Can Vietnam, a leading producer of rice, vegetables and fruit in the Mekong Delta, continue to supply the world? A report from the Mekong Delta.
In addition to climate change and overfishing, other serious threats to the Mekong and its environment include the loss of nutrient-rich sediments due to upstream hydropower plants, freshwater scarcity, land subsidence and saltwater intrusion.
The author and his best friend on tour through the Mekong Delta.
The Mekong begins its journey as a trickle in a snow-covered region at an impressive altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level in Tibet. The stream surges forward and transforms into a mighty river that carves its way through steep gorges and overcomes 4,500 meters of altitude in China over a length of 1,800 kilometers before calming down again in Laos.
It crosses China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The total length of the river is an enormous 4,900 kilometers.
Popular with tourists: boat trip on the Mekong through the Cambodian capital Pnom Penh.
The importance of the river and the threats it faces go beyond Vietnam, which arguably depends on it the most, and affect other countries as well. Understanding this importance is crucial for a broader perspective on environmental and geopolitical issues.
Vietnam is the second largest rice exporter in the world after India. The Mekong Delta is the country’s agricultural heartland and is often referred to as Vietnam’s rice bowl. The rice paddies are a testament to the prosperity that is woven into the fabric of the landscape and the daily lives of the local population. The river’s reliable water source, combined with the fertile soils, allows farmers to generously irrigate their rice fields and grow several rice crops each year. The flooding of the river plays a crucial role in revitalizing the nutrient content of the soil. The Mekong Delta is responsible for an impressive 95% of Vietnam’s rice exports. In 2024, the country reached a remarkable milestone with rice exports worth 5.3 billion dollars, mainly due to demand from Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia.
Vietnamese farmers in the rice fields of the Mekong Delta
Rice is the cornerstone of the diet in many Asian countries, but the future of rice production in the region is under threat. The reduced availability of rice is undermining food security and driving up food prices for countless millions of people.
In addition, the Mekong Delta is characterized by the fact that it contributes 60% of Vietnam’s exports of water products and an impressive 70% of Vietnam’s fruit production.
Rich fruit production in the Mekong Delta
Vietnam, often regarded as an agricultural superpower, is in danger of losing this prized position in the future. In addition to its rich, well-watered soils, the Mekong is characterized by one of the most productive inland fisheries in the world, which feeds millions of people. It is an important source of protein and livelihood for local communities.
Rich but threatened fishing grounds in the Mekong Delta
More than 20 million people live in this vibrant region, which covers an area of over 40,000 square kilometers. The food security of rice-consuming countries is under threat, and the livelihoods of millions of people who live and work in the Mekong Delta are also at risk. But where does this threat come from?
1) Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns due to climate change are leading to prolonged droughts and altering the flow patterns of the river.
2) Dams built by China and Laos are disrupting natural flow patterns, reducing water levels and altering seasonal flooding, which is important for agriculture and fisheries.
3) Rising sea levels and land subsidence are causing salt water to enter the river, affecting freshwater availability and agricultural productivity.
4) Uncontrolled sand mining disrupts the river’s sediment balance, which is crucial for maintaining the ecosystem and preventing erosion, and
5) The reduced water flow caused by dams and climate change affects the river’s ability to support agriculture and fisheries.
Farmers sell their products on floating markets in the Mekong Delta. How long will it last?
Conclusion: Sustainable management of the Mekong is essential for the continued economic prosperity of the region. Countries along the Mekong must work together and take responsibility by prioritizing collective wellbeing over individual benefits, such as the construction of dams and new waterways that divert the river’s vital flow. While the potential of hydropower generation is significant, other factors must also be considered that play an important role in maintaining the natural balance of the river and its environment.