
On March 30, the conference “Sustainable development of the Mekong Delta - agriculture, aquaculture, and environment under climate change" was held at Can Tho University, with the attendance of Mr. Shimizu Akira, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Vietnam Office, and leaders of institutions and provinces in the Mekong Delta.
At the conference, the presentations of scientists evaluated the impacts and proposed solutions to help the agriculture and fisheries sector adapt to climate change. Accordingly, the rainy season in the Mekong Delta is expected to shorten, whereas the dry season will last longer, aggravating the shortage of fresh water, and increasing saltwater intrusion.


Prof. Dr. Ha Thanh Toan, Principal of Can Tho University, said that Resolution No.120 of the Government outlined the importance of the region in agricultural and fishery production, food security assurance, and its significant contribution to the country’s total export value. At the same time, it also raised the challenges that the Mekong Delta has to face as this region is sensitive to changes in nature.
To solve those challenges, contributing to the sustainable and prosperous development of the Mekong Delta, it needs to proactively adapt to climate change, promote its potentials and strengths, convert challenges into opportunities for development, ensure a stable and well-off life for local people, as well as preserve the unique traditional cultural values of the region. Particularly, proper investment in the development and application of science and technology plays a significant role.