On March 14, 2025, a working and site visit took place at the Department of Agriculture and Environment in Cu Lao Dung Town, involving representatives from the project’s funding organizations, the Mekong Think Tank Network (MTT), Sumernet, and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), along with government agencies and social organizations in Soc Trang Province. This was an opportunity for international donors to engage, understand the local context and needs, and contribute to shaping future programs and activities that support climate change resilience and environmental protection.
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from leaders and officials of the Soc Trang Provincial Irrigation Sub-Department, the Soc Trang Provincial Women’s Union, and the Cu Lao Dung Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Representatives from MTT, SEI, and Sumernet commended the local efforts and achievements in implementing the GS4Infra Project, which aims to enhance climate resilience and environmental adaptation.
During the discussion, delegates explored issues such as the impacts of climate change, particularly salinity intrusion and tidal flooding in Cu Lao Dung. Mr. Pham Tan Dao, Director of the Soc Trang Provincial Irrigation Sub-Department, provided detailed insights into local efforts to construct irrigation infrastructure and water reservoirs to protect agricultural production and prevent land erosion.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Dien, Vice President of the Soc Trang Provincial Women’s Union, also shared information about programs supporting female entrepreneurship and the critical role of women in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. She highlighted the “5 No, 3 Clean” program and new livelihood models implemented through the GS4Infra Project’s support.
The meeting emphasized the importance of international collaboration and partnerships in researching and implementing sustainable climate and agricultural models. Representatives from MTT, SEI, and Sumernet pledged continued support and knowledge sharing, while encouraging exchange and learning activities among countries.
At the meeting’s conclusion, delegates agreed to further strengthen collaboration in the subsequent phases of the GS4Infra Project to ensure effective and sustainable socio-economic development activities in Soc Trang and Cu Lao Dung.
During lunch, the delegation had the opportunity to learn about Khmer culture at Co Hai Homestay in Cu Lao Dung, a location steeped in the unique characteristics of the Mekong Delta region. Here, delegates were introduced to local “One Commune, One Product” (OCOP) products and toured displays featuring two potential livelihood models utilizing mangrove apple and nipa palm, which offer high economic value, empower women, provide stable incomes for vulnerable groups, reinforce natural coastal protection forests, and contribute to environmental conservation.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited and spoke with two households, one Khmer and one Kinh, residing outside the national defense dyke in An Thanh Dong commune. This area is severely affected by erosion and sea-level rise, allowing the delegation to hear about livelihood challenges and relocation experiences to resettlement areas directly, gaining a deeper understanding of the residents’ realities and support needs.
Image: The delegation visits two vulnerable households living outside the dyke in An Thanh Dong commune, Cu Lao Dung district, Soc Trang province
The mission concluded at the An Thanh Dong resettlement area, where residents have been relocated to ensure safety from natural disasters. Delegation representatives expressed their hope for more stable living conditions in the future and called for attention to sustainable solutions for severely eroded areas and the upgrading of dyke and bridge systems to ensure local residents’ safety.
Report and Photos: GS4Infra Project Team and MTT Communication Team
