Mekong Delta seeks to help vulnerable groups adapt to climate change

Representatives from ministries, localities and organisations gathered at a conference on November 19 to discuss measures to help vulnerable groups in the Mekong Delta adapt to climate change.

Sea water threats the Tay Vam Ray dike in Kieng Giang. (Source: VNA)

Can Tho (VNA) – Representatives from ministries, localities and organisations gathered at a conference in Can Tho city on November 19 to discuss measures to help vulnerable groups in the Mekong Delta adapt to climate change.

The event, held by the Steering Committee for Southwestern Region, aimed to seek ways to build livelihood models adaptable to climate change, reducing impacts and enhancing the locals’ response capacity. Participants also shared effective models and initiatives to help vulnerable groups.

According to Ky Quang Binh, head of the Can Tho Office for Climate Change, residents in the region, especially the poor, women and children, are facing risks of rising temperature, extraordinary rain and drought and depression.

The risks are likely to affect regional community in many ways, including livelihood. Besides a reduction in agricultural productivity as well as serious effects on processing industry, service and trade in the region, the risks will also influence the locals’ income, especially the poor, making it difficult for the region to fulfil the target of improving living conditions in line with responding to climate change, Binh said.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Quoc Viet, deputy head of the Steering Committee for Southwestern Region, noted that over the past years, the committee has coordinated closely with ministries and localities in the region to implement policies and measures to cope with climate change.

A number of positive changes have been seen, especially the enhanced public awareness of adapting and dealing with climate change phenomena, he said.

He expressed his hope that through the conference, involved departments and agencies will take practical actions to address climate change-related issues.-VNA

VNA