The Dutch government and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency are implementing Phase 2 of the Mekong Salt Lab project in Viet Nam.
The Mekong Salt Lab project consists of Mekong Salt Lab 1 (2022-2023) and Mekong Salt Lab 2 (2023-2025). The project supports farmers in the Mekong Delta in responding to climate change and saltwater intrusion, thereby contributing to the region's sustainable livelihoods and agricultural development.
Specifically, the project fosters multidisciplinary collaboration to find solutions for adaptation and mitigation of saltwater intrusion impacts, including managing freshwater resources and developing integrated planning when freshwater supplies are dwindling. Additionally, the project equips residents with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle these challenges while promoting international cooperation and knowledge exchange with domestic and foreign partners.
Building on the success of Phase 1 (2022-2023), Phase 2 of the Mekong Salt Lab project (2023-2025) hopes to achieve significant results, notably through combined agricultural models such as hydroponics, freshwater storage systems, and wastewater treatment in Cồn Chim and Hòa Lợi (Trà Vinh).
Experiment from Mekong Salt Lab Project - Source: T.T.N.B
The "Salt Lab Forum," scheduled for October 24-25, 2024, in Trà Vinh, will provide domestic and international partners an opportunity to discuss solutions for mitigating and adapting to saltwater intrusion, aiming for a sustainable future for the Mekong Delta.
At this event, experts from the Netherlands and Viet Nam will present tested solutions, including hydroponic systems, freshwater collection and storage, water and wastewater treatment, and artificial wetlands. We are also excited to launch the Mekong Salt Lab Youth Challenge 2024, a platform for the next generation to contribute to our mission and a learning program on adaptation models for saltwater intrusion and drought.
"This program will connect us with other initiatives and partners in the Mekong Delta to strengthen our project. This collaboration aims to create sustainable water resource management solutions that meet the needs of the people in the Mekong Delta," said Gregor van Essen, Director of The Water Agency and Executive Director of the program.