In October 2023, The Water Agency, in collaboration with Can Tho University, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DONRE), and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (RARD), successfully held two consultation workshops in Soc Trang and Ben Tre, Vietnam. These workshops aimed to address key challenges in groundwater management, focusing on sustainable usage, the implementation of Decree 167, and fostering multi-stakeholder engagement through a “Serious Game” approach.
Workshop in Soc Trang
The first workshop, held on October 5, 2023, gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, and water users, to explore the current state of groundwater extraction in Soc Trang. Participants discussed the implications of groundwater exploitation on declining water tables and the risk of land subsidence, while also examining alternative surface water sources. Despite accessibility, surface water remains problematic due to pollution from wastewater discharge.
Workshop in Ben Tre
On October 17, 2023, a second consultation was held in Ben Tre, focusing on similar themes but with additional emphasis on the region’s unique water challenges. Participants explored the varying land use zones—freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater—each facing different water management issues. Farmers in Ben Tre highlighted their practices, such as blending brackish and freshwater for shrimp farming, while also sharing concerns about the declining quality of surface water due to pollution.
Group discussions in both workshops revealed gaps in understanding groundwater policies, particularly Decree 167, which regulates extraction. Stakeholders expressed the need for better education on water-saving techniques, access to alternative water sources, and sustainable agricultural practices. The workshop laid the groundwork for future engagement, including a follow-up session to further explain Decree 167 and continue discussions on developing the “Serious Game.”
Learn more about the project here.
