Climate change impact

The Mekong Delta is the most vulnerable region of Viet Nam, and one of the top three mega deltas most likely to be severely affected by global climate change. Despite the proactive roles of localities and the government, the region is no longer benefitting from their business-as-usual water governance strategies.

The Delta is currently under pressure because of sea-level rise, coastal erosion, land subsidence due to excessive groundwater abstraction, and saline water intrusion – all of which have adverse economic consequences. In addition, the delta ecosystem is severely affected by increased temperatures and annual average precipitation, changing river flow patterns, increased flood frequency, and prolonged droughts.

Development impact

The complex upstream development, coupled with climate change impacts, is negatively affecting the population downstream, whose socio-economic activities are highly dependent on water resources. Transboundary developments, in particular upstream hydropower projects, have further aggravated stress on land and water resources.

The projected increase in population, coupled with urbanization and economic developments, will put additional pressure on the delta’s resources.

Master Plan obstacles

The current consultation process for designing the Integrated Master Plan does not take the role of local communities and governments into consideration. In fact, there are gaps in the planning process for the development of effective, equitable, and sustainable local water governance systems in the region.

The UNDP and development partners have identified this as an obstacle to the formulation and implementation of the long-term Integrated Delta Master Plan.

The strategy focuses on improving the understanding of local water governance systems, their success and pitfalls, and on exploring their relevance in the future.

It will identify specific options for UNDP and partners to actively enhance local water governance participation in the policy development process led by MPI in the context of the Mekong Delta Masterplan.

Action points:

• Organize current and proposed alternatives to local water governance practices in the Mekong Delta.
• Assess the effectiveness of local water governance practices in a set of future scenarios.
• Identify practical recommendations to enhance local roles in water governance.