In Sept. 2005, Typhoon Damrey crossed east Vietnam with winds of more than 60 mph. Only Hau Loc District, escaped extensive damage. This is attributed to a belt of mangrove forests which play an essential role in preventing soil erosion and which also protected dykes by slowing down the force of the storm waves. CARE works in this area on a Community-Based Mangrove Reforestation and Management Project that focuses on livelihood diversification, reforestation of extensive mangrove areas and sustainable, participatory management as key aspects of protecting vulnerable communities from the physical and economic impacts of disasters. Tran Thi Giang is 19 years old and the leader of the Green team of Da Loc Commune. Twenty young people from 16 to 20 have been volunteering for the Green Team for one year. The Green Team is a co-operation between the Youth Union and CARE to clean the beach and remove garbage and barnacle shells from mangrove trees. Photo Credits: 2009 Cathrine Dolleris/CARE