While Phase 1 successfully introduced Serious Gaming as a stakeholder engagement tool for groundwater management, it also highlighted the need for deeper engagement at the local level to address governance complexities in the Vietnamese context. In Phase 2, launching in March 2025, the focus shifts to direct engagement at the commune level, where communities face the most urgent challenges of land subsidence and groundwater overuse. The project now prioritizes practical, community-driven solutions, collaborating closely with local governments, farmers, and private sector stakeholders.
Additionally, Phase 2 strengthens local capacity by training Vietnamese moderators to independently facilitate gaming sessions, reducing reliance on international experts. The game tool is also being refined to better reflect local groundwater challenges, ensuring more actionable outcomes for affected communities.
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 (official from DAE), a key stakeholder from Phase 1, will assume the role of moderator in this phase. She will be trained and certified to become a new facilitator, bringing insights from her previous experience to lead discussions with farmers, enhance engagement, and strengthen knowledge exchange.
The Water Agency introduced Groundwater Serious Game Project with DAE Ben Tre officials
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 (official from DAE), a key contact from Phase 1, will join as a moderator and undergo training and certification to independently facilitate the Serious Game for local communities and provincial departments. She will also provide updates on Vietnam’s new Water Resources Law during the game-playing workshops, equipping farmers with a deeper 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 adaptative 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.
