New framework addresses climate change in the Mekong Delta

The Sustainable Mekong Research Network (SUMERNET), a regional programme managed by the Stockholm Environment Institute, has partnered with the College of Environment and Natural Resources, Can Tho University to apply a robust decision support framework (RDS) to address climate change challenges in the Delta, focusing on water concerns and potential solutions.

The decision support framework developed by SEI is a series of recommendations that will help addressing climate change and development challenges. In Can Tho city, the University worked closely with local provincial government, business leaders, community groups and experts to develop the framework.

Recommendations for climate adaptation in Asia

The framework will be introduced during Vietnam International Water Week, held in Hanoi from 4-7 March 2018. SEI representatives will be participating in two related Water Week sessions; Climate Change Adaptation in Asian River Basins, held on March 4 from 1:30 – 4:30 pm and a Vietnam-Sweden special session entitled Source to Sea held on March 5 from 3:30 – 5:00 pm.

A new policy paper released by Stockholm Environment Institute, SUMERNET and Can Tho University on the Can Tho city robust decision support framework makes the following recommendations:

• Work with the municipal government to increase investments in domestic wastewater treatment
• Install large storage to harvest rainwater for replacing ground water pumping during long dry seasons
• Improve flood management by offering targeted expertise
• Empower women to take the lead in water saving activities, and focus on wasteful water use in households
• Develop education campaigns in partnership with industry and the private sector to support efforts to avoid wasting water, halt pollution and ensure an adequate supply of clean water

Contacts and further information

For interviews, please contact:

Niall O’Connor, Director, SEI Asia Centre
[email protected] +66 88 752 9255 (English)

Dr. Chu Thai Hoanh, Emeritus Scientist, SEI Associate and Chair of SUMERNET Steering Committee, Former Principal Researcher of International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
[email protected]  +84 904 248 392 (English and Vietnamese)

Dr. Nguyen Hieu Trung, Dean, College of Environment and Natural Resources and Deputy Director of Climate Change Research Institute, Can Tho University, Chief Resilience Officer, Can Tho City
[email protected] +84 909 567 147 (English and Vietnamese)

For further information, please contact:

Jamie Kemsey, Communications Officer, SEI Asia Centre
[email protected] +66 81 934 1373

The Sustainable Mekong Research Network (SUMERNET) is an initiative for research and policy engagement bringing together research partners working on sustainable development in the countries of the Mekong Region: Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. SUMERNET is managed by SEI Asia.