Experts seek measures to promote Mekong Delta’s sustainable growth
Vietnamese and foreign experts and scientists gathered at a conference in Can Tho city on March 31 to seek solutions to boost sustainable development in the Mekong Delta region amid climate change.
The Mekong Delta region has suffered serious saltwater intrusion (Photo: VNA)
CanTho (VNA) - Vietnamese and foreign experts and scientists gathered ata conference in Can Tho city on March 31 to seek solutions to boost sustainabledevelopment in the Mekong Delta region amid climate change.
Participantsagreed that the Mekong Delta is vulnerable to climate change and rising sealevels, which are developing faster than previously forecast.
Theexploitation of the Mekong River’s upstream water resources, especially thebuilding of hydropower dams, has caused changes in flow and reductions ofalluvium deposits, harming fisheries resources and worsening saltwaterintrusion. The over-exploitation of mud and sand has also increased the risk oferosion.
Meanwhile,experts pointed out that resources for investment development have remained limited,while high-quality human resources are moving to other localities.
Theyheld that it is necessary to ensure greater investment in science andtechnology development and application to boost sustainable development andmaintain the cultural identity of the region.
AssociateProfessor Nguyen Ly Binh, from Can Tho University, proposed the formation ofecological areas for agricultural development, along with agriculturalexpansion in association with the development of economic sub-regions and theswitching of rice fields to fruit orchards and breeding farms.
An overview of the conference (Photo: VNA)
Meanwhile,according to Professor Ishimatsu Atsushi, Academic Advisor at the JapanInternational Cooperation Agency (JICA), it is necessary to conduct a detailedassessment of climate change in the future, thus seeking suitable models for thechanging conditions in a spirit of following the will of nature.
Healso underlined the need to evaluate the socio-economic efficiency andenvironmental impact of land-use models, while designing policies to adapt toclimate change and technology development.
ProfessorTran Ngoc Hai from the Can Tho University, said it is crucial to build a more suitableagricultural structure, ensuring the connectivity of production chains and deeperparticipation in global value chains, while focusing more on processing andagricultural supporting industries./.
The Mekong Delta needs 338 trillion VND (16.5 billion USD) in the next five years to upgrade its traffic infrastructure, improve water storage and mitigate riverbank and coastal erosion.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has ordered concerned ministries and Mekong Delta provinces to proactively respond to saline intrusion and water shortage in the coming months in an official dispatch.
Prioritising resources for the research, application, and transfer of science and technology to diversify food products to ensure nutritional balance and food safety in people’s diet is one of the long-term targets set in the Government’s resolution on ensuring national food security until 2030.
The Mekong Delta is working with the Ministry of Transport to improve the local transport infrastructure and thus trade flows, the Can Tho Branch of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
The dispatch noted that since the beginning of 2025, natural disasters have claimed 29 lives and left several others missing. A total of 67 houses have collapsed, and 2,342 homes have been unroofed or damaged.
The Mekong Delta region has suffered serious saltwater intrusion (Photo: VNA) 
An overview of the conference (Photo: VNA) 
