Applying the IUCN nature-based Standard at the local level: Riverbank protection in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

This study evaluates the effectiveness of three nature based riverbank protection solutions including used tyre revetments, geotextile bags, and bamboo pile structures through the application of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature based Solutions in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. A role balanced design involving thirty two participants representing four stakeholder groups namely academics, government officials, technical experts, and local residents was implemented. Quantitative assessment using one way ANOVA with Duncan post hoc test revealed significant differences in perceptions among stakeholder groups at p less than 0.05. The used tyre solution received the highest composite score of 4.53 out of 5 reflecting its advantages in community ownership, low maintenance, and adaptability to local conditions. Qualitative content analysis further supported these findings by linking open ended responses to the quantitative results. The study provides a practical framework for applying the IUCN Standard in data scarce delta regions and offers insights into governance and equity considerations for future policy and research on nature based solutions.