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Young ASEAN leaders contribute ideas to protect Mekong Delta environment

Some 120 young leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have contributed their ideas to achieve protection of the environment of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, at a workshop which opened in Can Tho city on June 5.

The event, which runs until June 9, was organised by the US Mission to Vietnam and the Resource Centre for Community Development from An Giang University.

Participants are studying the consequences of changes in the environment of the Mekong Delta such as landslides, salinisation, river floods, rising sea level, degradation of water resources and the effects of building hydroelectric plants upstream, all of which impacts on people’s lives and the economic development of the region.

Through presentations, case studies, site visits and interactive activities, participants will explore potential short and long term solutions and strategies to address changes in the environment that are causing serious consequences in Can Tho city and the Mekong Delta.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink says the US government is investing for the sustainable future of countries in the Mekong River basin.

Protecting the environment of the Mekong Delta not only brings benefits to residents located along the Mekong River but also helps promote development and security in Southeast Asia, he added.

The US will devise policies to support food and energy resources in the Mekong Delta over the long term as well as programmes to improve the management of water resources, reduce environmental pollution and develop clean energy solutions.

It will also carry out projects to help farmers develop agriculture adapting to climate change, the diplomat said.

During their stay in the Mekong Delta, young Southeast Asian leaders are making fact-finding tours to areas likely to bear the brunt of climate change in An Giang, Can Tho and Bac Lieu.

The workshop is part of the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative (YSEALI) – a programme launched by the US government in 2013 to strengthen leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia.
YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the US and Southeast Asia and nurture an ASEAN community.

Information and Source
Reporter : Pichanan Inpota
Rewriter : Rodney McNeil
National News Bureau & Public Relations


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