The distinctive characteristics of the mangrove forest have long been a famous “brand” of the land in Ca Mau. From brackish water forests to mangrove forests, this region has produced a variety of valuable resources that are important for both the natural environment and the economy. The mangrove forest in Ca Mau is a vegetation belt with many tree species such as Duoc (Rhizophora apiculata), Mam (Sonneratia), Vet (Avicennia), and Ban (Bruguiera), etc. Among these, Duoc is the dominant species and holds significant economic value, helping the local people to protect the land, preserve the forest, and sustain traditional occupations.
 

The mangrove ecosystem is a distinctive feature of the Ca Mau Peninsula.

The mangrove trees, particularly the Rhizophora species (locally known as “đước”), have been closely associated with the brackish land of Ca Mau for centuries, contributing to a rich ecosystem and playing a vital role in the daily lives of local people. Hundreds of years ago, as the Mekong River delta's alluvial deposits created brackish coastal land, the Ca Mau mangrove forests formed, alongside other mangrove species such as “mấm” and “vẹt”, creating vast and lush forests. The mangrove forests play an essential role in coastal environmental protection and preventing soil erosion. With their strong root systems, which anchor deep into the soil, mangrove trees help stabilize the land and prevent erosion caused by sea waves. They also serve as natural barriers that protect the coastline, reducing the impacts of storms and floods.

During the war years, the mangrove forests also functioned as hiding and sheltering places for revolutionary forces. The dense mangrove forests helped conceal military personnel and played a strategic role in resistance activities, especially during the anti-American war. Today, these mangrove areas have become eco-tourism destinations, attracting visitors to explore the diverse mangrove ecosystem.
 

The mangrove forests in Ca Mau are predominantly dominated by the “đước” tree.

Not only does the “đước” tree play a crucial role in protecting the ecological environment, but it also brings economic value to the local people living under its canopy. In the region's water-based culture, some people earn a living by harvesting the “đước” wood for various purposes, including firewood, house posts, fences, and many other everyday items. Among these products, mangrove chopsticks is one of the most popular items that helps many people in the Ca Mau mangrove region improve their economic situation and stabilize their livelihoods.

The traditional craft of making mangrove chopsticks in Ca Mau has existed since the last century. The family of Ms. Ta Thi Tam, residing in Xeo Mam hamlet, Vien An commune, Ngoc Hien district, became involved in this craft after creating the first handmade chopsticks with great care, hoping to earn extra income for their family. Today, mangrove chopsticks has become their main source of income, helping the family establish the “Chi Nguyen” brand of mangrove chopsticks in the Vien An area, providing employment for many local workers. Despite the increasing popularity of industrially made chopsticks on the market, mangrove chopsticks still holds a certain position in the hearts of consumers. 
 

The traditional craft of making “đũa đước” (mangrove chopsticks) has been preserved and developed by many local people until today.

Ms. Ta Thi Tam shared: “The craft of making đũa đước has brought significant economic value to my family. With its strong characteristics, high durability, and resistance to bending, cracking, or mold, especially without requiring chemical treatment, it ensures safety for the health of users. As a result, mangrove chopsticks is highly favored by many people. From the handmade production process, nowadays, the steps of splitting, shaving, and polishing are modernized with machinery. This has increased production volume to meet market demand”.

Currently, the chopstick products of the people living in the mangrove forest areas of Ca Mau not only serve the local demand but are also supplied to markets in other provinces. The craft of making mangrove chopsticks has supported and nurtured many generations in Ms. Ta Thi Tam's family as well as other households in the region. To continue preserving and promoting this “father-to-son” tradition, Ms. Tam submitted the necessary documents to introduce the mangrove chopsticks to the OCOP program, and in 2021, her product was rated as a 3-star quality product. 

Ms. Ta Thi Tam added: “The mangrove tree has great significance for my family and for the people living under the forest canopy. The mangrove not only helps protect the land and forest but also plays a role in nurturing our children. Participating in the OCOP product evaluation is not just about promoting and introducing the special products of the mangrove forest, but also about preserving the good values of the traditional craft of making đũa đước in Ca Mau. Through this, I hope that future generations will continue to inherit, preserve, and further develop the value that the mangrove tree brings”.
 

The mangrove trees not only provide wood for making chopsticks but also play a key role in creating livelihoods for many households in the mangrove forest regions.

In addition to the chopstick-making trade, mangrove trees provide wood that is used to produce charcoal. Small mangrove trees, which are not suitable for chopstick production, are harvested for their wood and then burned for many hours to produce mangrove charcoal, which has a high economic value. Mr. Tran Van Ve, a resident of Xeo Mam hamlet, Vien An commune, Ngoc Hien district, shared: “The charcoal production from mangrove trees has been a long-standing tradition in this mangrove forest region. Along with chopsticks, mangrove charcoal is one of the products from the forest that helps stabilize the livelihoods of local people. However, the effects of climate change have severely impacted the environment, and forests are essential in stabilizing the ecosystem. Therefore, we combine harvesting with annual forest replanting following the guidance of relevant authorities to ensure the forest is protected and developed, maintaining this valuable resource to preserve our traditional profession”.

Mr. Tran Hieu Giang, Vice-Chairman of the People’s Committee of Vien An Commune, Ngoc Hien district, added: “Under the mangrove canopy, local residents have been actively involved in and have implemented many effective economic development models, such as farming shrimp, crabs, fish, shellfish, etc. Especially, the economic value derived from mangrove wood has brought significant benefits, providing jobs for local people through products like mangrove chopsticks, which have been certified as OCOP 3-star products. In the future, the Commune Party Committee and People’s Committee will continue to encourage and guide local people to utilize the strengths of mangrove forests in developing their family economies. The local government will promote the practice of both harvesting and planting forests according to the 6/4 ratio as per the development plan. Protecting the forest and ensuring sustainable development is a top priority”.

The protection and development of forests are among the top priorities in Ca Mau province, aiming to preserve valuable natural resources, promote sustainable tourism, and protect the ecological environment. Over recent years, various sectors and levels of government have been focused on the protection, expansion, and development of forest areas in general, and mangrove forests in particular. This includes integrating forest protection goals into the province’s socio-economic development plans and industry strategies to meet the set targets. Key tasks include annual forest protection and fire prevention work, approving and implementing the sustainable forestry development program for 2021-2025, and developing and implementing a plan for the restoration and expansion of special-use forests and coastal protective forests to respond to climate change, prevent riverbank and coastal erosion, and promote green growth in the province.