Dublin, 20th April 2026 – As the world marks Earth Day 2026 under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” World Vision Ireland, World Vision Vietnam and World Wildlife Fund, with funding from the Blue Action Fund, has announced the launch of the “Blue Corridor for Biodiversity and Fisheries Protection”, a community‑driven effort to restore Vietnam’s rapidly declining marine ecosystems and strengthen the livelihoods of those who depend on them.
Spanning two provinces along Vietnam’s central coast, the Blue Corridor brings together Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and community‑led conservation zones into one connected network. By linking habitats rather than protecting isolated sites, the project represents a significant shift in how the ocean is managed, recognising it as a living system sustained by the people who rely on it every day.
Over the next five years, the €4.3 million project, funded primarily by the Blue Action Fund (€3.25 million), will work with coastal communities, local authorities and conservation partners to restore coral reefs, safeguard fish nurseries and spawning grounds, reduce illegal fishing and support sustainable livelihoods for more than 51,000 people.
“Earth Day 2026 is about recognising the power people have to protect the planet they share,” said Maurice Sadlier, Programmes and Policy Director at World Vision Ireland. “This project puts that principle into practice. By linking marine habitats and working alongside coastal communities, we’re protecting the full life cycle of the ocean, and helping families build more secure futures.”
The Blue Corridor will strengthen conservation in existing protected areas such as Cu Lao Cham and Con Co islands, while supporting the establishment of a new Marine Protected Area in Vinh Hoang – Cua Tung. In surrounding villages, where fishing is often the primary source of income, the project will support access to vocational training, small grants and nature‑positive businesses, including sustainable seafood processing, eco‑tourism and environmentally responsible fishing practices.
Women play a central role in Vietnam’s coastal economies, carrying much of the work that keeps fishing communities functioning. Yet traditional norms often exclude them from decision‑making linked to conservation, tourism and offshore work. The Blue Corridor is addressing these inequalities by increasing women’s economic independence through financial literacy training, savings groups and microfinance, ensuring that the benefits of conservation are shared more equitably.
The project also places strong emphasis on climate resilience in a region facing increasing storms, erosion and flooding. Healthy ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrass beds act as natural buffers against extreme weather, making their protection critical not only for biodiversity but for long‑term safety and stability.
By 2030, the Blue Corridor aims to deliver healthier marine ecosystems, more resilient fisheries, and inclusive economic opportunities, while demonstrating a practical, community‑led model for ocean conservation that can be replicated across Vietnam as the country works towards protecting 30% of its oceans by 2030.
“As Earth Day reminds us, change happens when people act collectively,” Sadlier added. “Local communities protecting their ocean, sustaining their livelihoods, and shaping a future where both people and nature can thrive.”
ENDS
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