Author(s): Pham Ngoc; Pham Thi Hoa; To Van Thanh
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Long Xuyen Quadrangle; Mekong Delta flood management; Integrated flood management
Abstract: This paper focus on reviewing both positive and negative impacts of Long Xuyen Quadrangle Flood Control System (LXQFCS) on social-economic and environmental sectors after 15 years operated. This analysis has implemented by using static data, secondary data in published papers and reports, and our field investigation (e.g., interview, and questioneires) conducted in 2013. Four criteria were targeted, including: economic development, development of livelihood and social security, water related-disaster prevention and mitigation, improvement and protection natural environment. It is concluded that the flood control system significantly contribute to economic development of region, partically in agricultural production. Moreover, it also ensures stablely development of livelihood and social security. Futhermore, LXQFCS shows good performance in flood hazard protection and mitigation so that flood damages have been reduced in recent years. In addition, LXQFCS reclaims acid sulphat affected water and soil environment by flood flow, especially the flow from Bassac river with high concentration of alluvial sediment. And, magnitide of salinity intrusion is controlled by hydraulic structures in coatal zone. However, this system also creates some negative impacts. For instance, structure of economic development more or less is un-sustainable because of higly depending on fresh water agriculture. LXQFCS protects some areas, but also causes risk of water related-disasters in some other areas, such as: more erosion or deposition in some canals, higher inundation in noth of Vinh Te canal, and so forth. Local natural environmental systems are severely degraded, including: Melaleuca forest and other vegetation in floodplain, ecosystems in coastal zone.
Year: 2014