At the Autumn Economic Forum (AEF) 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and The Coca-Cola Foundation highlighted how ecosystem restoration can be transformed into viable business opportunities. The discussion focused on the Mekong Delta, which faces serious environmental challenges, including coastal erosion, mangrove loss, disrupted seasonal flooding, excessive groundwater extraction, and land subsidence. Since 2017, IUCN, with more than US$1.8 million in financial support from The Coca-Cola Foundation, has implemented initiatives that link ecosystem restoration with sustainable production and market-based incentives to strengthen local communities' resilience.Two practical approaches were presented. The first is flood-based agriculture , which reconnects farming systems with natural seasonal flooding and promotes alternatives to a third rice crop, such as lotus-fish farming, aquaculture, and tourism. These activities can generate additional income through lotus-based food, fibre, textiles, artwork, and tourism services. The second approach combines mangrove restoration with integrated multi-trophic aquaculture and recirculating aquaculture systems, aiming to maintain agricultural productivity while improving water efficiency, water quality, and coastal resilience.

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The Autumn Economic Forum (AEF) is an international economic and policy forum led by the Vietnamese government, aimed at addressing changes in the global economic environment and exploring strategies to strengthen Vietnam’s sustainable growth and international competitiveness. It brings together government representatives, international organizations, businesses, investors, academics, and experts to discuss key issues such as global economic cooperation, innovation, green growth, digital transformation, and sustainable investment.

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