Mapping the effects of rising sea levels in the pipeline

Hanoi (VNA) - A map depicting areas of the country susceptible to flooding
in the event of a rise in sea levels is to be drawn up early in 2009 as part
of a Danish-funded project being carried out by the Institute of
Meteorology , Hydrology and Environment (IMHE).

IMHE Director Dr. Tran Thuc, speaking at a seminar on Oct. 30, said that the
mapping of sea level rise scenarios as a result of climate change
throughout the country, particularly around the Red River and Mekong Delta
areas, is expected to provide an important foundation for sectors and
localities to formulate suitable strategies in response to the issue.

The project, estimated to cost 830,000 USD, will assess the extent of the
environmental impact resulting from a rise in sea levels, as well as the
effects upon socio-economic development and the vulnerability of coastal
regions, and suggest effective measures to cope with such a situation.

According to the results of a study carried out by the World Bank, Vietnam
topped a list of 10 countries and territories around the world that would be
worst affected by a rise in sea levels.

In its report, the World Bank said just a 1m rise in sea levels would
negatively affect the livelihoods of around 10.8 percent of Vietnam 's
population, mainly in the Red River and Mekong Delta regions.

If sea levels rose by 5m, Vietnam would lose up to 16 percent of its
landmass area, which accounts for 35 percent of the country's population,
and around 35 percent of the country's total gross domestic product
(GDP).-Enditem