Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Coastal projects threaten mangroves that protect Ho Chi Minh City
Construction in Can Gio could weaken mangroves that help protect Ho Chi Minh City from storms and flooding.
The projects include a new seaside city, a port, roads, bridges and a 14-kilometer crossing to Vung Tau.
The mangroves help hold the coastline together, shelter marine life and absorb carbon emissions.
Ho Chi Minh City, home to 10 million people, is highly vulnerable to flooding; about 80% of its area is at risk, according to a 2026 study.
The forest was nearly destroyed during the Vietnam War and replanted in the late 1970s, becoming Vietnam’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2000.
Residents say construction is affecting fishing and water, while some younger people hope the projects will bring jobs.
The developments are planned to expand transport, shipping and tourism, but scientists warn they could disrupt water flows that sustain the forest.
Construction of a new seaside city, port and transport links near Can Gio could disrupt the mangrove forests that help protect Ho Chi Minh City from flooding.
Scientists warn that changes to water flows could weaken the mangroves, which also shelter marine life and store carbon.
Vingroup began building a coastal town on reclaimed land in April, with plans for housing, tourism and transport connections.
Residents are divided: some hope the projects will create jobs, while others report fishing losses, inadequate compensation and worsening local floods.
Ho Chi Minh City is highly exposed to flooding, with about 80% of its area vulnerable, according to a 2026 study by Vietnamese scientists.
- Who
- Vingroup is developing the coastal town and related infrastructure. Scientists and Can Gio residents have raised concerns about the effects on mangroves and livelihoods.
- What
- Coastal construction could disrupt water flows and weaken mangroves that help shield Ho Chi Minh City from floods.
- When
- Vingroup broke ground for the coastal town in April; the articles were published on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- Can Gio, on Vietnam’s coast near Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau.
- Why
- Authorities see Can Gio as a gateway to the sea and a logistics hub, while the mangroves are at risk from the planned development.
Coastal development proponents
Mangrove and livelihood concerns
Purpose
Coastal development proponents
Authorities view Can Gio as a gateway to the sea and a vital logistics hub. The development is also planned as a tourism destination.
Mangrove and livelihood concerns
Scientists warn construction could disrupt water flows that sustain the mangroves. Some residents say construction has harmed fishing and local farms.
Local effects
Coastal development proponents
Some younger residents work for Vingroup, and some hope the projects will bring more jobs.
Mangrove and livelihood concerns
Some residents say fish have moved beyond the reach of their small boats, while others complain of scant land compensation. Muoi said blocked drainage worsened floods and polluted water.
The mangrove forest, which had nearly died out during the Vietnam War, was painstakingly replanted.
Can Gio became Vietnam’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Record downpours and the highest tides in Ho Chi Minh City’s history flooded streets and homes.
Vingroup broke ground for a new coastal town on reclaimed land.
A study by Vietnamese scientists found about 80% of Ho Chi Minh City’s area vulnerable to flooding.
- Flood exposure
- About 80% of Ho Chi Minh City’s area is vulnerable to flooding.
- Annual cost
- The government estimates rising seawater costs the city about $57 million a year.
- Sea crossing
- Planned route between Can Gio and Vung Tau: 14 km (9 miles).
- Port
- Planned cost: $4.7 billion; it is expected to handle millions of shipping containers a year.
- Green Paradise
- 2,870 hectares, or more than 7,000 acres, planned for housing, shopping and entertainment.
- Reclaimed land
- The new coastal town is being built on land the size of 1,800 soccer fields.
2 sources
What people are saying
That doesn’t exist anymore. They have boarded everything up.
That doesn’t exist anymore. They have boarded everything up.
Can Gio is quite important to Vietnam,