Climate Change Adaptation and Social Capital: The Case of Red River Delta Biological Reserve, Vietnam

Climate change adaptation is a social issue that needs to be taken into account.Social capital plays a vital role in climate change adaptation. This study focusedon climate change adaptation and social capital of the coastal communities.Methods used include key informant interviews and review of documents.Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, and meanswere used to describe the data. As a climate change adaptation strategy, most ofthe participants prepare equipment for mobilization and build solid and firminfrastructures. The respondents consider themselves knowledgeable on climatechange adaptation because of their attendance at trainings and workshops. Duringevacuation, priority is given to elderly and children. They also collaborate withconcerned organizations whenever there is a typhoon. Community practicesduring possible flooding include evacuation, securing of property, preparation ofmaterials to protect houses, and strengthening of sea dike. Community membersare affiliated with an organization. Assistance extended to the coastal communitiescentered on disaster prevention, fortification of houses, and evacuation, which isthe utmost priority of the coastal communities during typhoon and flooding.Collaboration with networks is more evident among coastal communities whena strong typhoon is coming than when there is flooding.Keywords: Climate change adaptation, social capital, networks, case study approach,Vietnam