Green Growth Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation in the Mangrove Forest Area of Tien Hai Wetland Nature Reserve, Vietnam

Purpose: This study investigates how mangrove‑based livelihoods in the mangrove forest area of Tien Hai Wetland Nature Reserve, Vietnam can transition toward green growth while adapting to escalating climate risks. Design/Methodology/Approach: A mixed‑methods case study was conducted using household surveys (143 households), interviews with local officials (16 respondents), and consultations with community groups (6 groups), with data analyzed through Ostrom’s socio‑ecological systems (SES) framework, SWOT analysis, and Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios. Findings: Ecological aquaculture, mangrove restoration, waste recycling, and community‑based eco‑tourism generate both ecological and economic benefits, including an average household income increase of 2.5 million VND per month, while climate awareness is high (81%) and willingness to participate in green growth models is strong (86%). However, adoption is constrained by limited capital, technical skills, weak institutional coordination, and unstable market linkages, and RCP‑based assessments highlight escalating risks such as saline intrusion, inundation, and mangrove erosion. Conclusion: Tien Hai Wetland Nature Reserve demonstrates strong ecological assets and social readiness but limited adaptive capacity due to governance and financial barriers, placing the district at a critical juncture where integrated interventions are required to unlock its green growth potential. Practical implications: The study provides evidence‑based recommendations for policymakers, including scaling ecological aquaculture, expanding mangrove restoration, strengthening community‑based tourism, improving market linkages, and enhancing governance mechanisms, while the integrated SES–SWOT–RCP framework offers a replicable model for coastal climate adaptation in Vietnam and other mangrove socio‑ecological systems.