Mekong Delta seeks co-operation with Israel on long-term climate change response

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Can Tho branch held a seminar in Vinh Long city, the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long on June 9 to seek Israel's solutions on supporting agricultural and fisheries enterprises in the Mekong Delta to deal with the current drought and saltwater intrusion.

Nearly 100 delegates from aquaculture enterprises, agricultural and fishery exporters and environmental experts, as well as representatives from business associations and centres for trade promotion of Mekong Delta provinces gathered at the workshop.

At the conference, deputy director of Vinh Long provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Van Liem proposed Israel co-operate with Vietnam in building long-term programmes to cope with climate change, while supporting technology transfer in investment and construction of drought and salinity intrusion prevention works.

The region has sought after Israeli help and equipment to store fresh water and agricultural production, as well as advice on Israel’s drip irrigation system for orchards and vegetables, supporting effective water use methods including saltwater treatment, building breakwater and supporting production techniques in drought and saline intrusion conditions.

According to assessment of the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research, the 2015-2016 dry season witnessed early and deep saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta river system, through which 168,500ha of rice field has been damaged, affecting nearly 410,000 households, including 240,000 living without fresh water.

For Vinh Long, this is the first time the province has suffered from severe water shortages due to prolonged saltwater intrusion and drought, with the salinity of rivers and canals in the province reaching the highest level from 5-10‰, affecting an area of over 22,700ha and resulting in a VND252 billion loss.

Participants discussed difficulties in response to saltwater intrusion, including lack of investment for works to prevent brine and store fresh water to the South Mang Thit area.

Israeli companies introduced water treatment models, irrigation equipment, water aquaculture systems, and greenhouse systems at the event.

(Source: NDO)