As from now, the stability of geomorphology and sea level rise will be
calculated when devising economic projects and plans in coastal and
estuary areas in the Mekong Delta.
According to the
Southwestern Steering Committee, the move aims to cope with climate
change, which is forecast to affect natural and socio-economic
environment in the country’s rice bowl in the next 50-60 years.
As part of the efforts, regional provinces will build large-scale maps
featuring coastal and lowland areas, sub-regions based on rising sea
levels and hydrographic and hydraulic areas in the sub-regions.
They will also make a list of infrastructure works which face the high
risk of climate change and study new plant varieties highly resistant
to salinity while upgrading sea and river dyke systems.
Besides, the localities build measures to protect production and
infrastructure and evacuate people in vulnerable areas to safe places in
case of calamity.
At the same time, they pay
attention to information work and improving environmental management
capacity while selecting high productivity and quality rice varieties
which are resistant to salinity and adapt to climate change.
The Mekong Delta is one of the three most vulnerable delta belts that
will face the onslaught and subsequent backlash of climate change in the
world.
It is forecast that by the end of the century, sea
water levels may rise by one metre – submerging 40 percent of the Mekong
Delta, 11 percent of the Red River Delta and 3 percent of coastal
provinces.-VNA