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DEVELOPING OF CLIMATE-RELATED DISASTER HAZARD ZONING MAP AND ENHANCING THE SALINITY INTRUSION MONITORING NETWORK IN CAN THO CITY

    • Priority Sector

    • Environment

    • Duration

    • 2021/06/23 - 2023/07/31

    • Call Number

    • MKCF CALL 4

DEVELOPING OF CLIMATE-RELATED DISASTER HAZARD ZONING MAP AND ENHANCING THE SALINITY INTRUSION MONITORING NETWORK IN CAN THO CITY

Country of Implementation

  • Viet Nam

Project Description

Saline intrusion and climate change-related natural risks have increasingly affected countries in the Mekong region, particularly those in the lower Mekong River basin. Rising sea levels and altered river flows during the dry season have intensified sea tides and saline intrusion. Since mid-2019, the Mekong River’s water levels have remained critically low, severely impacting livelihoods and public health—especially for farmers who rely on river water for irrigation and freshwater aquaculture. These activities are highly sensitive to salinity and therefore face a high risk of loss. Combined with the broader effects of climate change-induced natural hazards, vulnerable populations in the Mekong region—particularly the poor and farming communities— have been disproportionately affected.

Our Core Objectives

1

To improve the capacity to provide early warnings of natural disaster risks and saline intrusion, enabling local governments to proactively develop timely response plans to minimize damage to people and property caused by climate change

2

To improve access to information on saline intrusion; raise community awareness of natural disaster and salinity risks; and enhance adaptive capacity to climate change.

Activities / Components

1

Development of a Climate Change- Related Disaster Risk Zoning Map

This component included project approval procedures, start-up seminars, consultant selection, on-site data collection, map development, and seminars to present preliminary results and assess public awareness.

2

Enhancement of the Saline Intrusion Monitoring Network

This involved the procurement and installation of online monitoring equipment, site selection, establishment of data transmission and reception systems, data analysis and database development, training for equipment operators, report preparation, creation and dissemination of communication materials and databases, organization of training sessions, and presentation of final results.

Results Achieved

  • To enhance disaster monitoring and early warning capacity, 34 disaster hazard zone atlases were developed, covering various risks. the paper maps provided detailed information on the impacts of different hazards on agriculture and residents’ lives, offering strong support for disaster early warning systems. Three (3) continuous automatic salt monitoring stations were installed and have been operating stably, transmitting data every 10 minutes to promptly capture changes in river water salinity. This has significantly strengthened salt intrusion monitoring and early warning capabilities.
  • Significant progress was also made in raising public awareness. Nine training courses and a variety of promotional materials were conducted and distributed, increasing awareness among local governments and communities about salt intrusion and climate change risks. These efforts improved public access to relevant information and strengthened disaster preparedness and response planning.
  • In terms of sustainable development and regional cooperation, the project outcomes provided a scientific basis and practical experience for Can Tho City and the broader Mekong Delta region in addressing climate change. The project also fostered meaningful collaboration between Viet Nam and South Korea, further deepening Mekong–ROK cooperation and contributing to regional development. These efforts accumulated valuable experience and laid a strong foundation for future related initiatives.

Successful Factors/ Strategies

  • The project implementation team actively engaged with multiple stakeholders to secure permission for the installation of river monitoring stations, ensuring the smooth progress of key project activities while avoiding additional costs and delays.
  • The comprehensive application of information and communication technology (ICT), geographic information systems (GIS), and natural disaster risk assessment models and tools enabled thorough data collection and in-depth analysis of climate-related disaster risks.
  • A variety of outreach methods—including training courses, brochures, and handbooks—were used to effectively disseminate knowledge on salt intrusion and climate change-related natural risks to local governments and the public, thereby enhancing public awareness and response capacity.

Future Strategies and Plans

  • Maintain close communication and consultation with aid donors throughout the design and implementation of future projects to ensure compliance with donor regulations and government approval requirements.
  • Work closely with local governments at the grassroots level, actively seek the consent and support of surrounding communities, and create a conducive environment for long-term project development.
  • Pay attention to the renewal and upgrading of technical equipment, thoroughly understand equipment features, purchase and use equipment based on actual needs, and ensure its safety and monitoring accuracy.
  • Strengthen data management by continuously improving the sharing mechanism for salt monitoring data and climate change information, providing more accurate data support for decision-making.