热博体育 and Can Tho University Forge Sustainable Agriculture Partnership in the Mekong Delta

28/05/2024
On May 23, 2024, 热博体育 and Can Tho University (CTU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), opening a new chapter of cooperation to promote agricultural research, education, and sustainable development in the Mekong River basin.

热博体育, represented Dr. François Roger, Cirad Continental Southeast Asia’s Regional director, Dr.Martijn TEN HOOPEN, Deputy Director of BIOS (Biological Systems) Department, and Dr. Pierre Lefeuvre, Researcher, 热博体育 (BIOS PVBMT) & CTU, College of Agriculture, was warmly received by CTU’s rector and professors. © Can Tho University.

The Mekong Delta faces severe environmental and socio-economic challenges due to rising sea levels, unsustainable agricultural methods, and climate change. Vietnam's economic growth and food security depend heavily on this region, making the need for long-term solutions critical.

Immediate action is required to safeguard long-term sustainability, conserve biodiversity, and protect the livelihoods of millions of people.

Dr. François Roger, 热博体育 Continental Southeast Asia’s regional director (right), and Dr. Tran Trung Tinh, CTU’s rector (left), shake hands during the MoU signing ceremony, witnessed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Minh Phu, Vice Rector of CTU’s College of Aquaculture (left), and Dr. Gerben Martijn ten Hoopen, Deputy Director of 热博体育's BIOS Department (right). © Can Tho University

Facing these challenges, the Government's Resolution No. 120 aims to make the Mekong Delta a highly developed, climate-resilient region with improved livelihoods by 2050. Resulting policies and guidelines emphasized the necessity to sustainably develop modern, large-scale, high-efficiency agricultural production, urbanization, renewable energy, and proactive climate change projects, focusing on agricultural value optimization, technological advancements, and water resource management.

The delegation from 热博体育 meets with representatives from Can Tho University to discuss the new MoU © Can Tho University

Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho University (CTU) is recognized as a leading organization in Vietnam that contributes significantly to the region's development. At the Third Conference of Mekong Delta Sustainable Development under Climate Change, on March 13, 2021, in Can Tho, Former Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc entrusted "CTU to organize dialogues for all to contribute together to a Sustainable Development of the Mekong Delta toward 2045". The Sustainable Development Plan forum (SDMD 2045), hosted by CTU, focuses on essential areas such as high-tech agriculture, digital transformation, and environmental protection.

Shared Vision for the Mekong Delta

Dr. Tran Trung Tinh, Can Tho University’s rector, expresses the university’s vision to open up many exchange and extensive research programs © Can Tho University

The signature of this MoU conveys both institutions' shared vision of leveraging research and innovation to promote sustainable development, focusing on four key areas:

Vice minister of the MARD Phung Duc Tien visiting the 3R4CSA project's pilot circular intensive shrimp IMTA in Ca Mau © the 3R4CSA project

  • Collaborative research in biological control, agronomy, and aquaculture
  • Joint training programs and exchange opportunities to reinforce the skills and knowledge of students, researchers, and professionals
  • Advanced technologies to improve agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability
  • Effective water resources management and One health strategy to ensure the sustainable use of water and promote an approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health

One initiative that has garnered widespread support from local farmers and authorities is the 3R4CSA (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse for Climate-Smart Aquaculture) project. This initiative is transforming aquaculture practices in the Lower Mekong Delta by reducing waste production and recycling waste nutrients into high-value ingredients that can be reused or commercialized. The initiative is already proving its impact through reduced pollution, improved water quality, and new job opportunities, especially for women in vulnerable communities.

Ms. Marion Chaminade, agricultural counselor of the French Embassy, visited Can Tho University research facility with Dr. Kazi Kabir to observe simplified seaweed processing, which has been developed to engage the Women Association in Ca Mau with an alternative aquaculture value chain. © The 3R4CSA project

"Climate change is clearly impacting our aquaculture practices, with seawater intrusion increasingly threatening freshwater resources. This project not only helps adaptation with these challenges but also sets a benchmark for sustainable shrimp farming"
Dr. Kazi Kabir
热博体育 researcher leading the 3R4CSA project

Another ongoing project that involves CTU and Cirad is the Hiptage project. In this project, researchers from both institutes evaluate the feasibility of a biological control strategy against Hiptage benghalensis, one of the most invasive plants in many parts of the world. As the plant is native to Vietnam, researchers are prospecting for natural enemies that could be used as control agents in areas where the plant became invasive. The project involves a PhD student from CTU that will, after the prospects, evaluate the identified agents for specificity against the plant. 

Biological invasion is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss worldwide. In this type of project we intend to limit the extension of invasive agents by restoring the equilibriums that exist in their native areas. The outcome will provide clues on the opportunities and risks associated with a biological control program in the area where Hiptage benghalensis is invasive
Dr. Pierre Lefeuvre
热博体育 researcher working in the Hiptage project