Drought in Ninh Thuan province (Illustrative image. Source: VNA)An Giang (VNA) – The Vietnam National Mekong Committeeshould promote its role in the growth of the Mekong Delta and Central Highlandsregions, stated Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha,Chairman of the Committee at a meeting in An Giang on December 8.
The meeting drew representatives of central ministries, sectors andagencies as well as leaders of Mekong Delta localities and four Central Highlandsprovinces of Dak Nong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum.
Ha highlighted the need to focus on the project to remove locals fromeroded areas and prevent erosion and land depression.
He noted that the Mekong River basin has suffered from unexpected impacts.Increasing demand for water in upstream areas reduced water flow in the dryseason as well as the amount of alluvium.
Along with flood, tide and deep saltwater intrusion, climate change andextreme weather conditions have also seriously threatened production andpeople’s lives as well as socio-economic growth of the Mekong Delta region, hesaid.
The minister stressed the need to review the committee’s orientationsand seek solutions and plans of action to fulfill its tasks.
In the coming year, the committee will work for the implementation ofresolutions issued by the International Mekong River Commission, whilecoordinating initiatives on regional connectivity, and supporting Mekong Riverbasin localities in managing water resources, said Ha.
He asked the committee to prepare reports to deliver at bilateralmeetings as well as working sessions of inter-governmental committees between Vietnam,and Laos and Cambodia.
In addition to consolidating its organisation, the committee shouldfocus more on human resources development, database update and internationalcooperation expansion, he added.
He lauded participants’ ideas on using branch rivers for reservingwater, pledging that the committee will design support policies for the work.-VNA
VNA
