Deltas 2013 – Vietnam Forum (World Delta Dialogues II) (TF13VNP2B)

DELTAS 2013 Vietnam (http://deltas2013.com) is an unique forum in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam of global representatives from the many sectors and political circles discussing solutions to some of the most acute challenges facing Vietnam and its delta, the broader Mekong River system, and major deltas and watersheds worldwide.

The Mekong River and its delta face acute sustainability challenges. Land subsidence, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, sea level rise, trapping of upriver waters and sediments, and politically diverse stakeholders all contribute to uncertainties and potential vulnerabilities. The Mekong Delta is considered Southeast Asia’s rice bowl. More than 19 million people depend upon the regular, seasonal flow of the Mekong River for their livelihoods.

As Asia continues to develop and grow, harmonizing water management, development, ecological function, and agriculture will be a major challenge in the region.

The DELTAS 2013 Vietnam forum will generate the necessary ideas and political will needed to make critical improvements in the Mekong Delta. The dialogues should stimulate a way forward to build sustainable deltaic regions and safeguard their critical resources. The emerging lessons and ideas will inform delta management around the world.

Design of the programme:

• Prepare for several field visits in the Mekong Delta for all participants.
• Design official opening, several plenary sessions, breakout sessions and working sessions.
• Organize several key-note speakers, presenters, lunches, network events as well as panellists to increase the Dutch flavour.

This part of the project has been carried out by stichting Deltares.