Speaking at the event, Chief of the VNMC Office Le Duc Trungsaid the event aims to give updates on cooperation outcomes within theframework of the Mekong River Commission and the VNMC, as well as enhance theinvolvement of social, non-governmental organisations and the community inMekong River water governance amid socio-economic development in mainstreamcountries and climate change, thus contributing to decision making in the MekongRiver water governance to protect water resources in the Mekong River basin ingeneral, and the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands in particular.
Associate Professor Le Anh Tuan, from the Can ThoUniversity’s Dragon-Mekong Institute, said the Mekong Delta is home to 4million ha of natural land, lying in the lower reach of the Mekong River andreceiving over 85 percent of its water before it flows to the East Sea and theGulf of Thailand.
The region is facing challenges in Mekong River water governanceregarding human resources, basic data, and adaptability, he said, suggestingthat dialogues between water governance agencies, water suppliers, and the communityshould be enhanced while holding more communications campaigns to raiseawareness amongst the community about water resources.
Commenting on the efforts made along the 3S (Se Kong, SeSan, Srepok) river system in the Central Highlands provinces of Kon Tum, GiaLai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, and parts of the Mekong Delta province of Lam Dong and thecentral province of Thua Thien-Hue, former Director of the provincialDepartment of Agriculture and Rural Development Pham Huu Hao suggestedestablishing a council in charge of water governance with the involvement ofmember socio-political organisations, building its operation regulationsapproved by competent authorities, and holding regular dialogues with partiesconcerned in the field.
Several opinions proposed providing incentives to encouragecommunity members to join the effort. –VNA