Towards rational groundwater governance for the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

Abstract

The Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), the rice bowl of Vietnam and the world, is a vital area in economic and agricultural aspects. This area is affected by environmental degradation such as decreased water availability, drawdown, and subsidence due to unsustainable land use practices. The objective of this study is to assess the possibilities of rational groundwater governance in Soc Trang Province, one of the coastal provinces in the VMD. The possibilities depend on one hand on the available physical knowledge, and on the other hand on societal and political priority settings. Based on literature study, the Wheels of Environmental Governance (WEG) assessment framework is suggested, showing the extent to which rational groundwater governance is currently possible by assessing conditions regarding the environmental system, values, stakeholder involvement, legislation, enforcement, economics, and monitoring. To determine whether these conditio ns for rational groundwater governance are present, the empirical part of this research used mixed methods consisting of a literature study, interviews with experts (from universities and government) and a qualitative survey among laymen in Vinh Chau District. The study shows that rational groundwater governance is currently not possible since the only condition that meets the WEG assessment criteria is that of the system knowledge. The results of this research confirm that groundwater governance has grown in the VMD, but requires intensive improvements regarding the institutional legal framework, monitoring, and full actor involvement. The current incapacities of groundwater governance are of variable natures, and policy prospects towards rational governance are suggested, such as harmonization of the institutional and legal framework, a more open flow of information, and further stakeholder involvement.