(VOVworld)- Vietnam has planted 24,000 ha of mangrove forests since 1994, helping to protect 100 km of sea dykes, according to reports at a seminar in Ninh Binh province on sustainable management and development of mangrove forests. Participating experts said a project to grow the forests have been carried out in 10 cities and provinces with a total budget of 11 million USD.

In addition to mangrove forests, the project also aims to improve public awareness and the capacity of natural disaster prevention for residents in 400 communes. “Mangrove forests planted by the Vietnam Red Cross account for 4% of the total area all over Vietnam. The project has benefited 9 million people. If well protected, mangrove forests will save Vietnam more than 200 million USD by 2025”, said Chairwoman of the Vietnam Red Cross Society Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu.

Restoring and protecting coastal forests are essential for Vietnam, which is one of the countries hardest hit by climate change.