At the launching ceremony (Source: VNA) Vinh Long (VNA) - A campaign was launched on June 5 in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long to collect waste and clean the Mekong River, using solar-powered vessels funded by Hanwha Group of the Republic of Korea (RoK). Dozens of thousands of volunteers collected waste along the river banks to reduce water pollution caused by floating waste in the river. Additionally, Hanwha also held a communication campaign on the social network to raise public awareness on environmental pollution. At the launching ceremony, Hanwha handed over the two solar-powered vessels worth about 2.5 billion VND (107,000 USD) to the provincial People’s Committee. The vessels will be used for cleaning the Mekong River section running through Vinh Long city, without emitting more greenhouse gases or other pollutants. Vinh Long is the first locality to receive the ship of this kind for the work. Hanwha plans to expand its campaign to other localities if the … [Read more...] about RoK firm-funded campaign helps clean Mekong River
Mekong river parksville
Public involvement in Mekong River water governance discussed
Illustrative image (Source: AFP) Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam National Mekong Committee (VNMC) and the Vietnam Rivers Network held a consultation seminar in Hanoi on May 27 to discuss promoting public involvement in decision-making regarding the Mekong River water governance. Speaking at the event, Chief of the VNMC Office Le Duc Trung said the event aims to give updates on cooperation outcomes within the framework of the Mekong River Commission and the VNMC, as well as enhance the involvement of social, non-governmental organisations and the community in Mekong River water governance amid socio-economic development in mainstream countries and climate change, thus contributing to decision making in the Mekong River water governance to protect water resources in the Mekong River basin in general, and the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands in particular. Associate Professor Le Anh Tuan, from the Can Tho University’s Dragon-Mekong Institute, said the Mekong … [Read more...] about Public involvement in Mekong River water governance discussed
Four countries launch 80th joint patrol on Mekong River
Illustrative image (Source: AFP) Hanoi (VNA) - The 80th Mekong River joint patrol, led by China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, started from Jinghong port in China's southwestern province of Yunnan province on March 19. Five vessels joined the four-day patrol that will involve inspections, a crackdown on drug crimes in key waters, including the "Golden Triangle", an area notorious for drug production. The joint patrol started in December 2011 after a gang hijacked two cargo ships and killed 13 Chinese sailors in Thai waters on October 5, 2011. According to the Yunnan provincial Department of Public Security, a total of over 12,600 officers and 673 vessels joining in the past 79 missions have imposed a powerful deterrence and dealt a hefty blow to crimes on the river. The Mekong River is a vital waterway for cross-border shipping among China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.-VNA … [Read more...] about Four countries launch 80th joint patrol on Mekong River
Seminar to promote regional coordination in Mekong River Delta
The event was organised by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the World Bank and the Australian Embassy. Addressing the event, Ousmane Dione, Director of the World Bank in Vietnam, said that regional development in the Mekong River Delta is at “an important juncture”. He urged the Government of Vietnam and its development partners to ensure an integrated interregional approach when introducing investment plans, programmes and projects, and share information to support sustainable growth. Speaking at the seminar, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyen Van Hieu, suggested that the delegates focus on five contents: the results of the implementation of Decision 593 / QD-TTg by the Prime Minister on zoning; reviewing international experiences, thereby screening measures and options that may be appropriate to the circumstances and specific conditions of the region; discussing and commenting on models proposed in the report to strengthen regional coordination and … [Read more...] about Seminar to promote regional coordination in Mekong River Delta
77th Mekong River joint patrol begins
Mekong River section running through China (Source: i4u.com) Hanoi (VNA) – The 77th Mekong River joint patrol by China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand began on December 18 from Guan Lei port, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan province. According to Yunnan province’s bureau of public security and border defense, the joint patrol will cover a range of more than 500 kilometers to enhance anti-terrorism capabilities, safeguard security and crack down on cross-border crimes. The patrol will include anti-terrorism drills, police skill practices and an anti-drug campaign. The joint patrols started in December 2011 after a gang of criminals hijacked two cargo ships and killed 13 Chinese sailors in Thai waters on October 5, 2011. The Mekong River is a vital waterway for cross-border shipping among China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.-VNA … [Read more...] about 77th Mekong River joint patrol begins