THE STORY OF XUAN THUY MANGROVE FOREST HONEY : SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN NINH BINH

The mangrove forests of Xuan Thuy National Park and the coastal communes of Ninh Binh are not only vital “green lungs” of the Red River Delta, but also the source of a distinctive local product — mangrove forest honey, renowned for its unique flavor, high nutritional value, and strong branding potential.

Under the framework of the project “Restoration and Sustainable Management of Mangrove Forests in the Red River Delta,” funded by the Government of South Korea through the Korea Forest Service, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is implementing activities to develop a model for improving the quality and brand value of mangrove forest honey in Xuan Thuy National Park and the coastal communes of Ninh Binh.

From left to right, from top to bottom

Figure 1: Technical training session on advanced beekeeping practices in Kim Dong commune, Ninh Binh province

Figure 2: Local beekeepers participating in the advanced beekeeping training, many of whom are middle-aged to elderly household members and women. Beekeeping provides them with a more flexible and self-managed source of income compared to other livelihood options

Figure 3: Assessment of the mangrove forest honey value chain in Ninh Binh province

Figure 4: Honey products from Xuan Thuy National Park and the coastal communes of Ninh Binh show strong potential and considerable diversity; however, they have yet to reach a broad consumer market

Key project activities include:

• Market research and market development

• Establishing coordination and benefit-sharing mechanisms

• Technical training in beekeeping, along with support for honey harvesting and processing equipment

• Technology transfer

• Developing communication, promotion, and branding systems for mangrove forest honey products

From left to right

Figure 1: Field-based training conducted at coastal beekeeping sites in Kim Dong commune, Ninh Binh province

Figure 2: ©CCD/2026

Figure 3,4: Honey products from Xuan Thuy National Park and the coastal communes of Ninh Binh show strong potential and considerable diversity; however, they have yet to reach a broad consumer market

Beyond improving product quality, the initiative also contributes to creating sustainable livelihoods for coastal beekeeping households. As incomes from beekeeping increase, local communities gain stronger incentives to protect and restore mangrove forests — ecosystems that play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and the long-term sustainability of coastal livelihoods.

Through this project, CCD reaffirms its commitment to working alongside local communities in developing sustainable livelihood models linked to nature conservation, while also promoting the value of mangrove ecosystems and elevating the reputation of Vietnam’s coastal honey products.