A Participatory Systems Approach to Inform the Development of Adaptation Strategies for Vulnerable Mega-Deltas : A Case Study of the Dyke Heightening Program in Vietnamese Mekong Delta's Floodplains

Coastal deltas are globally recognised as having universal value that supports socio-economic development. The future of our deltas is uncertain as it will be largely determined by threatened that poses from rising the adverse impacts of climate change, coupled with the high vulnerabilities of deltaic social-ecological systems. Climate change adaption in the deltas is a wick problem. It is therefore crucially important for policy makers and local stakeholders to be equipped with the necessary capabilities and skills to manage it sustainably. This paper outlines the processes for unraveling dynamic complexity of adaptation strategy through participatory systems approach and the interpretation of systems structure to identify leverage points for systemic interventions, leading to increasingly resilience of deltaic systems. This is done via a case study of the dyke heightening program in the Vietnamese Mekong delta’s floodplains. We argue that current dyke heightening program does not fulfill its objectives and risk long-term failure. To ensure sustainability, the policy focus should aim to enhance the flood resilience of flood-prone communities, rather than expansion of dyke heightening