‘Green’ Hearts for Nature

The Mekong Delta and Viet Nam’s seas are facing unprecedented pressure.

Beach erosion, degraded mangroves, collapsing fisheries, and sea turtles trapped in fishing nets have become all too familiar to coastal communities and environmentalists. Into this context stepped two philanthropists: Mr. Nguyen Vu Bang and his wife Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Hien.

The story began with a meeting between the couple and staff at IUCN’s office in HCMC. Though they are successful entrepreneurs, they came with one question: "What does nature need right now, and how can we help?". Their philosophy of generating material wealth to benefit society is deeply rooted in a people-centered approach, interwoven with Buddhist principles guiding both their lives and business practices.

From genuine concern to a sustainable commitment

After learning about Viet Nam’s serious environmental problems, Mr. Băng and Ms. Hien agreed to finance two projects for three years (2025-2027), one on coastal and riverside ecosystem restoration in the Mekong Delta, and one on community-based sea turtle conservation.

"Let’s not wait until 'development first, protection later' becomes a regret. Time will not wait—we must act now! More than anyone else, we Vietnamese must take the lead in this effort." Ms. Hiền stated at the partnership signing ceremony.

Bamboo trees help to reduce canal erosion in Lang Sen NR, Tay Ninh Province © IUCN Viet Nam

Rewilding bamboo forests, reviving mangroves

The first project focuses on nature-based solutions in the provinces of Long An and Trà Vinh in the Mekong Delta, addressing erosion, rising sea levels, and saltwater intrusion. Dozens of hectares of native bamboo will be planted along riverbanks—not only to stabilize the land and protect riverbanks, but also to open up new livelihoods for local communities through traditional bamboo crafts and ecotourism.

Degraded mangrove forests will be restored by local people—those who once relied on the forests for survival will now be supported to adopt sustainable aquaculture practices, becoming stewards and protectors of these ecosystems. These efforts not only support ecological restoration but also improve livelihoods and build trust and capacity within local communities.

Protecting our ocean for sea turtles

The second project will protect sea turtles. With funding from Mr. Băng and Ms. Hien, IUCN is working with government agencies, local authorities, marine protected areas, and national parks across Viet Nam on a volunteer network to monitor key nesting beaches. A second network is being formed among fishers, who will be trained in sea turtle and marine mammal rescue, as well as in data collection to support seasonal and area-based marine protected zones.

Environmental education and community outreach activities will help embed sea turtle and marine species conservation into the awareness and actions of coastal communities.

A baby turtle in Con Dao National Park, Viet Nam © IUCN Viet Nam/Tu Anh (Volunteer)

From individual action to collective impact

What makes their commitment special is not just the funding, but the ripple effects. Project results will be documented and shared with other provinces. Individuals, businesses, and community groups will be able to learn from and replicate these models.

"It is rare to see an individual philanthropist step forward to fund species and ecosystem conservation in Viet Nam. But what impressed us even more was their dedication and understanding of the importance of investing in nature," said Jake Brunner, IUCN’s Country Representative in Viet Nam.

It all began with a simple question and an act of love for nature, from two people who believe that everyone can help protect life on this planet. "I can’t change the whole world. But I can help a forest regrow, protect a sea turtle nesting beach, and help a community believe they can make a difference," said Mr. Băng.

Around the world, we often hear inspiring stories of environmental protection. In Viet Nam, the story of Mr. Băng and Ms. Hiền is one of the first sparks. More than financial contributors, they are torchbearers, reminding us that when one person acts, many more will be inspired to act for a greener Viet Nam—today and for generations to come.