VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam, which has proposed a transboundary water resources management policy, will take the initiative in storing water to cover its needs instead of relying on other countries, experts have said.

Vu Trong Hong, former Deputy Minister of MONRE, speaking about Vietnam’s water resources management policies at the 24th APEC Summit, said Vietnam needs to do this because of three reasons.

First, Vietnam is one of the few countries in the world which has special characteristics. It is on the lower course of two large rivers – the Red and Mekong Rivers – both of which originate from China.

Therefore, it is necessary for Vietnam to propose a cooperation policy among countries through which the rivers go, so as to optimize their use.

China, for example, replied to Vietnam’s call for cooperation when it discharged water from Jinghong dam in Yunnan Province in early 2016, when Vietnam’s Mekong Delta suffered serious drought.

Vietnam, as a member of the Mekong Agreement, has called on other members – Laos, Cambodia and Thailand – to respect each other in using the Mekong water resources. 

Some countries on the river are now trying to build hydropower dams to serve economic development, affecting water supply to Vietnam.

Second, ‘transboundary’ implies ‘no border’ for rivers. In Vietnam, rivers go through different provinces and cities. Therefore, Vietnamese people need to unite to find the best ways to use the water of the rivers.

Third, Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang, when suggesting the cooperation policy, should remind countries of the serious conflict among African countries on the Nile.

As for the difficulties caused by water shortage, Hong pointed out that water is the means of subsistence not only for humans, but for all living creatures in the lower course. If the water flow lessens, it will cause serious consequences.

Meanwhile, under conditions of climate change and economic development, a shortage of water resources will occur. 

In the near future, once Laos and Cambodia build hydropower plants, Vietnam’s Mekong Delta may not receive any drop of water from thevMekong for its rice fields as warned by international experts.

Hong, while believing that Vietnam needs to seek international cooperation in water resources management, has urged local authorities to take the initiative in storing water for their needs.

In dry localities such as the central region, farmers should try to focus on growing rice in the rainy season and other crops in the dry season. 

Meanwhile, southern provinces, except Ben Tre, which is surrounded by sea water, need to draw up plans to store rainwater. 

Dat Viet