Environmental policy and administrative management

Saltwater intrusion happens when saline water enters into upstream river basins. This is a natural phenomenon caused by differences between saltwater and freshwater. The phenomenon is influenced by several factors in which the discharge and duration of river water are the majors. Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta has two coastal sides with the total length of over 700 km. This even, flat and low land is strongly affected by daily tides, which form a large area of saltwater intrusion spanning from Ha Tien to Soai Rap River Mouth. Based on geological, economical and social conditions as well as the linking of drainage system, saltwater intrusion area in Cuu Long Delta accounts for over 50%, approximating 2,384 ha (salt level 0.4%). Salt intrusion area is about 50% of the total area of the delta (Cuu Long natural area is approximately 3,931,300 ha), consisting of provinces such as Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau and Kien Giang. The intrusion restricts development of Cuu Long Delta Plain. The situation has become unstable, unsustainable, and even unfavorable in some places. The reasons for slow agricultural development in coastal provinces in the basin are saltwater intrusion and freshwater deficiency in dry seasons. Ben Tre is one of the provinces in the downstream basin of Cuu Long river, which links the freshwater and saline water and is intruded with salt 3-6 months every year. Ben Tre has a natural land of 232,162 ha and has a typical ecosystem of a coastal province which is divided into 3 areas; 37% of freshwater, 27% of brackish water and 36% of saltwater. The saltwater intrusion in Ben Tre happens in the annual dry season in addition to little flow of Tien River. One serious consequence of saltwater intrusion is the degradation of natural resources in Ben Tre. As for Ben Tre natural land, 7.38% is regularly intruded with salt, 13% is much intruded, 24% is slightly intruded and 35% of freshwater ground is in threat of being degraded. Preventing the degradation of natural land in these areas has a vital significance in agricultural production of local people. An area of brackish water in An Hiep commune, Ba Tri District, Ben Tre province is chosen for the project. In the site, saltwater intrusion accounts for 13.2% at the end of dry season and the poverty percentage is high. The project aims at: - Contributing in sustainable use of land and water resources to adapt to the salt intrusion and improve the life quality of local people. The project objectives: - To improve awareness and understanding on salt intrusion in particular and environmental matters in general for local participating administrators and communities; - To build demonstration models on community participation in managing the salt intrusion; - To build demonstration models on science and technology in production to adapt to the salt intrusion; - To report and document techniques and experiences in promoting the sustainability and duplicating the project models. The main activities: - Improving awareness and capacity of local administrators and community in managing, preventing and adapting to saltwater intrusion. - Building models on community participation in the salt intrusion. - Building an information network on salt intrusion and providing information for communities, governmental organizations, managing committee and farmers. - Building demonstration models on science and technology in production in order to adapt to the salt intrusion, preventing the degradation of land resources in marine ecosystems. - Drawing experiences and proposing policies to support the communities to adapt to the salt intrusion in Ben Tre.

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