Climate change has had observable effects on mangrove forests, environment and socio-economic development...
Climate change has had observable effects on mangrove forests, environment and socio-economic development. Therefore, Khanh Hoa Province has taken various measures to prevent the problem.
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| Mangrove cultivation to protect marine environment. |
Since the beginning of the year, the central region has experienced prolonged hot days with the rainfall lower than the average compared with previous years. El Nino is expected to re-occur and influence the water supply for the 2014 - 2015 winter-spring rice season in Khanh Hoa Province.
The average temperature in Vietnam is expected to increase by 1.6-3.7oC by the end of the 21st century. The underground water reserve in Khanh Hoa is forecast to decrease by 20% or 856,000m3 while water supply needed for daily activities and socio-economic development increases by 30% or 1,254,000m3, according to Central Vietnam Division for Water Resources Planning and Investigation.
Khanh Hoa has taken the lead in the usage of green energy. In mid-2011, Khanh Hoa People’s Committee issued a plan on climate change adaptation, period 2011 – 2015 to evaluate effects of climate change and sea level rise on natural water resources, infrastructures, eco-diversity in coastal areas for sustainable development. However, The biggest challenge is funding for the plan, according to Le Duc Vinh, Khanh Hoa Provincial Standing Committee member, Provincial People’s Committee Deputy Chairman.
The province has submitted 8 projects with an expected capital of VND1,700 billion to increase climate change adaptation capacity. They include construction of breakwaters in Nha Trang City, Van Gia Town, To Hap Town, etc. but they have not been approved for investment so far. Khanh Hoa has allocated VND2.9 billion from the local State budget to develop a research subject on evaluation of climate change and sea level rise on coastal infrastructures and communities; VND1 billion on evaluation of climate change and sea level rise on natural water resources, adaptation suggestions; and VND1.1 billion on general measures to adapt to climate change.
According to international experts, to protect the environment and energy sources, Vietnam should take advantage of renewable energy such as sunlight, wind and bio-energy. Since the end of 2010, PetroVietnam has supported a project on renewable energy and power network on the Spratly Islands and DK frame house. 5,700 huge solar panels, over 120 wind-operated fans, nearly 1,000 LED solar light kits have been installed so far.
Dorothea Konstantinidis, a German expert on climate change says apart from government efforts, it is essential to involve the population at large in developing effective enforcement models. Every year, Khanh Hoa Youth Union in association with local authorities plants mangrove forests in coastal areas; in association with Khanh Hoa Department of Agriculture & Rural Development releases million of marine juvenile species into Nha Phu Swamp (Ninh Hoa), Thuy Trieu (Cam Lam), Nha Trang Bay and so on. In the 700ha of the administration area planning of Khanh Hoa Province, 400ha is covered by mangrove forests and rain-flow regulating ponds, etc.
Great effort has been made to prevent climate change and protect the environment in Khanh Hoa Province.
N.T
