What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to explore how indigenous ecological knowledge aids adaptation to climate change in coastal fishing communities.

April 8, 2026Open Access

Indigenous Knowledge and Ecological Adaptation Processes among Coastal Fishing Communities in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Key Points

The study aims to explore how indigenous ecological knowledge aids adaptation to climate change in coastal fishing communities.
Qualitative research design focusing on indigenous knowledge.
Conducted in-depth interviews with 30 fishers of varying ages and experiences in An Thủy commune and Sông Đốc municipality.
Utilized participant observation across different seasons, documenting findings in field diaries for thematic analysis.
Indigenous knowledge demonstrates two main domains: hydrometeorological knowledge and marine resource management.
Fishers use a localized early-warning system based on environmental data and lunar cycles to plan fishing activities.
Culturally embedded knowledge enhances fishing efficiency and builds community ethics toward the sea.
Challenges to this knowledge arise from resource depletion, increased competition, and extreme weather.

Abstract

Background and objective: The coastal fishing communities in the Mekong Delta are encountering increasing threats from climate change and the loss of marine resources, jeopardizing the viability of their traditional livelihoods. While indigenous ecological knowledge has historically facilitated environmental adaptation, its current significance amidst fast socioecological transformation is not yet fully comprehended. This study investigates the mobilization, transformation, and limitations of knowledge in developing adaptive strategies among coastal fishers, intending to enhance inclusive and contextually relevant fisheries governance and coastal resource management.Methods: The research used a qualitative methodology that integrates in-depth interviews and participant observation in two coastal locales, An Thủy commune and Sông Đốc municipality. Thirty interviews were carried out with male and female fishers of varying ages and fishing experience, focusing specifically on elder knowledge holders. Field observations were conducted throughout the seasons, and all data were meticulously documented in comprehensive field diaries for thematic analysis.Results: Research indicates that fishers' indigenous knowledge functions within two interconnected domains: (i) hydrometeorological knowledge and (ii) marine resource knowledge. Fishers utilize a locally integrated early-warning system grounded in multimodal environmental data and lunar calendars to optimize fishing schedules and mitigate danger. They also delineate micro-fishing areas and seasonal species trends, enhancing operational efficiency and mitigating uncertainty. This information is culturally embedded in folk expressions and occupational standards, promoting ethical relationships with the sea and facilitating intergenerational transmission. Nonetheless, its adaptive efficacy is progressively limited by resource exhaustion, heightened competition, and an increase in extreme weather events.Conclusion: Indigenous knowledge is a crucial adaptive resource for coastal communities; nevertheless, its primarily oral transmission and concentration among elder fishers render it susceptible to erosion. The systematic documenting and institutional integration of this knowledge are crucial for enhancing community resilience and advancing sustainable fisheries governance.

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