The Western Sea Dyke stands as a vital protective barrier for Ca Mau province, a region surrounded by the sea on three sides and directly impacted by rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and erosion. Since 2011, Ca Mau has lost over 6,200 hectares of land and coastal protective forests due to erosion, with nearly 100 kilometers of the Western coastline severely eroded. This not only threatens the livelihoods of tens of thousands of households but also weakens the “green shield” safeguarding Vietnam’s southernmost territory.
Mangrove forests play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of storms, floods, erosion, and carbon absorption. They also serve as breeding grounds for seafood larvae, enhancing aquaculture productivity and fostering eco-tourism opportunities.
UOB Vietnam partners with Gaia Nature Conservation Center, a reputable non-profit organization in nature and biodiversity conservation, known for its impactful environmental and community projects. Both UOB and Gaia share a vision of sustainable development, striving for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Vietnam.
Long-term Commitment for Positive Impact
In 2025, the project planted 4,400 trees, equivalent to 1.3 hectares of mangrove forest. This marks the beginning of UOB Vietnam’s three-year commitment (2025-2027) to plant 10,000 trees. The primary species planted is the White Mangrove, a pioneer in mangrove ecosystems with its arching roots that firmly anchor the soil, reducing erosion and stabilizing the land. Once established, the mangrove forest will help maintain the forest belt, mitigate the impacts of storms, floods, erosion, and climate change, while supporting local livelihoods.
In late November, UOB Vietnam and Gaia organized the first tree-planting event, with over 30 bank employees participating. This initiative officially launched the project with the planting of the first saplings along the Western Sea Dyke. The event also provided an opportunity for bank staff to learn about the importance of mangrove forests in Vietnam’s efforts to combat natural disasters, floods, and climate change.
UOB Vietnam employees planting trees along the Western Sea Dyke
Ms. Lim Lijuan, Senior Director of Finance, Corporate Services, and Sustainability at UOB Vietnam, stated, “Vietnam is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Recent storms and floods underscore the urgent need to balance growth with environmental protection, where forests play a critical role. Protecting nature is a shared responsibility, requiring collective action from all of us.”
“At UOB, we are committed to sustainable development, not only in our business operations but also through tangible community actions. Our initiative to plant 10,000 trees along the Western Sea Dyke in Ca Mau exemplifies this commitment. Restoring mangrove forests helps protect the coastline from erosion and extreme weather, enhances carbon absorption, and supports local livelihoods. This is part of UOB’s long-term journey to create sustainable value for people, communities, and the environment.”
Ms. Lim Lijuan, Senior Director of Finance, Corporate Services, and Sustainability at UOB Vietnam
Prior to the Western Sea Dyke project, UOB Vietnam collaborated with Gaia to plant 700 trees in the Ta Kou Forest (Binh Thuan), one of the world’s 221 most critical ecosystems. This project helped restore degraded forest areas on coastal sandy soil, expanding habitats for wildlife, protecting biodiversity, and securing water resources.
“We are deeply grateful for UOB Vietnam’s continued partnership. From 700 trees in Ta Kou Forest in 2024, to forest care and tree-planting initiatives, and now 4,400 trees along the Western Sea Dyke as part of the 10,000-tree commitment, Gaia believes that investing in nature is always the right decision, yielding long-term environmental and community benefits. UOB Vietnam’s collaboration exemplifies corporate social and environmental responsibility, inspiring other organizations to join hands for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Vietnam,” shared Ms. Do Thi Thanh Huyen, Founder and Director of Gaia Nature Conservation Center.
Ms. Do Thi Thanh Huyen, Founder and Director of Gaia Nature Conservation Center
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