Vietnam initiative promotes sustainable development of water resources
Measures to promote cooperation for sustainable development of water resources are being discussed during the Vietnam International Water Week 2018 from March 4-8, which gathers representatives from more than 30 countries and territories worldwide.
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Themed “Vietnam Water Cooperation Initiative” (VACI), the event offers a chance for enterprises to show their commitment to protecting water resources and the environment.
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Quy Kien affirmed Vietnam’s consistent stance of managing water resources in an integrated manner, which is highlighted in the National Strategy on Water Resources.
Water use must be in line with the economic restructuring in the context of industrialisation, he said, adding that water resources should be developed sustainably, and used economically and effectively.
This management method is clearly shown in decrees, decisions, circulars as well as in the implementation of water resources management policies, he noted.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the world's water exploitation increases by 1% per year, putting pressure on many countries and territories.
About 780 million people worldwide don’t have access to clean and safe water sources, while both surface water and groundwater are increasingly degraded and polluted.
The United Nations has estimated that the world's population will need 30% more clean water by 2030, and 44% by 2050.
General Director of the Centre for Planning and Surveying National Water Resources Tong Ngoc Thanh said the VACI 2018 also aims to call for more efforts from enterprises to develop technological solutions in the field, and to raise awareness of water resources and environmental protection.
The plenary session “Water is the goal of sustainable development” is the highlight of the event, which also includes 23 seminars with nearly 500 scientific reports on monitoring and forecasting of water resources, climate change adaptation in Asia and management of water resources in Southeast Asia.
Exhibitions of photos and technologies and training courses related to water resources management are also part of the event.
