Recognizing the urgent need to address environmental challenges, the province is implementing a complete strategy focused on resource protection, climate change adaptation, and sustainable socioeconomic development.

The region, characterized by its low terrain and extensive river system fed by the VAM CO DONG and VAM CO TAY tributaries, possesses notable potential in land, water resources, forests, and wetland ecosystems. However, it faces increasing pressures from resource depletion, environmental pollution, and climate change impacts.

Industry assessments reveal surface pollution stemming from excessive resource development,unsustainable land use practices,untreated wastewater,and inadequate solid waste management. Groundwater levels are declining, exacerbating land subsidence in river areas. Forest resources, including Melaruka and Mangrove forests, are diminishing due to land conversion and ecosystem degradation.

Climate change is manifesting through saltwater intrusion,prolonged droughts,erratic rainfall patterns,rising temperatures,and heightened sea levels. During the dry season (Febuary to May), saltwater intrusion penetrates deep into the Soài Rạp and Vàm Cỏ rivers, severely impacting agricultural production and residential water supplies.

Salinity levels in lowland waterways like CAN GIUOC, CAN DUOC, and TAN TRU have exceeded 4G/L, posing a threat to rice and fruit tree cultivation. Many villages lacking access to uncontaminated groundwater have been forced to purchase drinking water at costs ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 dong/m³.

The rainy season brings frequent flooding, disrupting rural transportation and damaging crops, notably in low-lying areas such as Bean -Zeu, Mokho, Vinho, and Tuenenne.

industrial and urban development in areas like Deukhoa, bento, and Kan -Ju place additional strain on environmental processing infrastructure. Many industrial complexes lack adequate wastewater treatment systems, while household waste generation continues to rise, with limited capacity for classification, recycling, and processing.

Illegal construction and sand mining activities along rivers and canals further increase the risk of riverbank erosion, a phenomenon that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.

In response, the local government recognizes effective adaptation to resource protection, improved living environments, and climate change as critical and strategic priorities. While numerous policies and plans have been announced, achieving tangible results requires a shift in mindset, concrete actions, and broad societal participation.

Proactive Adaptation Measures

“The area can be established as a luminous future in the region in resource protection, environmental protection, and adaptation to climate change.”

The region has been actively developing and implementing practical action plans to protect resources, preserve the habitat, and adapt to climate change.

The 2021-2030 Climate Change Response Action Plan, with a vision extending to 2050, outlines specific goals, comprehensive solutions, and implementation roadmaps for each stage.

Infrastructure investments are being prioritized to improve and expand drainage systems, saltwater control gates, and canal networks in areas prone to saline intrusion, such as CAN DUOC, CAN GIUOC, and TAN TRU. dozens of centralized water purification projects are operational, ensuring access to clean water for downstream communities.

Autonomous districts in the Top Muoi area are expediting projects to dredge canals, upgrade rural roads, and enhance drainage facilities to minimize flood damage during the rainy season.

In agricultural production, efforts are underway to encourage the conversion of crop and livestock structures to adapt to the changing environment. Farmers are being encouraged to cultivate drought-resistant crops and vegetables during seasonal transitions.

Organic melon and vegetable cultivation models adhering to VietGAP standards are being widely adopted, utilizing water-saving irrigation systems.Advanced technologies and biological pest control measures are being implemented to reduce investment costs, improve production efficiency, and minimize environmental impacts.

The Ministry of Agriculture and environment is monitoring surface water, groundwater, and air quality, establishing an environmental database integrated into the land management platform, and strengthening inspections and enforcement against waste emissions and resource development violations.

Plans are underway to focus on managing greenhouse gas inventories in production facilities, reducing emissions, and transitioning towards a circular economy and green economic development model.

Some industrial complexes in DUC HOA and CAN GIUOC have invested in central wastewater treatment systems and hazardous industrial waste management. Solar power systems are being installed in factories to conserve electricity and reduce emissions.

Public awareness campaigns on environmental protection and climate change are being conducted through training programs, seminars, and mass media communication.

Local governments have organized youth volunteer teams to carry out environmental cleanup activities, tree planting initiatives, plastic waste collection drives, and promote eco-friendly lifestyles within communities.

Future Initiatives

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment plans to strengthen its capacity for early natural disaster prediction and warning systems and develop detailed climate change response scenarios tailored to each ecological region.

The department will also promote international cooperation by seeking investment capital for climate change adaptation and mitigation projects, focusing on renewable energy, wastewater treatment, forest protection, and biodiversity conservation.

The local People’s Committee has been urged to develop mechanisms and policies that incentivize companies to invest in green production, adopt eco-friendly technologies, and promote green growth models and sustainable development.

these efforts are contributing to the province’s progress towards achieving sustainable socioeconomic development, harmonizing with nature, and effectively adapting to climate change.

Despite ongoing challenges, the region aims to establish itself as a leader in resource protection, environmental stewardship, and climate change adaptation, driven by strong political resolve, public consensus, and the participation of the entire political system. This commitment represents a practical action to safeguard the future for generations to come.