Netherlands supports sustainable development in Mekong Delta

The announcement was made by speakers at a conference held by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Dutch Embassy in Vietnam.

At the event, Tom Kombier from the embassy highlighted that Vietnam is confronting tremendous challenges from climate change. The Mekong Delta is suffering from severe drought and saltwater intrusion, which threaten the region’s economy and local livelihoods.

Relevant agencies need to set up a master plan suitable for each locality adapting to climate change, he recommended.

According to experts from the Netherlands , the master plan will help heads of ministries, agencies and localities create a comprehensive view on long-term solutions such as infrastructure investment, natural resources protection and management, and budget allocation.

A regional plan will be mapped out based on the results of the “Mekong Delta Plan” study, which is part of the bilateral partnership in climate change adaptation, they said, adding that the Netherlands can share its experience in political reforms, enhancing public involvement, new technology and cost-benefit analysis with Vietnam.

A conference on Mekong Delta planning will be held in Can Tho at the end of this month as part of the two Governments’ activities to implement a joint statement calling for international support for Vietnam as it adapts to climate change.