BULRUSH PROJECT
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Did you know you’re not just purchasing a random product, you’re actually changing lives in rural South Vietnam?
Let us tell you about this amazing project we stumbled upon and how it’s reshaping the Mekong Delta.
The Mekong Conservancy Foundation (MCF) is behind it, and they’re using Bulrush to revive a region hit hard by climate change
The Story
Livelihood of the people from Mekong Data is relied on their water sources
Where?
The Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam’s “Rice Bowl”, is a lush, vibrant area bursting with life. Winding rivers and dense mangrove forests were home to thriving plants and animals – or at least, they used to be.
Decades of climate change and saltwater intrusion leave Mekong Delta farms struggling, as communities face uncertain futures
Why?
For thirty years, Mekong farmers have battled saltwater intrusion and climate change, turning once-fertile land into nutrient-poor soil, making rice farming difficult. Switching to shrimp farming failed due to low biodiversity, leading to poor yields. As the youth left for city jobs, they left behind vulnerable grandparents and children, signaling a potential collapse of these communities.
Details of bulrush
The artisans are training on how to use and craft baskets from bulrush.
How?
The Bulrush Project aims to help these impacted communities. By working with the local people, giving them jobs and training them in crafts, we are creating new foundations for positive economic, social, and environmental change.
DID YOU KNOW?
Since 2020, BULRUSH has been utilized on 850 hectares of land. That is equivalent to: 567 average-sized running tracks!
The “Livelihood Improvement Project” aims to help these impacted communities. By working with the people, giving them jobs and training them in crafts, we are creating new foundations for positive economic, social, and environmental change.
THE COLLABORATION
The MCF and Vietnam Housewares Corporation are pivotal in our mission to restore prosperity to the region. After extensive research, we identified Bulrush – a plant thriving in salty waters that purifies, prevents erosion, and enhances shrimp farming. It’s also ideal for woven products! Together, we launched the “Livelihood Improvement Project”.
The project recently got a nod from the Australian government. They’ve hooked us up with some funding to take things to the next level. We’re talking about expanding the impact to an additional 3,500 families! Fingers crossed the support keeps rolling in.
THE IMPACTS
Enviromental
Researchers introduced bulrush to support shrimp farms and restore the ecosystem. These plants oxygenate roots, prevent toxic gases, reduce greenhouse gases, absorb
nitrogen and phosphorus, cut soil salinity, and provide natural shrimp food, reducing the need for chemicals. Additionally, bulrush is useful for making eco friendly household items. This initiative is about more than money; it’s about sustainable, long term benefits.
Economical
This project significantly boosts local incomes by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. Farmers with shrimp farms can benefit from Bulrush, which not only enhances shrimp growth but also provides an additional revenue stream. With support from MCF, they can harvest and sell dried Bulrush to Vietnam Housewares, creating jobs for unemployed neighbors in the process. Weaving trainers empower community members to craft baskets and trays, enabling them to earn extra income during their free time. So far, the initiative has led to the harvest of 1,000 tons of Bulrush, the weaving of over a million baskets, and the reinvestment of $26 million into local weaving communities.
Social
This project isn’t about quick profits; it’s about lasting impact. Our facility includes a library and play areas, allowing parents to learn weaving while their children are safely occupied. Additionally, homeworkers can take care of their children and elderly parents. MCF and Vietnam Housewares offer scholarships for weavers children from primary school to university, fostering future community support. Weaving groups strengthen neighborly bonds and revive Vietnam’s community spirit, while the elderly gain income and renewed self-worth.
CURRENT ACHIEVEMENTS
3000+
weavers are trained
over 60% women, including a strong presentation of minority ethnic groups and ones with disabilities.
8
villages currently part of the
Livelihood Improvement Project
Over 1 million
products were sold globally by different large retailers
3
cooperatives established
With a registered enterprise and solid management, the craft villages have operated more sustainably.
They helps weavers secure:
Sponsorships
Scholarships
Business Benefits
Ensuring long-term success and support for the community!
Project Future Goals
60ha
148 acres
bulrush plantation – dedicated to research, aiming to find better ways to manage farms and improve growers outreach.
2000
additional locals – trained and secured steady weaving jobs.
700K
additional woven pieces – crafted by these new communities.
12K
square meters of drying houses are built and in-used.
Meet the artisans
How Could You Help?
This project, no matter how cool it sounds, won’t survive
without people like you purchasing these amazing products!
If your heart calls, here’s what you can do:
Sharing the project
Spread the good word to your family and friends to help populating this great project.
Supporting retailers
These is the list of retailers that are selling….
Please review our products on the website you purchased from. Your feedback means a lot to us.
In conclusion, this project transcends mere plant cultivation. It aims to transform lives, safeguard the environment, and preserve the unique essence of this community. We eagerly anticipate its future developments and deeply appreciate your involvement in this journey