Mekong Delta moves to adapt to climate change

Hanoi, May 14 (VNA) - Vietnam's Mekong Delta provinces are shifting crops and cultivation habits in accordance with respective natural conditions as one of the measures making them adapt to climate change, according to the Steering Committee for the Southwest Region. Climate change is forecast to take a major toll on natural conditions and socio-economic development in the Mekong Delta over the next five or six decades. Experts predicted that by 2050, many provinces in the Mekong Delta—including Can Tho - will be 0.8-1 metres below sea level. Climate change is predicted to reduce the Mekong River’s flow by 2-24 percent during dry seasons and increase 7-15 percent during flood seasons, burdening agricultural production in the region. The situation is expected to result in agricultural land loss, threatening infrastructure facilities and preserved areas such as Tram Chim Park, U Minh Thuong, Lang Sen, Tra Su and Ha Tien. Adjustable seedlings and breeding animals have, therefore, been provided in specific areas in the area. Local sea dike and embankment systems have been continuously upgraded to prevent floods, saline intrusions and fresh water shortages for agricultural production and to limit climate change impacts. Priority has been given to key systems, including the Ganh Hao-Dam Hoi dike section in Ca Mau and Bac Lieu province, the Phong Nam-Ke Sach section in Soc Trang province, the Go Cong Dong dike in Tien Giang and the Giong Bang dike in Tra Vinh. Rescues and evacuations as well as post-natural disaster healthcare and security are among the focus activities. Publicity campaigns have been extended in tandem with building capacity of the environmental management staff. According to the National Committee on Climate Change Response, the Prime Minister has approved the allocation of 3 trillion VND (140.6 million USD) from ODA capital sources to implement 16 unfinished projects under the Support Programme to Respond to Climate Change (SPRCC). The money is prioritised for the Mekong Delta as it appeared as one of the most vulnerable regions to the phenomenon.-VNA