Gia Thu Bon river basin needs joint management
PSNews- Construction of upstream hydropower systems and unplanned exploitation of sand in the Vu Gia – Thu Bon river basin have led to adverse impacts, including erosion.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Mangroves for the Future (MFF) in association with the Provincial People’s Committees of Quang Nam and Da Nang to hold a roundtable discussing joint efforts to manage the Vu Gia – Thu Bon river drainage basin and the Da Nang – Quang Nam coastline, themed: Approach “From the headwater to the sea”.
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| The dialogue was attended by various experts and managers |
River basins and coastal areas are two space-connected natural systems, which play an important part in preserving water and other vital natural resources for a nation’s development and human lives, according to experts participating in the dialogue.
Old-fashion methods of management, which lacked collaboration of branches and localities and neglected possible negative impacts of river basins on coastal areas, have resulted in unsustainable development.
The Vu Gia – Thu Bon river basin is one of major plains in Vietnam, which has direct impacts on the Quang Nam – Da Nang coastline.
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| Unplanned and massive exploitation of sands might cause adverse impacts |
An increase in economic activities and inefficient management of natural resources, particularly water, are the main factor to reduce the functions of and wildlife in the basin, barring socio-economic development of Da Nang and Quang Nam in the future.
Particularly, the construction of the hydroelectric systems in the upstream areas of the Vu Gia - Thu Bon rivers has badly affected the mainstream of the river, causing landslides downstream and sea banks.
In addition, massive sand exploitation in the rivers resulted in a shortage of sand, which has again changed the flow and caused erosions to river banks and seashore. It is one of the main causes leading to the coastal erosion in Cua Dai (Great Estuary – Hoi An city) recently.
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| Mr. Le Tri Thanh at the event |
Any major changes in the Vu Gia – Thu Bon basin would leave severe impacts on both Quang Nam and Da Nang, said Mr. Le Tri Thanh, Deputy Chairman of the Quang Nam provincial People’s Committee.
Thus, Quang Nam and Da Nang should promote cooperation with all involved agencies and units to better manage the basin and coastal areas.
