The Mekong Delta region has suffered serious saltwater intrusion (Photo: VNA)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)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./.
VNA
