On 23 & 24 October 2024, The Mekong Salt Youth Challenge 2024 brought young changemakers to Con Chim Island – a serene and picturesque destination in the Mekong Delta, for an unforgettable experience. Amidst the lush river landscapes, participants took part in the Mekong Salt Lab Forum 2024, a professional event to foster collaboration and innovation in tackling the challenges of salinity intrusion and climate change. The event highlighted the importance of youth-led initiatives in creating sustainable solutions for climate resilience.
On-the-Ground Learning: Exploring Solutions Through Field Visit
The top 5 teams of the competition spent meaningful time at Ms. Vân’s ecotourism farm (Salt Lab’s champion farmer) – a model site showcasing the Salt Lab Project’s climate adaptation solutions of Dutch consortium partners. These models embody resilience and innovation, featuring systems such as hydroponics for efficient farming, rainwater harvesting for water sustainability, and wastewater treatment to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, the youths explored blended learning models designed to equip them with key knowledge about salinity and its effects.
Beyond observing, the youth engaged in insightful conversations with local farmers who shared their stories of perseverance and optimism in “living with drought and salinity,” providing a firsthand understanding of adaptive strategies essential for life in the Mekong Delta.
Inspiring Expertise and Insights
The Mekong Salt Lab Forum was graced by special guests, including representatives from the Embassy and Consulate of the Netherlands in Vietnam, climate adaptation experts, international delegates, and local authorities.
These esteemed speakers shared invaluable knowledge, real-world experiences, and innovative strategies for addressing salinity and climate-related challenges in the Mekong Delta. Their presence emphasized the importance of international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and localized solutions in achieving sustainable development goals. The stories and advice offered by these experts inspired our young participants, motivating them to persist in their journey of innovation and advocacy for a greener future.
Showcasing Young Innovations
The Final Pitching session marked a significant milestone in the youth challenge, as the participating teams presented their innovative models and solutions to address salinity-related issues. Each proposal reflected a deep understanding of the environmental and socio-economic dynamics of the region, offering actionable strategies for sustainable development. The session was a testament to the creativity, determination, and potential of the youth to contribute meaningfully to the Mekong Delta’s resilience.
A Journey That Leaves a Mark
Although the journey at Con Chim Island has concluded, the lessons, experiences, and shared emotions will remain with the participants. The Mekong Salt Youth Challenge 2024 have ignited a spirit of innovation and action, paving the way for a climate-resilient, sustainable Mekong Delta.
Together, let’s nurture a vibrant, green future for the “Nine Dragons” region!
