The World Water Day held annually on March 22 is designed to raise public awareness of importance of freshwater...
The World Water Day and World Meteorological Day are annually celebrated on March 22 and March 23 respectively.
The World Water Day is designed to raise public awareness of importance of freshwater and advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The 2016 World Water Day themed “Water and jobs” focuses the close relationship between water and jobs for sustainable socioeconomic growth.
The World Meteorological Day is to not only mark the WMO Convention creating the World Meteorological Organization but also honor the contribution of national meteorological and hydrological agencies to the protection of lives and properties. The theme “Hotter, Drier, Wetter - Face the Future” is chosen for the 2016 Meteorological Day to illustrate the reality of climate change. It highlights the trend of increasing temperatures and the frequency and intensity of extreme events.
According to the research, the total expected demand for water in provincial river valleys according to the socio-economic development scenario by 2020 is around 606.05 million m3, an increase of 139.7 million m3 compared to 2010. Currently, irrigation demand had the largest proportion (54.8 % ) followed by fishery 14.6 %, industry 13.42 % and drinking water 6.37 %, according to the water use structure, says Vo Anh Kiet, Director of Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center.
At present, there are 5 clean water supply works at a total capacity of 66,500m3/ day and night in provincial river valleys. Water from rivers, streams and containers is the main irrigation source for agricultural practice. Water plays an important role in industry, trade, service and agriculture which affect jobs.
Khanh Hoa, like many other provinces nationwide, is facing drought and prolonged hot days caused by ENSO warm phase known as El Niño. Water shortage has already existed in many regions, influencing local livelihoods, especially in Ninh Hoa, Khanh Vinh, Khanh Son, etc.
The provincial departments have advised and performed tasks to evaluate the effects of climate change; provided consultancy for the Provincial People’s Committee on the promulgation of regulations, policies and plans on climate change adaptation, resource management and environmental protection; investment in infrastructure development, urban and economic zones, industrial complexes, trade, transportation, power supply; irrigation and adaptation to climate change; effective water resource management and utilization; priority given to water supply in rural areas; management, research and resolution of problems related to the sea and islands, applying multi-disciplinary and multi-purpose approach; conflict restriction among marine resource protection, conservation and exploitation, creating sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities, strengthening the capacity and ability to respond to climate change and natural disasters; propaganda activities, etc.
All departments, agencies and people have been inspired to take action to save water and reduce effects of climate change and natural disasters in response to the 2016 World Water Day and the World Meteorological Day.
Vinh Lac
Translated by N.T
