Climate Change Adaptation: Long coastline makes Vietnam vulnerable

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Vietnam is one of the 10 countries in the world most threatened by climate change. Its long coastline and famous Mekong Delta has become increasingly prone to natural disasters. There is now a growing urgency to help people in the delta -- especially farmers -- prepare and adapt to the changes. Rian Maelzer reports from southern Vietnam.

The Mekong Delta is Vietnam's breadbasket, producing half the country's rice and 70 per cent of its aquaculture products. But people here have taken a battering in recent years: from more frequent typhoons and flooding, from erratic rainfall, and from saline intrusion.

RIAN MAELZER TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM "During the dry season, salt water is pushing further and further inland, with major consequences for agriculture, aquaculture and people's daily lives."

Even those living right next to rivers often struggle to access fresh water.

PHAM THI MAI TRINH FARMER "During the dry season, it's been very difficult to get fresh water. We have had to travel far to buy some for 4 US dollars per cubic meter. And it's just enough for drinking."

In this area, local authorities with backing from the Asian Development Bank have built sluice gates to keep the salt water at bay and fresh water levels higher, benefitting some 110,000 households.

LAM VAN Y RICE FARMER "Before, we used to only depend on rainwater to grow rice. But since the sluice gate was built, we have gone from just one rice harvest a year to three."

In other areas of the delta, local and international agencies are working together to introduce new strains of rice better suited to the changing climate, and alternative crops such as fruits, as well as promoting shrimp farming.

LE DANG DOANH FORMER GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC ADVISER "The government is trying to move and train them to adapt and to benefit from the climate change instead of suffering from climate change. The philosophy of Vietnam is to try to adapt, to coexist with climate change."

Such adaptation and preparedness isn't just an option for people in the Mekong Delta. It's imperative if the region is to remain this country's agricultural heartland. Rian Maelzer, CGTN, in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.