Mangrove restoration: establishment of a mangrove nursery on acid sulphate soils

Mangrove restoration requires the cultivation of healthy seedlings and propagules for transplantation. Nurseries established near the restoration sites provide local employment and involvement. Using a participatory action research methodology, this study showed the successful establishment and operation of a mangrove nursery on the landward side of a sea dyke, on acid sulphate soils normally considered unsuitable for mangrove growth. This nursery in Vam Ray area, Kien Giang province, Vietnam produced 37,500 seedlings of five mangrove species, Avicennia marina, Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera cylindrica, Sonneratia alba and Nypa fruticans. The seedlings had 100% survival and were available for transplantation within three months, at a reasonable cost. The nursery procedures and techniques were based on local practices and knowledge. The study showed that a successful nursery on acid sulphate soils was achievable. Key differences compared with other mangrove nursery projects were land-based location, use of sea-bed mud to improve acid sulphate soils, use of local resources and locally traded products to minimise cost, reduced waste, local livelihood improvement and planting of multiple individuals per pot for selected species.