On October 18, 2023, Mekong Salt Lab project(Phase II) was launched at the Tra Vinh University.
The event was attended by several dignitaries and officials, including Le Thanh Binh, a Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, and leaders from various provincial and district departments. Notably, there were experts from the Netherlands , along with Mr. Daniel Coenraad Stork, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City, and Mr. Gregor Van Essen, the Project Director of The Water Agency.
Le Thanh Binh, a Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, delivering speech
Dr. Nguyen Minh Hoa, Associate Professor and Rector of Tra Vinh University, delivering speech
During the ceremony, Associate Professor, PhD. Nguyen Minh Hoa, the Principal of Tra Vinh University, spoke about the project’s connection to the previous Mekong Salt Lab Phase 1 initiative and its role within the Mekong Salt Lab – Phase 2 Project, sponsored by the Dutch Government.
Professor Dr. Nguyen Minh Hoa expressed his gratitude to Mr. Daniel Coenraad Stork for his significant support in implementing the project, particularly in establishing the Mekong Delta Regional Saltwater Center in Tra Vinh. Vice Chairman Le Thanh Binh also acknowledged Mr. Stork’s interest in Tra Vinh and recognized the serious challenges caused by saltwater intrusion due to rising sea levels, drought, and groundwater exploitation, which have had a severe impact on the region’s agriculture and the lives of its residents.
Mr. Daniel Coenraad Stork emphasized the importance of the project in supporting environmentally sustainable agriculture and water management. The ceremony also included insights from Dutch experts and Mekong Delta Saltwater project leaders regarding the project’s objectives and activities, all designed to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce water scarcity issues in the region.
Emphasizing the mission of the Mekong Salt Lab, Mr. Gregor Van Essen, Project Director, aims to uplift the well-being of Mekong Delta farmers while simultaneously contributing to the establishment of a more resilient and sustainable agricultural environment in the region. The initiative will deliver readily applicable tools and data, enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding their farm management. Additionally, it will provide training and equip the farmers with the essential expertise required to address salinity-related challenges effectively.
