Mekong Delta faces fresh water shortage
 Âu Lạc’s (Vietnam) once-fertile delta faces water shortage. Research conducted by the Cần Thơ City Center for Environmental and Natural Resources Monitoring as well as the Cần Thơ University’s Center for Biodiversity have found that the Mekong River Delta, which once supported year-round fruit growing and immense rice paddy fields, is now facing prolonged drought. Water shortage factors include the two main rivers that supply the delta having dropped in water flow by 36 percent over the past 30 years.

Another contributing factor is a 60 percent land area loss due to lagoons and ponds being filled in to increase the space for cultivation. Crop irrigation is thus now requiring greater efforts, with the general water shortage creating a concern for drinking water availability. The Southern Irrigation Science Institute has also warned that encroaching salt water from climate change-related rising sea levels is already presenting a threat to fresh water supplies. To help cope with these problems, the government is investing in a new water management project, and residents are being advised to collect rainwater and conserve.

We appreciate this candid report, scientists at Southern Irrigation Science Institute, Cần Thơ City and Cần Thơ University. Our prayers for the resiliency of the people of Âu Lạc as we strive to be more caring stewards of the environment, bringing renewal to the natural stores of our Earth.


Kuwait honored in Beirut for environmental efforts
Kuwait awarded for environmental achievements. As part of its launch of the "Permanent National Conference on the Environment" by Lebanese First Lady Wafa Suleiman in Beirut, Kuwait was honored during a ceremony for her many efforts to preserve the environment. With dignitaries that included Lebanese members of parliament and government ministers, Lebanese First Lady Wafa Suleiman presented Kuwait’s Charge de'Affaires in Beirut, Tariq Al-Hamad with an honorary shield for supporting a variety of environmental projects in the state.

A green hats off, Kuwait, on this well-deserved recognition! We are heartened and look forward to a continued progression of nations helping each other in eco-friendly endeavors.

Earth is Running Dry, Istanbul Water Consensus Aims to Stop It
World Water Day commemorated. Across the globe on the March 22 United Nations-sponsored World Water Day 2009, people are participating in activities that highlight the need to protect and preserve fresh water resources. The day also concludes a week-long international water conference in Turkey, where attendees signed the Istanbul Water Consensus, calling for the development of international-level water management policies to cope with dwindling global supplies. This year’s World Water Day theme of “Transboundary Water,” celebrates the more than 200 international water agreements that have been signed in the past 60 years, which have ensured peaceful water sharing across state boundaries.

We honor all those who are working diligently to create technologies, programs and policies to extend fresh water supplies to all corners of the world. Surely such generosity of spirit and care for the resources of our Earth will help bring soon restoration of this vital element of life.