The Sumernet's first literature analysis "Challenges to sustainable Development in the Mekong Delta: Regional and National Policy Issues and Research Needs" was officially launched in Hanoi, Vietnam on 31 January 2008, as a side event of the M-POWER (Mekong Program on Water Environment & Resilience) Annual Partners' Meeting. The publications and the policy brief were distributed to about 80 participants.


At the event Dr. Tran Than Be of Can Tho University and Dr. Bach Tan Sinh of National Institute for Science and Technology Policy and Strategy Studies represented the Sumernet research team. They gave brief summary of its content, as well as the main issues for development policy consideration.

”Mekong Delta is a very dynamic region of Vietnam. The local people have not given way to difficulties such as annual flood, salinity intrusion but struggled with and creatively overcome such obstacles for development. Nowadays appropriate policies are the most important, if not deciding, factor of better sustainable development. It needs collaborations in studies from all of us who love the Delta and are willing to help its still-poor people”, said Dr Be.

Key findings addressed included the needs of balance the immediate food production and economic growth with sustainable resource base, assessment of the impact of market oriented production on poverty reduction, measures to reduce financial risk for farmers engaged in aquaculture for export, a clear trade off point for optimal water resources management, decentralization and community-based natural resources management accompanied by sufficient support for capacity building at local government levels, and environmental regulations for the protection of aquatic resources.

The full report is downloadable here