A novel approach to decouple effects of multiple environmental pressures on intensifying salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta

Project Overview

In Southeast Asia, where the development of large river deltas is favoured due to intensive monsoon and erodible mountains, salinity intrusion has been recognised as one of the key socio-environmental challenges. About 1.8 million hectares (~45% of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) are affected by salinity intrusion annually, and the problem is worsening steadily.

Park et al. (2022) identified the four main environmental pressures at different scales that intensify salinity intrusion in the VMD. On a global scale, (1) climate change-induced sea-level rise and hydrometeorological change are key pressures contributing to the worsening salinity intrusion problem. Regionally, the development of water infrastructure like (2) upstream dams and dyke systems is also a major factor. Meanwhile, (3) sand mining and (4) land subsidence induced by groundwater withdrawal are local drivers that exacerbate salinity intrusion. However, isolating the impacts associated with each driver is not straightforward which complicates environmental impact assessments. While some studies have documented the environmental impacts associated with each environmental pressure, none have sought to decouple the relative importance or contribution of each driver. 

This project aims to investigate the role of the four major drivers in contributing to salinity intrusion in the VMD. The relative contribution of each driver will be isolated with a hydrodynamic model. In doing so, our research will enable policymakers, managers and stakeholders to implement appropriate water management and land use strategies to benefit local communities.  

Funding Source

Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore