Vietnam

Marine Protected Areas in Vietnam

Vietnam’s 3,200 km long coastline borders the South China Sea in southeast Asia, and its Exclusive Economic Zone is approximately 417,663 sq km. Marine protected areas in Vietnam include federally designated national parks, marine protected areas, nature reserves and historic and cultural areas. MPAs include areas managed by federal, regional and local governments. The World Database of Protected Areas currently lists 44 sites with marine protected area designations.

In November, 2009 Vietnam announced a process to establish 15 MPAs as part of a broad strategy to bolster coastal economies. When completed in 2015, these MPAs will cover 0.24% of the country’s total sea area. From 2016-2020 there are plans for up to five more MPAs. Currently Vietnam has four MPAs Nha Trang Bay, Con Co Island, Cham Isle and Phu Quoc Island already designated as part of this 15 site network.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is active in helping develop MPAs in Vietnam.