Nguyen Thanh Tuan is a role model in protecting sea dykes. (Photo: VOV)

Nguyen Thanh Tuan has lived near the western coast of Ca Mau province for more than 20 years. He said that in 2000 local people’s livelihoods were stable, thanks to ecological shrimp farming.

In 2010, tidal waves destroyed large areas of protective forests and sea dykes, threating the livelihoods of Tuan and many other farmers. Local authorities have taken urgent steps to deal with the threat, and Tuan has been an active participant.

“I consider protecting the sea dykes my responsibility. I do it for myself, my family, and my neighbors. I often visit and inspect the sea dykes, especially after storms and heavy rains, to see if there are any eroded sections to deal with,” he said.

Tuan was appointed head of the local sea dyke protection team. Whenever there are strong winds or storms, Tuan and his team patrol the dyke sections to check for damage and report the situation. At the time of the record high tide in August, 2019, thanks to early warning from Tuan, local authorities carried out timely measures to prevent the sea dykes from being destroyed.

“We are always prepared for any possible development. The members of my team work day and night to protect the sea dykes,” said Tuan.

The sea dykes in Ca Mau are increasingly threatened by extreme weather in recent years. (Photo: VOV)

With the sea dykes increasingly threatened by extreme weather in recent years, Tuan has encouraged more people to join the effort to protect the system.

“Tuan is very active in protecting the sea dykes. Whenever he detects any threat, he reports immediately to our Department. Tuan also encourages others to protect the system,” said Bui Van Dong, Head of Ca Mau province’s Sea Dyke Management Department.