BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS PLATFORM
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS PLATFORM BPP
About This Partnership
This initiative transforms climate-affected rice farms in the Mekong Delta into sustainable bulrush plantations, creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Context
The Mekong Delta, producing 50% of Vietnam’s food, faces rising sea levels and environmental degradation due to unsustainable farming. Over the last decade, the Government of Vietnam has been working to restore resilience to a vulnerable and degraded ecosystem and in 2022, the Master Plan for the Mekong Delta was approved by the Prime Minister.
The Mekong Conservancy Foundation (MCF) has been researching opportunities to tackle these issues. It was identified bulrush, a natural grass species, to be a sustainable alternative as it:
• Improves water quality.
• Tolerates water with a high salt content.
• Withstands flooding and can be planted in shrimp ponds.
• Improves soil nutrients by absorbing nitrogen and phosphorous.
In addition, bulrush materials can be used to manufacture homewares, which is a growing global market for Vietnam. This creates job and training opportunities for local community members.
Our Partners
Australian Government
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade collaborates globally to address challenges, promote trade, protect international laws, and support Australian citizens.
Mekong Conservancy Foundation
MCF conducts research and problem-solving in livelihoods, education, environment, and natural resources to foster sustainable development in the Mekong Delta.
Vietnam Housewares Corporation
A leading manufacturer specializing in handcrafted natural products, furniture, and handmade ceramics.
Key Contributions from Partners
• The Mekong Conservancy Foundation is the lead partner for this initiative, providing the overall management, including monitoring and evaluation.
• Vietnam Housewares Corporation will oversee the homewares manufacturing business plan, including
• Australian Government is contributing catalytic funding support with gender expertise to strengthen social and commercial impacts, connection to an extensive network, capability building on how to capture report social impact, safeguards standards and practices, national and global recognition.
Selected through the BPP’s Vietnam Call for Climate Adaptation Partnerships, this collaboration strengthens both environmental sustainability and economic growth in the Mekong Delta.
Project Achievements
• 3,200 weavers trained, 80% women, including 160 ethnic minorities and 16 people with disabilities.
• 5 cooperatives and 57 production groups established.
• 4 villages joined the Livelihood Improvement Project.
• 60 hectares of bulrush farms for production and research
• 10,300m² of storage greenhouses built for climate resilience.
• Over 1 million products sold globally through major retailers.
To learn more about the partnership, visit https://thebpp.com.au/