Vietnam operates 730 groundwater monitoring works

Vietnam is currently operating 730 groundwater monitoring works and seven surface water monitoring works, according to Director of the National Centre for Water Resources Planning and Investigation, Tong Ngoc Thanh.

Thanh made the statement at an international seminar and exhibition on water resource monitoring and forecast technology held by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) in Hanoi on October 17.

Image for illustration (photo: VNA)

He said that the frequent monitoring of water resource networks is carried out to collect data to serve the management, investigation, planning, exploitation and sustainable use of water sources for the future.

The event, the third of its kind in response to the World Water Monitoring Day (October 18), attracted the participation of delegates from nearly 20 countries including the US, the Republic of Korea, Germany, the Philippines, Australia, and the Netherlands who will present nearly 100 scientific reports and researches on the field.

MONRE Deputy Minister Nguyen Thai Lai emphasised the great importance of water resources in all activities, second only to human resources. However, water resources are facing many challenges including excessive usage, resulting in severe shortages.

Statistics show that the total amount of water usage around the world has increased by 1% per year since 1980, creating a growing pressure on many countries and territories. About 780 million people still lack access to safe water while both surface and groundwater resources are being polluted and depleted.

As a country with a tropical climate and long coastline severely affected by climate change and sea level rise, Vietnam has to cope with many challenges including salt water intrusion, polluted water and excessive exploitation of water resources.

Thanh said that the monitoring and forecasting of water resources is vital in order to manage, exploit and use water in a long-term sustainable way.. The seminar is expected to create a forum for relevant units to meet, share experience and co-operate with Vietnam on water resources.

About 50 posters of models and technology on water resources monitoring and forecast by domestic and foreign firms are being displayed during the seminar.

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)