Dr. Leonhard Fechter has brought German technology to Vietnam to improve the environment of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake. He spoke with VietNamNet about the project.

Dr. Leonhard Fechter (right).

Dredging commences at Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem lake dredgers aim to safeguard its ancient turtle

Environment, turtle head Hoan Kiem dredging concerns

When did you begin paying attention to the Hoan Kiem project?

I came to Hanoi two years ago to survey and measure the water level, the mud layer and learn about the creatures in Hoan Kiem Lake.

I knew about this lake from the Dean of a Vietnamese scientific university. He told me that Hanoi has a symbolic lake, which was polluted and very difficult to restore.

A German colleague of mine then told me more about this lake and I decided to come to Vietnam to survey and improve the lake.

So you knew about Hanoi before you came here?

Yes, and when I came here, I loved the nature and the people of Hanoi. I felt respect for the history and past of Hanoi at Van Mieu Temple (Temple of Literature). This lake (Hoan Kiem Lake) is the heart of Hanoi’s attraction, too. But I’m scared of traffic in Hanoi. I think many foreigners who visit Hanoi for the first time feel like me (smiled).

What do you feel about the Hoan Kiem Lake and the old turtle?

I’m a European man so my understanding of belief and spiritual life is not very good. But I respect your beliefs, so absorbing mud in the lake must be carried out very carefully so as not to upset the ancient turtle.

Could you tell our readers about the trial application of German technology in the fish pond at Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace?

The area of this pond is smaller than Hoan Kiem Lake and there was no problem with the environment of the pond. Most especially, it doesn’t have a sacred animal like the ancient turtle.

This pond was chosen to use the Sediturtle mud absorbing technology. After this task finished, we evaluated the changes to the pond’s ecosystem. The results were very satisfactory.

Have you performed this technology in other countries?

We have applied it in Germany and some European countries. In Asia, this technology was used in Thailand already, but Hoan Kiem Lake is the most special case. However, set your mind at rest! As you see, this is the 10^th day (the last day of trial) and everything has been very good.

The old turtle has risen to the surface several times in the last few days. What could you say?

I think perhaps he welcomed this job (smiled).

How long will it take to absorb all the mud from Hoan Kiem Lake?

This job cannot be rushed. After ten days, we have cleaned 1000 square meters of the lake. We both cleaned the lake and waited for the response of the old turtle. We were very nervous the day the turtle rose. To clean the whole lake at the current pace, we would need at least one year.

If the local authorities decide to clean up the entire lake, will you join the project?

I will return to Hanoi in January 2010, but we will train Vietnamese workers to absorb mud themselves because the machines mainly work automatically.

Nguyen Duoc