise were instrumental in shaping our research objectives and methodologies. Together, we aimed to investigate not only the economic benefits of mangroves but also their ecological importance and the challenges faced by local communities in preserving these vital ecosystems.

I had the pleasure of working alongside a talented group of students who contributed significantly to the success of the project. Their dedication and hard work made a noticeable impact, from conducting interviews to analyzing data. Collaborating with such enthusiastic individuals was a rewarding experience, and I was continually impressed by their commitment to understanding the complex relationships between mangroves, aquaculture, and fisheries.

One of the most gratifying outcomes of this project was the publication we produced, which presented our findings on the ecosystem services provided by mangrove forests and their implications for sustainable shrimp farming. This publication served not only as a reflection of our collective efforts but also as a contribution to the broader discourse on environmental conservation and resource management in Vietnam. It underscored the importance of understanding the ecological functions of mangroves in supporting local livelihoods and promoting sustainable practices.

Reflecting on this project, I am grateful for the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of ecosystem services and the critical role mangroves play in the lives of coastal communities. This experience reinforced my commitment to conducting research that bridges the gap between environmental sustainability and economic viability. It also highlighted the significance of collaboration in research, as we were able to achieve more together than we could have individually.