The World Wildlife Fund will host a third forum on June 5 - the World Environment Day - in Ben Tre province to discuss environment protection and social issues for the Mekong Delta region.

Themed Proper management in response to climate change in Mekong Delta, this year’s seminar aims to raise public awareness on the efficient management, preservation and development of natural resources and culture for the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta.

A similar forum was hosted for first time in 2009 in Can Tho province.

The third seminar will be attended and contributed by officials from Mekong Delta provinces, national reserves, policy makers, scientists, individuals and organizations interested in the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta.

The Delta’s biodiversity is now believed to face serious challenges like ecosystem degradation, the narrowing of agricultural land, encroachment of salt water, and urbanization.

Fact sheet about Mekong Delta

The Mekong River is one of the world’s major rivers. It is the world’s 10th-longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,350 km, and it drains an area of 795,000 sq.km.

The Mekong basin is one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world. More than 1,200 species of fish have been identified and there could be possibly as many as 1,700. Fishing is a very important part of the economic activities in the area and a vital source of protein in the local diet.

The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southeastern Vietnam of 39,000 square kilometers and runs through the following provinces: Can Tho, An Giang, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Ca Mau, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Long An, Soc Trang, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh and Vinh Long.

The area is home to large numbers of rice fields. Additionally, the region is home to large exports of basa fish, Tra catfish and shrimp, much of which is exported.

Source: Tuoi Tre