On August 27th, 2024, the International Institute for Applied System Analysis (IIASA) hosted a workshop titled "Environmental Crisis in Vietnam's Mekong Delta: Economic Impacts of Upstream Projects and the Urgent Need for Research on Mitigation and Adaptation" featuring the participation of the Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria, Mr. Nguyen Trung Kien and ,the First Secretary of the Embassy of Vietnam Mr. Le Van Ta along with representatives from Vietnam Academy for Water Resources (VAWR), SIWRR (Southern Institute of Water Resources Research, Vietnam), and VAST (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology), as represented by Dr. Le Quynh Lien and colleagues, which is also the National Member Organization of Vietnam at IIASA. The workshop focused on collaboration between these institutions to tackle critical issues facing the Mekong Delta. IIASA was represented by the Deputy Director General, Dr. Karen Lips as well as by representatives of the Biodiversity and Natural Resources (BNR) and Economic Frontiers (EF) research programs.
The Mekong River, one of the most significant rivers in Southeast Asia, is currently facing an unprecedented environmental crisis. This crisis is driven by a combination of artificial interventions and climate change impacts, resulting in severe environmental and socio-economic consequences. This workshop discussed potential collaborations to explore the major causes of the crisis, its economic implications, and potential mitigation and adaptation strategies. Additionally, it highlights critical areas requiring further research and provides an outline for a comprehensive research approach.
The main objectives of the workshop concerned
- determining a research scope, work-plan and participants,
- (optionally) determining stakeholder involvement,
- determining management plans,
- determining needs and scope for capacity development, and
- determine funding needs and funding strategy.
Selected list of workshop participants
- Mr. Nguyen Trung Kien, Ambassador (Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the Republic of Austria)
- Mr. Le Van Ta, First Secretary (Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the Republic of Austria)
- Dr. Le Quynh Lien, International Cooperation Department (VAST - Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology)
- Dr. Tran Dinh Hoa, Director (VAWR - Vietnam Academy for Water Resources)
- Dr. Karen Lips, Deputy Director General (IIASA)
- Dr. Petr Havlik, Program Director Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program (IIASA)
- Dr. Taher Kahil, Group Leader, Water Security Research Group (IIASA)
- Dr. Michael Kuhn, Program Director Economic Frontiers (IIASA)
© Cynthia Festin
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