Vietnam works towards safe, clean, resilient water system
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the World Bank (WB) co-hosted a workshop in Hanoi on May 30 to announce the results of the WB’s study entitled “Vietnam: Toward a safe, clean and resilient water system”.
WB Country Director for Vietnam Ousmane Dione speaks at the workshop (Photo: World Bank)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of NaturalResources and Environment and the World Bank (WB) co-hosted a workshop in Hanoion May 30 to announce the results of the WB’s study entitled “Vietnam: Toward asafe, clean and resilient water system”.
Speaking at the workshop, Minister of NaturalResources and Environment Tran Hong Ha said Vietnam is among the hardest-hitcountries by climate change. Water resources may decline in the dry season,resulting in prolonged droughts and saline intrusion in many areas, he said.
The lack of resilience to natural disastersposes a huge challenge to the country’s efforts to ensure water sources, foodsecurity, and sustainable development. Under pressure from the population’sgrowth, economic development and increasing water demand, Vietnam’s waterresources may run out, he noted.
According to the WB’s study, pollution mayreduce Vietnam’s gross domestic product by 3.5 percent annually by 2035. Meanwhile,only 46 percent of urban households have connections to drainage systems andonly 12.5 percent of municipal wastewater is treated.
WB CountryDirector for Vietnam Ousmane Dione said unless decisive steps are taken, waterwill become a brake on Vietnam’s development, adding that recommendations in the WB report aim toenhance capacity for the country’s water management agencies.
The report alsosupports efficient use of water, response to natural disasters, and resilienceduring floods and erosion amid of sea level rise and surface depression, hestated.
﷽ TheWB official said there is scope to improve financial resource allocation, tobring in more private financing, and to align incentives more closely withtightening the regulation on pollution.
Inresponse, Ha affirmed that the report’s recommendations will be regarded as valuabledocuments to review and amend legal frameworks and promote activities in watermanagement, thereby ensuring effective and sustainable use of water resourcesin Vietnam.-VNA
The Central Highlands province of Dak Nong will allocate more than 200 billion VND (8.7 million USD) to expand its clean water system and sanitation projects in rural areas in 2016-2021.
Hanoi has set a target that all citizens will have access to clean, drinkable tap water by 2020, affirmed Chairman of the city People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung.
The central city of Da Nang will speed up the construction of key water plants – the Cau Do, Hoa Trung and Hoa Lien – in order to supply 250,000 cubic metres of clean water each day by 2019-2020.
Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
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.
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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.
WB Country Director for Vietnam Ousmane Dione speaks at the workshop (Photo: World Bank) 
