At the workshop (Source: tapchicongsan.org.vn) Can Tho (VNA) – Some 120 young leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) contributed their ideas to protecting the environment in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam at a workshop which opened in Can Tho city on June 5.
The event, which runs until June 9, was organised by the US Mission to Vietnam and the Resource Centre for Community Development from An Giang University.
Participants will study the consequences of changes in the environment in the Mekong Delta such as landslides, salinisation, river flooding, sea level rising, degradation of water resources and the effects of building hydroelectric plants, which all impact on people’s lives and the economic development of the region.
Through presentations, case studies, site visits and interactive activities, participants will explore potential short and long term solutions and strategies for addressing changes in the environment that are causing serious consequences in Can Tho city and the Mekong Delta.
US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink said the US government is investing for the sustainable future of countries in the Mekong River basin.
Protecting the environment in the Mekong Delta not only brings benefits for residents living along the Mekong River but also helps promote development and security in Southeast Asia, he added.
The US will devise policies to support food and energy resources in the Mekong Delta in the long run as well as programmes to improve the management of water resources, reduce environmental pollution and build clean energy solutions.
It will also carry out projects to help farmers develop agriculture adapting to climate change, the diplomat said.
During their stay in the Mekong Delta, young Southeast Asian leaders will make fact-finding tours to areas that bear the brunt of climate change in An Giang, Can Tho and Bac Lieu.
The workshop is part of the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative (YSEALI) – a programme launched by the US government in 2013 to strengthen leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia.
YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youths in the region, strengthen ties between the US and Southeast Asia and nurture an ASEAN community.-VNA
VNA
