Sea Dykes as a Coastal Protection Strategy: Effectiveness and Constraints in Kien Giang, Vietnam

Muddy coasts have been extensively used for socio-development. The consequence was that these coasts have been threatened by natural and anthropogenic factors. Sea dykes were considered as an effective solution to protect muddy coasts and to adapt to climate change and sea level rise. Kien Giang mangrove dominated muddy coast was severely eroded and vulnerable to erosion. Sea dykes were constructed along the Kien Giang coast to as an effective strategy for protecting the Kien Giang coast. However, the Kien Giang coast was severely eroded, with aquaculture ponds eroded and mangroves uprooted. This study aims to critically review the effectiveness of the sea dykes in terms of coastal protection. The sea dyke system has been limited success, with the Kien Giang coastline made vulnerable to erosion and uprooting of Rhizophora species and aquaculture ponds vulnerable to erosion. The construction and upgrading of the sea dyke system significantly contribute to the vulnerability to erosion. The majority of the local farmers recognized the importance of mangrove protection and sea dykes in adaptation to climate change and sea level rise. However, there was still a small percentage of local community members who did not need sea dykes to protect their properties. Saline water was considered as alternative management option for livelihood improvement.