At the workshop (Source: tapchicongsan.org.vn) Can Tho (VNA) – Some 120 young leadersfrom the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) contributed their ideasto protecting the environment in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam at a workshop whichopened in Can Tho city on June 5.
The event, which runs until June 9, was organisedby the US Mission to Vietnam and the Resource Centre for Community Developmentfrom An Giang University.
Participants will study the consequences ofchanges in the environment in the Mekong Delta such as landslides,salinisation, river flooding, sea level rising, degradation of water resources andthe effects of building hydroelectric plants, which all impact on people’s livesand the economic development of the region.
Through presentations, case studies, site visitsand interactive activities, participants will explore potential short and longterm solutions and strategies for addressing changes in the environment thatare causing serious consequences in Can Tho city and the Mekong Delta.
US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink saidthe US government is investing for the sustainable future of countries in theMekong River basin.
Protecting the environment in the Mekong Deltanot only brings benefits for residents living along the Mekong River but alsohelps promote development and security in Southeast Asia, he added.
The US will devise policies to support food andenergy resources in the Mekong Delta in the long run as well as programmes toimprove the management of water resources, reduce environmental pollution andbuild clean energy solutions.
It will also carry out projects to help farmersdevelop agriculture adapting to climate change, the diplomat said.
During their stay in the Mekong Delta, youngSoutheast Asian leaders will make fact-finding tours to areas that bear thebrunt of climate change in An Giang, Can Tho and Bac Lieu.
The workshop is part of theYoung Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative (YSEALI) – a programme launched bythe US government in 2013 to strengthenleadership development and networking in Southeast Asia.
YSEALI seeksto build the leadership capabilities of youths in the region, strengthen tiesbetween the US and Southeast Asia and nurture an ASEAN community.-VNA
VNA
