Protected Wetland Governance in Vietnam's Mekong Delta: Invasive Aquatic Species and Climate Challenges

Effective governance is essential for the success of conservation efforts in protected areas, as it coordinates resources, fosters collaboration, and facilitates adaptability. The Mekong Delta, a globally significant wetland ecosystem, is facing increasing threats from invasive alien species (IAS) and climate change, challenging the governance capacity of its wetland-protected areas. This study examines three wetland protected areas: Lang Sen Wetland Reserve, U Minh Thuong National Park, and Phu My Species-Habitat Conservation Area. We employed semi-structured interviews, in-depth interviews, field surveys, and spatial analysis for our research. Governance was assessed using Lockwood's principles and the attributes defined by McGeoch et al. Our findings revealed a government-led model (IUCN Type A) characterized by strong legal frameworks, yet there were notable gaps in coordination, resource allocation, and community involvement. Unlike previous studies that focused on isolated threats, we integrated the dynamics of invasive alien species and climate change into a localized adaptive governance framework. We propose policies that promote synergy, advocate for shared governance with an emphasis on community roles, and leverage technology to enhance resilience. These findings address specific gaps in the governance of invasive alien species and climate change within the Mekong Delta's protected areas. They offer actionable strategies that align with the Kunming-Montreal Framework (Convention on Biological Diversity 2022), thereby advancing conservation tools for tropical wetlands on a global scale.