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Government Engagement in Groundwater Serious Game Phase 2

As Phase 2 of the Groundwater Serious Game progresses in March 2025, we continue to collaborate closely with government agencies and local stakeholders at commune level. Recent meetings in Ben Tre and Soc Trang provinces have reinforced our approach and expanded stakeholder participation.

GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT IN BEN TRE

MEETING WITH PHONG NAM COMMUNE & FARMER UNION – MARCH 4, 2025

Officials in Phong Nam shared salinity intrusion situation- occasionally reaching 5.0% – as a significant challenge affecting agricultural production. Some farmers have already transitioned away from pomelo cultivation in response. 

Local authorities expressed keen interest in our proposed solutions, particularly the upcoming Groundwater Serious Game workshops designed to enhance water management strategies and mitigate the effects of salinity.

MEETING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT (DAE), BEN TRE – MARCH 18, 2025 

The DAE has expressed strong support for Phase 2 and encourages broader participation from farmers and water users. Ms. Khoa, a key stakeholder from Phase 1, will assume the role of moderator in this phase. She will contribute insights from previous experiences and facilitate discussions with farmers to enhance engagement and knowledge exchange.

GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT IN SOC TRANG

MEETING WITH DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT (DAE), SOC TRANG – MARCH 5, 2025

The DAE has shown interest in extending the project’s impact to include household-level participation. Ms. Chau, a key contact from Phase 1, will join as a moderator and provide updates on Vietnam’s new Water Resources Law during the game-playing workshops. This will equip farmers with a better understanding of both regulatory and practical aspects of water resource management.

MEETING WITH WARD 2 & FARMER COOPERATIVE, VINH CHAU – MARCH 6, 2025

Officials highlighted farmers’ heavy dependence on groundwater for red onion farming and the prevalent lack of awareness regarding overuse issues.

The project was well received, with officials expressing optimism about its potential to introduce our sustainable water management solutions for farmers. Additionally, three officials will undergo training to serve as moderators, facilitating workshops and strengthening farmer engagement.

NEXT STEPS

With continued support from the Netherlands government and provincial authorities, the next phase of Groundwater Serious Game will focus on engaging local farmers to better understand their challenges and train local officials to support them. Collaboration with the DAE and local authorities will be key to transforming these insights into practical water management solutions.

We remain committed to fostering partnerships and empowering communities to address salinity intrusion and groundwater sustainability through informed decision-making and collective action.

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GROUNDWATER SERIOUS GAME PHASE 2: EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT

In March 2025, Phase 2 of the Groundwater Serious Game expanded collaboration with government agencies and local stakeholders in Ben Tre and Soc Trang. Key discussions focused on salinity intrusion, groundwater reliance, and sustainable water management solutions. Local authorities expressed strong support, with officials joining as moderators to facilitate farmer engagement and regulatory knowledge-sharing. The project continues to drive practical strategies for addressing water challenges in the Mekong Delta region.

On the Ground: Water Struggles Uncovered in Ben Tre and Soc Trang

The Groundwater Serious Game Project has engaged directly with local communities in Ben Tre and Soc Trang to understand the water challenges they face. Through interviews and field visits, we has gained valuable insights into the impacts of saltwater intrusion and groundwater depletion on local agriculture and daily life, helping to shape solutions for sustainable groundwater management in the Mekong Delta.

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