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Viet Nam: Ecology and Sustainability in the Mekong Delta (VNE) Program Links - 1 4123

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Viet Nam: Ecology and Sustainability in the Mekong Delta

Program Highlights

For most Americans, Viet Nam is known for the visual images, powerful storytelling and political legacies of the failed war some three decades ago. In many ways, the country has flown under the radar for the years since, despite being a new economic powerhouse facing complex and fascinating social and environmental challenges of a developing country.

The Mekong River Delta lies at the southern tip of the country. This program seeks to introduce students to the Mekong River ecosystem, and use the region as a case study and intensive inquiry into the issues facing developing countries.

Program Center

The program maintains a center on the campus of Can Tho University and provides classroom space, a small library, computer and Internet access, and a comfortable place to study.

The city of Can Tho is the second largest city in southern Viet Nam and is the capitol of the Can Tho region. It is located about four hours from Ho Chi Minh City by road and is an easy jumping-off place for villages up and down the Mekong River. The city has lively floating markets, a popular strolling path beside the river, easy public transportation, and a popular biking culture.

Biodiversity and Ecology of Viet Nam

The biodiversity of Viet Nam is often underappreciated and was greatly understudied until recently because of the wars of the 20th century. An increasing number of scientists and research programs have been studying and making inventories of the animal and plant life, with new discoveries coming every year. New estimates suggest there are over 850 bird species, over 25 species of monkeys and apes, over 1,000 medicinal plants, and over 2,500 species of fish.

Environmental Issues and Politics

Recent political and cultural events in Viet Nam make studying environmental issues particularly interesting. Students consider the strengths and weaknesses of the partnership between a strong central government and the regions in pursuing environmental policies and conservation.

• Economic transition: In the mid-1990s Viet Nam made the transition to a free-market economy and opened its borders to international investment. Since then the country has undergone intense development and has just recently earned membership in the World Trade Organization.
• Reconstruction: The natural environment in southern Viet Nam has required intense rebuilding efforts since the French and American Wars of the mid-20th century. A number of conservation and rebuilding efforts have taken place in southern Viet Nam to correct soil imbalances, rebuild mangroves, and reconstruct natural flood barriers.
• International relations: Viet Nam and the Mekong River are recipients of all upstream development and its effects along the river, from the series of dams built and proposed in China, to the population explosions along the river in Laos and Cambodia, and the increased pollution as a result of manufacturing and industry. Students study the international partnerships addressing these issues and negotiations necessary for addressing the environmental impact.

Examine Pro-Poor Strategies in the Field

Students have the opportunity to explore local sustainability initiatives and pro-poor development strategies. Students meet with farmers and fishermen and explore the local solutions tested and implemented to move families beyond levels of subsistence and out of poverty. Students contribute to this effort and install a biodigester and methane pipeline.

Can Tho University, the program’s sponsor in Viet Nam, has a strong record of research and collaboration with international universities and research teams to implement and test innovative solutions to the challenges local residents face.

Site Workshops With Can Tho University Faculty

The program’s relationship with Can Tho University allows exceptional opportunities for collaboration and field visits for hands-on learning. Some recent field-based workshops:

• Water flows and wastewater at the Cai Rang floating market and Tran De river mouth
• Soil composition, water samples, and biomass in the wetlands of Tram Chim National Park with Dr. Truong Thi Nga
• Geomorphology, land use, and seasonal flooding with Professor Nguyen Huu Chiem