Environmental Sensitivity Zonation in the Northern Vietnam Coastal Zone

Abstract

This study emphasizes Environmental Sensitivity Zonation (ESI zoning) of the Northern Vietnam coastal zone, focusing on the Thai Binh – Nam Dinh area. Baseline datasets (shoreline, mangroves, tidal flats, aquaculture, protected areas, and coastal infrastructure) were integrated within a GIS framework and segmented into 500–1,000 m shoreline units to assign Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) values. The results indicate that the Xuan Thuy – Giao Thuy mangroves and the Ba Lat and Tra Ly estuaries exhibit very high sensitivity (ESI = 6); tidal flats used for aquaculture and tourist beaches such as Con Vanh and Con Den are classified as high sensitivity (ESI = 5); whereas artificial shorelines and coastal infrastructure show lower to medium sensitivity levels. The ESI zoning effectively identifies priority protection areas and provides a robust scientific basis for coastal management, marine spatial planning, and oil spill contingency planning in the Northern Vietnam coast.