ABSTRACT
Using empirical evidence from sites in Tam Giang – Cau Hai (TG–CH) Lagoon, Central Vietnam, this book chapter establishes an understanding of how small-scale fishers (SSF) become aware and respond to climate shocks that influence their livelihoods. This chapter focuses on documenting and analyzing the various response strategies that fishery households employ in the face of climate shocks and stressors. This provided a better understanding of the adaptive capacity of fishery households in the TG–CH Lagoon. Research data were gathered from five fishing villages in two coastal communes in Thua Thien Hue province and included a survey (n = 181 households), four focus group discussions (FGDs), and seven in-depth interviews with the head of fisheries associations, commune officers, policymakers and researchers. In general, fishers were proactive in seeking solutions and employing coping strategies to face shocks induced by climate change. The timely assistance and support of local authorities and other organizations helped fishers at the research sites to recover effectively. Also, diversified livelihoods had brought stability to people’s livelihoods and lives. Such solutions provided positive results and promised to help people adapt to long-term climate change and the increased disaster risk situation in the TG–CH Lagoon. The assessment of SSF resilience to climate change and risks is also an essential step towards enhancing understanding and decision making to reduce the vulnerable situation for fishery communities in the TG–CH Lagoon in particular and in Vietnam in general.
