Mekong Delta

This ecosystem is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world, contributing significantly to Vietnam's national economy. It accounts for over 50 percent of the country's total grain production and provides approximately 90 percent of its rice export revenue. Beyond rice, the delta is a major center for seafood and fruit, acting as a vital link in both national and global food supply chains. The delta is currently facing severe environmental pressures that threaten its stability. Upstream hydropower dams in China and Laos have significantly altered the river's natural flow, trapping sediment and nutrients that are essential for maintaining the delta's landmass and soil fertility. This reduction in freshwater flow, combined with sand mining, weakens the river's ability to push back against the sea. Sea-level rise and salinity intrusion are compounding these challenges. As saltwater pushes further inland, it degrades soil quality and contaminates freshwater supplies, directly impacting agricultural productivity. During extreme events, such as the 2016 drought, saltwater reached more than 90 kilometers inland, destroying hundreds of thousands of hectares of crops. Researchers estimate that human-driven factors, including groundwater extraction and dam operations, could expand salinity-affected areas by 10 to 27 percent by 2050, with sea-level rise contributing an additional 5 to 19 percent. These intersecting threats jeopardize the livelihoods of the approximately 18 to 22 million people who depend on the delta, forcing a shift in agricultural practices toward more climate-resilient models.