The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) convened a panel discussion to explore how nature-based solutions (NbS) can turn ecosystem restoration into sustainable economic opportunities for the Mekong Delta.

The session took place on October 27 at the Rising Star Arena - Technology and Innovation Showcase in Ho Chi Minh City, as part of the Autumn Economic Forum (AEF) 2026. Under the theme "Turning ecosystem restoration into scalable business opportunities", participants shared practical models that balance natural resource conservation with long-term economic benefits for businesses and local communities.

The Mekong Delta faces interconnected environmental challenges, including coastal erosion, mangrove loss, disrupted seasonal flood connectivity, unsustainable groundwater extraction and land subsidence. These pressures threaten not only the region's ecosystems but also agricultural productivity and local livelihoods.

Since 2017, with financial support totaling more than US$1.8 million from TCCF, the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, IUCN has implemented approaches linking ecosystem restoration with production and market incentives to strengthen the resilience of coastal communities.

One approach focuses on flood-based agriculture, introducing lotus cultivation, aquaculture and tourism as alternatives to a third rice crop. These models reconnect farming with seasonal floods while generating additional income through lotus-based products, including food, fibre, textiles and artwork, as well as aquaculture and tourism.

Another approach combines mangrove restoration with integrated multi-trophic aquaculture and recirculating aquaculture systems (IMTA-RAS). By integrating ecosystem restoration with aquaculture technology, the model helps maintain production, improve water-use efficiency and water quality, and strengthen coastal resilience.

However, ecological benefits alone are not enough to attract investment. Scaling up nature-based solutions requires viable business models, measurable outcomes, strong partnerships and blended financing that recognizes both economic and ecosystem value while making sustainable transitions more affordable.

Blended finance can help bridge the gap between ecosystem restoration and investment-ready business models. Public funding generally supports project preparation, technical assistance, implementation and monitoring, while commercial financing provides capital for investment and expansion.

Through the discussion, IUCN and TCCF sought to encourage dialogue among stakeholders on the role of ecosystem restoration in sustainable economic development, while mobilizing additional resources to build a more resilient and sustainable Mekong Delta.

Beyond its partnership with IUCN, TCCF has collaborated with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Vietnam since 2007 on programs supporting biodiversity conservation and natural water regulation in Tram Chim National Park. The foundation has committed an additional US$500,000 for the 2024-2027 period.

TCCF also partners with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the "Ending Plastic Waste Innovation Programme", which promotes local waste management solutions while supporting the incubation and acceleration of 11 innovative projects.

The program has helped prevent and recycle more than 750 tonnes of plastic waste while supporting fair livelihoods for workers in the waste management sector.

Through these initiatives, TCCF continues to demonstrate its long-term commitment to working with international partners in Vietnam to advance sustainable development and support local communities.