UNDERSTANDING LIVELIHOODS: THE ROLE OF MANGROVES IN SOUTH VIETNAM
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In 2015, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a research assistant on the project “The Ecological Services, Institutions, and Dynamics of Mangrove Forests in South Viet Nam.” This field trip was a significant milestone in my academic journey, marking my first experience in data collection and community engagement. Under the guidance of my master’s supervisor, a brilliant mentor who has always encouraged my academic aspirations, this project shaped my understanding of the critical connections between local communities and their ecosystems.
We conducted the survey across five provinces in the Mekong River Delta, focusing on the livelihoods and production practices of shrimp farmers and small-scale fishers who depend on the mangrove forests. These coastal communities rely heavily on these ecosystems, which provide essential resources for their income and play a vital role in maintaining environmental stability. During the survey, we interviewed around 600 households to gather valuable insights into their production methods, livelihood strategies, and perceptions of the importance of mangrove forests.
Many participants shared their understanding of how the health of mangrove ecosystems directly impacts their livelihoods. They recognized that these forests support biodiversity, prevent coastal erosion, and help maintain the health of local fisheries, which are crucial for their economic well-being. This deep connection between environmental health and community livelihoods underscored the importance of our research.
In addition to the interviews, we also conducted a common-pool resource game to examine how different institutions could help reduce deforestation of the mangrove forests. This game simulated real-world decision-making scenarios, allowing community members to make choices about how much of the shared forest resources to exploit. Observing participants navigate the balance between maximizing short-term gains and ensuring long-term sustainability was enlightening, providing critical insights into the role of local institutions and community norms in managing these vital ecosystems.
As a research assistant, this fieldwork experience was transformative in many ways. I learned how to design and implement surveys and experiments, and most importantly, how to engage effectively with local communities. Listening to the challenges faced by shrimp farmers and fishers and understanding their deep-rooted connections to the mangrove forests gave me a profound appreciation for the intricate relationships between natural resources and human livelihoods. The data I collected during this project ultimately became the backbone of my master’s thesis, which focused on the ecological and economic benefits of mangrove conservation in sustainable aquaculture. This research also led to my first academic publication—a milestone that was both rewarding and a testament to the significance of this project.
The support and encouragement I received from my master’s supervisor were pivotal throughout this journey. His belief in my potential pushed me to explore opportunities I hadn’t considered, including applying for a PhD abroad. He provided invaluable research ideas and fostered a culture of critical thinking about how our work could contribute to better environmental management and policy.
Reflecting on this field trip, I realize it was much more than just a data collection exercise. It was a defining moment that reinforced my passion for research and my commitment to understanding the interactions between communities and ecosystems. It highlighted the critical role of institutions in managing natural resources, a theme that continues to shape my research. This experience not only laid the groundwork for my master’s studies but also sparked a lifelong interest in exploring sustainable solutions for resource management and conservation.
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