Sand overexploitation, deforestation worsen coastal erosion: expert
The overexploitation of sand, deforestation and natural disasters have led to increasingly serious erosion in many coastal areas of Vietnam, an expert has said.
The sea encroaches 30 to 50 metres in the Cua Dai ward annually (Photo: VNA)The overexploitation of sand, deforestation and natural disasters have led to increasingly serious erosion in many coastal areas of Vietnam, an expert has said.
Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute for Water Resources Research Tran Dinh Hoa pointed out the fact at a workshop in central Quang Nam province on September 7.
Participants at the function, numbering around 200 specialists, said in Quang Nam alone, the simultaneous erosion and soil and sand settlement in the area of the Cua Dai Sea have worsened in recent years, greatly affecting the local socio-economic situation.
Hoi An is home to 7 kilometres of coastline; in recent years, the sea has encroached 30 to 50 metres in the Cua Dai ward.
Vice Chairman of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers Hitoshi Tanaka said the possible cause of the severe erosion in this area is the decrease in the volume of mud and sand flowing from the upper Thu Bon River system.
Experts said a number of localities in Vietnam have yet to design master plans on the exploitation and potential development of and disaster prevention along their estuaries and coasts. Meanwhile, structural measures have not been carried out synchronously, reinforcing certain areas but causing erosion in others.
Vice Chairman of the Quang Nam People’s Committee Le Tri Thanh said besides temporary measures, the province is working with central agencies and foreign researching bodies to devise long-term solutions, noting that it is examining the exploitation of sand along the Thu Bon River system.
The workshop was held by Japan’s Tohoku University, the Vietnam Institute for Water Resources Research and Vietnam’s Thuy Loi (Water Resources) University.-VNA
You should also see
VNA marks 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory with various activities
The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) hosted an array of activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 - 2024).
See more
Environment
Communication campaign calls for wildlife conservation efforts
The central province of Quang Binh, home to the UNESCO-recognised Natural Heritage site of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, on April 13 launched a communication campaign in response to the World Wildlife Day (March 3) and the National Biodiversity Restoration Year 2024.
Environment
Saigon Co.op ties up with Winrock International for waste circulation
Saigon Co.op signed an MoU with non-profit Winrock International in HCM City on April 12 to reduce environmental pollution by developing a waste circulation model, enhancing waste separation at source and raising the extended producer responsibility.
Environment
Solutions proposed to tackle growing challenge of electronic waste
Vietnam faces a growing problem with electronic waste (e-waste), according to a study by the Hanoi University of Science and Technology's Centre of Science-Technology and Environment.
Environment
Contest seeks innovative solutions to recycle plastic
The innovative solution contest 2024 was launched in Hanoi on April 12, aiming to seek solutions in the plastic circular value chain, especially new and creative solutions in improving the capacity to collect, process and recycle plastic packaging.
Environment
Co To calls for actions to prevent plastic pollution in tourism activities
Co To island district in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh has asked local accommodation facilities and travel firms to apply environmental protection measures in tourism business activities to build an island free of plastic bags and other single-use items.
