These data were generated in two mangrove socio-ecological systems in the north and south of the Red River Delta with different environmental and socio-economic histories. The research included: a) questionnaires (n=300) with households at each site to quantify household economy and adaptive capacity information and explore spatially explicit perceptions about mangrove ecosystem services; b) in-depth livelihood trajectory interviews (n=20) with households representing different adaptive capacity profiles; c) focus group discussions (n=6) to explore plausible future scenarios that impact the mangrove system with households representing different adaptive capacity profiles; and d) in-depth interviews (n=18) with key informants from relevant Ministries, local government departments and civic groups. Datasets can be used as stand-alone, yet richer analysis can be done linking the various sources of information.Mangroves provide multiple benefits from carbon storage and shoreline protection at global and national scales, to food and energy for natural resource-dependent coastal communities at local scale. However, mangroves are coming under increasing pressure due to land use changes resulting from climate change, coastal development and aquaculture. In Vietnam the area under mangrove forest declined by 35% between 1983 and 2012, increasing vulnerability of the coast to tidal surges, hurricanes and saline intrusion as well as reducing the availability and accessibility of mangrove resources necessary to support livelihoods. Previous research in Vietnam has taken a largely technical approach to the relationship between mangrove protection, restoration and aquaculture and has not paid adequate attention to socio-economic factors. This research aims to evaluate socio-ecological resilience in Vietnamese mangroves in the Red River Delta and evaluate management options to enhance delivery of benefits and services across multiple scales, using an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates ecology; remote sensing and GIS; and social research methods on livelihoods and scenario evaluation. By doing so, this research will contribute to a) the livelihoods and resilience of mangrove dependent communities, b) the on-going delivery of ecosystem services across scales, while at the same time c) through stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange throughout, building the capacity for conservation and sustainable management of mangroves in Vietnam.

Household questionnaires were conducted between October 2018 and January 2019 in three villages in Thuy Truong and two villages in Kim Trung that were currently or historically located on the coast. 150 households were sampled in each study commune, selected randomly by choosing every nth house from village lists provided by village heads. Household heads (self-identified) or their spouse were the respondents. Questionnaires were administered face-to-face in Vietnamese at respondent’s homes and included a paper-based participatory GIS exercise which required respondents to draw shapes (polygons) around areas they receive ecosystem services from or perceive to be important for ecosystem services. This was done on laminated maps (scale 1:15,000 downloaded from Google Earth in 2018) with coloured pens. The questionnaire and PGIS exercise were piloted with 30 households to test mapping approaches and ensure phrasing and content were contextually relevant. In-depth livelihood trajectory interviews were used to explore livelihood adaptations to perceived change in mangrove ecosystem services and ecosystem service places between 1978 and 2018. Twenty interviews were conducted in July 2019, face-to-face in the homes of respondents who were selected purposively to represent one of three adaptive capacity profiles. Adaptive capacity groupings were identified by analysis of household questionnaire data. Interviews were facilitated by using the PGIS maps annotated by the household during questionnaires as prompts, and Google Earth Engine maps illustrating mangrove change at different time points. Interviews were conducted by an English researcher with the assistance of a Vietnamese interpreter. Transcripts were recorded by hand at the time of interview. Eighteen key informant interviews were conducted in July and August 2019 in informant offices, official buildings, or homes. Informants were purposively selected from relevant Ministries, local government departments and civic groups. Interviews were conducted in Vietnamese, sometimes with the assistance of an interpreter. Transcripts were recorded by hand at the time of interview. Six focus group discussions were conducted in February 2020 to explore four future scenarios plausible in both study systems. Three focus groups were conducted at each site with household representatives from each adaptive capacity grouping. Group size ranged between 8 and 14. Scenarios were presented to participants after which they were asked to identify how they believed associated change might influence their lives. The discussion focussed on socio-economic indicators. Participants were asked to identify if each indicator would change for the better, worse or stay the same. Finally, participants were asked to rank scenarios in order of preference. Focus groups were conducted in village or commune buildings in Vietnamese, translated to English by an interpreter. Notes were recorded during the discussions in Vietnamese and English.