Hemingway once used the term "The Lost Generation" to talk about the deprivations and misfortunes of those in early adulthood during World War I. However, the "The Lost Generation" phenomenon always exists in any period or country with different manifestations.

Our Vietnam's young generation is now living in favorable conditions for global economic development yet directly affected by climate changes. And the most prominent of those is global warming that causes sea-level rise, natural disasters, etc.

According to the assessment of prestigious international research organizations such as the World Bank (WB), the Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Vietnam is one of five countries in the world seriously affected by sea-level rise. As a best-proposed solution is to preserve the mangrove forest now facing numerous challenges, the time pressure for the bordering countries is increasing. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the area of mangroves in the world has decreased by 20–35% since 1980, and we have lost 67% of the mangrove area in Vietnam compared to 1943.

In that context, the local governments of the provinces bordering the sea in Vietnam are making efforts to limit the area of land that is gradually lost due to sea-level rise and annual natural disasters. Besides conserving and developing mangrove ecosystems to form an ecological wave shield, keeping land, encroaching sea, and limiting Salinity intrusion, these localities have step by step towards developing sustainable production economy associated with the potential of mangroves to avoid deforestation. In terms of culture & arts, they bring mangroves closer to the community through the model of Mangrove Park, tourist area, mangrove ecology. In particular, the potential of art also contributes to nurturing the love for nature and promoting the specific role of individuals in protecting mangroves, creating a foundation for awareness and action for today and future generations.

Based on the reality and urgency of the conservation and development of mangroves, I implemented the project "Architectural Design of the Mangrove Cultural Park" as my graduation dissertation of the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City in 2020.

Closing the project with constant concerns about the decline of mangrove areas and the limitations in community awareness about the value of this ecosystem, I have cherished and continued to work on this topic with my collaborators through the exhibition of artistic photography inspired by mangroves.

Through this project, even just a small journey of us, I and my associates hope to find more voices and actions from everyone. Also, this is an opportunity to exchange and share the value of the mangrove ecosystems with the younger generation.

Sincerely,

Chiron Duong 

“Journey to the lands of silent heroes” is a photo series showing the role of the mangrove ecosystems based on the document Useful Products from Mangrove and Coastal Plants by Shigeyuki Baba, Hung Tuck Chan, Sanit Aksornkoae. 

Mangrove forests are the silent heroes, bearing the character of machos and magnanimous heroes who forsake for selfless justice.

ON THE WAY TO FIND THE ELIXIR

“Medicinal use is one of the most crucial yet forgotten roles of mangroves. This critical role has been fallen into oblivion for a long time, thus leading to inadequate perceptions of the value of mangroves.

In Vietnam, many species of mangrove plants help provide tannin and are used as medicine, such as Rhizophora, Kandelia Candel, Ceriops, Bruguiera."

THE MAGICAL NIGHT

“The nighttime in the mangroves is truly magical. It is a habitat and food source for different types of fish and shellfish such as shrimp, clams, oysters, crabs, etc. Ecosystems in mangroves are mutually dependent on life and development. Many animals born in rivers and seas are moved with the tides into the forest. They rely on food sources from fallen plants, which decompose into organic humus. 

Mangrove leaves and stems, when decomposed, provide organic debris that is an important food source for aquatic species. The plankton species that live under the roots of mangroves are a precious food source for many fish species. Many species lay their eggs in mangrove roots to protect their eggs.”

THE SAVAGE BATTLEFIELD

Mangroves play an important role in reducing the harmful effects of tides and protecting Vietnam's sea dykes. When the tsunami energy is large enough to wash away the mangrove forests, they can still absorb that enormous energy of the tsunami by sacrificing themselves to protect human life. Mangrove roots are capable of vigorous growth in both density and spread. When mangrove trees fall, their roots below ground create a dense system that blocks the water flow.

THE MAGIC DOOR

The mangrove forests are the place that attracts waterfowl, migrators, forming a bird sanctuary with myriads of birds and flying foxes.

REBIRTH ON THE SWEET LAND

There are also rare floral species in the mangrove forest. In particular, mangrove microbial strains also carry genetic information that has struggled for millions of years to survive. It is a valuable genetic resource for the study to improve livestock, crops, and medicine in the future. Mangroves, algae, and mosses in the water are like other plants. They contribute to the absorption of CO2 and the release of O2 through photosynthesis. Toxic substances and pollutants from industrial parks and urban centers are discharged into rivers and streams, dissolved in water, or deposited on the bottom. Then, they are carried to coastal estuaries through river flow. The mangroves absorb these substances and make them less harmful to humans.

THE FOUR-SEASONS PROM

“Human activities and mangroves are guaranteed a close relationship. However, we do not pay attention because we live in other regions and mostly stay away from the forests. Every year the storms that make landfall always affect us. The mangroves - These significant heroes have a role in limiting the damage caused by natural disasters and climate change affecting the coastal areas. Friend of the Earth organization believes that protecting mangroves is the only way to protect citizens from other threats in the future (Scheer 2005).”

THE DEATH COORDINATES

Mangroves play an important role in protecting alluvial soil and preventing erosion. When the tsunami energy is at a medium rate, the mangroves can still stand, protecting their ecosystems as well as the communities living there. It is possible because the mangroves are intertwined, the roots growing above and below the ground. The trunk and foliage also work together to disperse the power of the tides.

Mangroves help limit saltwater intrusion. They sacrifice to prevent saltwater from the ocean from entering the land, silently protecting the fresh fruits and flowers.

THE RISING WIND

The role of mangroves on the ecological environment, contributing to regional climate regulation, mangrove communities are also the agents of climate cooling.

REBIRTH ON THE SWEET LAND

There are also rare floral species in the mangrove forest. In particular, mangrove microbial strains also carry genetic information that has struggled for millions of years to survive. It is a valuable genetic resource for the study to improve livestock, crops, and medicine in the future. Mangroves, algae, and mosses in the water are like other plants. They contribute to the absorption of CO2 and the release of O2 through photosynthesis. Toxic substances and pollutants from industrial parks and urban centers are discharged into rivers and streams, dissolved in water, or deposited on the bottom. Then, they are carried to coastal estuaries through river flow. The mangroves absorb these substances and make them less harmful to humans.

“Midnight in the mangroves” is a photo series that depicts the perspective and feelings of Chiron Duong about the spiritual and cultural values of the plant and animal ecosystems of the mangrove forest. Divinely sanctify the trees in the colorful light festivity of moonlight. It could be a god that looks like a mudskipper sitting on the blue eyes of a crocodile under the moonlight. It could be a god in the form of snakes, birds, monkeys, butterflies, etc. The gods appeared to appear and call the flock back in cherish, protection like the forest spreading its arms to embrace the life of many creatures.

Xôn Xao Studio – Todd Huỳnh, Nu Nguyen

Xôn Xao Studio – Todd Huỳnh, Nu Nguyen

Thanks for watching & your appreciation!

Credit:

CHIRON DUONG'S SOLO PHOTOGRAPHY ART EXHIBITION
Organization: Chiron Duong x Nam Thi House

Art direction & Graphic design: Xôn Xao Studio – Todd Huỳnh, Nu Nguyen

Project Manager: Nguyễn Ngọc Trân Châu

Sponsor: Canon Vietnam, Lê Bảo Minh, Soyn, CARA - Lighting Solutions, Make It Vietnam, The offset | Tuan Thanh Architects Paper&I, Thanh Color.

Photography: Geno Korner

Motion Design: Hiệp Hoàng