Salt rising, river slowing: Climate change drives harsh realities for people in the Mekong Delta

BAC LIEU, Vietnam: At the end of the line for the Mekong River, Southeast Asia’s longest and probably most important waterway, there are signs of man’s attempts to both brave and harness nature.

At the same time, the flow of the once indomitable river has been further jeopardised by the construction of large hydropower dams, which impact the seasonal flood pulse.Climate change - especially impacts on rainfall and rising sea levels - and unsustainable human development have formed a perilous cocktail deep in the delta. And millions of people face an increasingly uncertain future as a result.

Combined with coastal erosion and more regular periods of drought, the lack of fresh water, especially in provinces close to the sea, is becoming problematic. “When you mess with that rhythm, then you're increasing food security concerns and water security concerns within that shared space of Vietnam and Cambodia,” he said.

Drought has become a feature of a normally lush landscape - a state of emergency was declared in 2020 amid a threat of rising salinity and widespread water shortages. The uncertainty of water supplies adds strength to the argument of relying on less water-intensive crops and shifting to alternatives. But in the pursuit of economic returns, and with the extensive man-made irrigation canal network, many farmers have simply turned to try to produce even more rice.Innovation and cooperation are seen as critical for future rice growing in the delta.

“Because the water and the weather are unpredictable, farmers and also the people living in this area don't know when water is available or not. So, we have to be in an active situation to be ready with techniques and action if water becomes less and less.” “Now we only suffer unpredictable sun and rain but the water amount is ensured, regardless,” he said.

Over many years, it has transformed into a popular tourism destination, drawing crowds of visitors keen to witness traditional life on the river. Yet the ways of on-water buying and selling are dying out in the delta. Infrastructure planning and management is a crucial thread in protecting the resources of the Mekong and keeping its people with livelihoods.

Source: Energy Industry News (energyindustrynews.net)

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