Climate change adaptation projects necessary in Mekong

August 05, 2014 | 08:48

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Hanoi - The Mekong Delta must come up with ways to address the consequences of climate change, especially rising sea levels and salinity intrusion, delegates said at a workshop in Ha Noi on Saturday.

Water ponds for agricultural production in southern Kien Giang Province's Ha Tien Township have dried up, one impact of climate change. – VNA/VNS Photo Duy Khuong

Covering an area of about 3.96 million hectares, the Mekong Delta is home to more than 22 million residents who mainly make a living by farming. When climate change causes sea levels to rise, salt water penetrates the soil, affecting their crops and thus their livelihood. The region also suffers floods, droughts and unusual weather patterns.

Participants at the workshop emphasised the necessity of attracting more investment in eco-friendly technology and energy, as well as making changes to the legal framework.

The country's laws and policies deal in detail with natural disaster prevention, but only touch upon climate change adaptation, according to the NA team supervising the enforcement of climate change policies and laws. Currently, there is no comprehensive policy on climate change adaptation.

Meanwhile, provinces and cities across the country still lack funding to enforce such policies as well as pilot projects.

"The result of the enforcement of climate change policies and laws can be seen mainly in quantity, not in quality and effectiveness," said Nguyen Duc Ngu, former general director of the Viet Nam Meteorology and Hydrology Centre.

Workshop participants recommended that regional localities create pilot projects and models under the ongoing national target programme to respond to climate change.

VNS

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