The Situation
In the lush wetlands of Cu Lao Dung, Sóc Trăng Province, Vietnam, resilient women have been cultivating hope among mangrove forests and nipa palm groves. Facing the threats of climate change, unstable livelihoods, and limited access to markets, local women founded the Women Entrepreneurs Club of Cù Lao Dung to reclaim economic opportunities and protect their natural heritage.
With the mission of bridging sustainable community products from Vietnam and Southeast Asia to Europe, Mekong Link Amsterdam initiated a strategic partnership with the Club in 2025. Together, we aim to introduce eco-friendly, community-driven agricultural products – including Sonneratia (mangrove apple) flower tea and soft-dried nipa palm fruit – to the Netherlands and broader European markets.
My Roles
As a core organizing member and local coordinator for these missions, my responsibilities included:
Market Access
High-quality local products struggled to reach international customers due to limited export knowledge and infrastructure.
Sustainability
Ensuring that production practices protect and expand critical mangrove and nipa palm ecosystems.
Community Empowerment
Creating stable employment for marginalized groups – especially women, single mothers, and people with disabilities.
How I Supported and Solved Problems
Product Development
Upgrading packaging, certifications, and quality standards to meet European requirements.
Capacity Building
Training local women in sustainable harvesting, hygienic processing, and fair-trade principles.
Brand Storytelling
Positioning products through authentic storytelling centered on women’s empowerment, community resilience, and nature conservation.
Market Entry
Connecting products with European retailers and consumers seeking natural, ethical, and impactful choices.
From Local Roots to Global Reach: Sustainable Growth for Cù Lao Dung
Proceeds from product sales contribute to planting and maintaining mangrove and nipa palm forests, boosting coastal protection against climate change.
Social
Over 50 women and vulnerable individuals have gained stable jobs, skills, and increased income.
Economic
Cù Lao Dung’s eco-friendly products now have a platform to reach conscious consumers across Europe, creating a model for other marginalized communities.
Mekong Link Amsterdam – Bridging Communities, Growing Futures
At Mekong Link Amsterdam, we believe that every sip of Sonneratia flower tea and every bite of soft-dried nipa palm fruit carries the strength of empowered women and the resilience of thriving ecosystems.
Together with the Women Entrepreneurs Club of Cu Lao Dung, we are not only exporting products — we are exporting hope, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
“We wouldn’t have gotten to where we are today without Mekong Link Amsterdam. The Mekong Link Amsterdam spent time with us to better understand our processes and where our bottlenecks were.”
