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Environment & Climate

Scientists warn coastal projects threaten mangroves that shield Ho Chi Minh City

Vingroup broke ground on a coastal town in April, and scientists warn nearby construction could disrupt mangrove water flows.

Updated Oct 22, 2026 · 06:15 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • Vingroup broke ground in April 2026 on a coastal town built on reclaimed land in Can Gio, Vietnam.[Associated Press · ABC News]
  • Scientists warn construction could disrupt water flows that sustain the Can Gio mangroves, which buffer a city where about 80% of the area is flood-prone.[Associated Press · ABC News]
  • Ho Chi Minh City authorities sought approval in September to clear 4.57 hectares of mangrove buffer zone for a metro link, state media reported.[Associated Press · ABC News]

Key facts

  • Vingroup broke ground in April 2026 on a coastal town built on reclaimed land in Can Gio, Vietnam, reported as roughly 1,800 soccer fields in size.[Associated Press · ABC News]
  • About 80% of Ho Chi Minh City's area is vulnerable to flooding, according to a 2026 study by Vietnamese scientists.[Associated Press · ABC News]
  • The Vietnamese government estimates that rising seawater costs Ho Chi Minh City about $57 million a year.[Associated Press · ABC News]
  • Scientists warn that construction of Can Gio and related infrastructure could disrupt water flows that sustain the mangroves.[Associated Press · ABC News]
  • In September, Ho Chi Minh City authorities asked for approval to clear 4.57 hectares of mangrove forest in the buffer zone for a metro link, according to state media.[Associated Press · ABC News]
  • Le Hong Hiep of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said the Can Gio project may be a financial gamble.[Associated Press · ABC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The extent of any damage to the mangroves is unconfirmed; scientists say construction could disrupt water flows but no measured impact is reported.[Associated Press · ABC News]
  • The outcome of the metro link clearance request for the mangrove buffer zone is not reported in the available coverage.[Associated Press · ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.