Minister Li Guoying: 3 proposals for cooperation in water resources research

Irrigation and economic development

Minister Li Guoying’s visit to the Vietnam Academy of Water Resources (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment - MAE) on March 24 holds significant importance, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Vietnam - China diplomatic relations. Additionally, 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s water resources sector (August 28, 1945 – August 28, 2025).

During the meeting, Minister Li emphasized that science and technology are the foundation for sustainable development.

According to the Chinese Minister, the world is facing growing challenges in water resource management due to the impacts of climate change. 

He proposed three primary areas for collaboration in hydraulic science between Vietnam and China: research on river–sea dynamics, the application of remote sensing technology, and dam safety management.

"Although my visit to Vietnam is brief, I have observed the technologies applied in the country’s irrigation sector. I highly appreciate the proactive measures taken to address challenges such as floods and droughts in agricultural production,” Minister Li stated.

Discussing geographical conditions, Minister Li noted that Vietnam’s major economic centers are closely linked to river basins. Therefore, protecting deltas is not only an environmental concern but also a crucial factor in ensuring economic stability. He expressed hope that Vietnamese hydraulic scientists would pay special attention to this issue.

Achievements in Vietnamese irrigation science

“Vietnam has a long-standing agricultural tradition, making irrigation a fundamental component of both infrastructure and agricultural development,” said Professor Tran Dinh Hoa, General Director of the Vietnam Academy of Water Resources.

Throughout history, irrigation has always intertwined with the country's development. Since the feudal era, irrigation systems have helped Vietnam manage water flow, protect coastal areas, and mitigate disaster risks.

Today, Vietnam's irrigation industry has made great strides, aligning with global trends in cutting-edge technology.

In the field of irrigation and water resource management, water-saving irrigation technology has been applied. Recently, water-saving irrigation technologies have been widely adopted. Notably, the alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation method, developed by Vietnamese rice scientists, has been implemented in the Mekong Delta to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from rice cultivation.

Furthermore, the sector has developed innovative solutions for the construction and maintenance of irrigation and hydropower infrastructure, optimizing water resource management, utilization, and sustainability.

Regarding information technology and automation, the Vietnam Academy of Water Resources has conducted research and successfully developed dam monitoring and control systems. 

Additionally, remote sensing technology has been applied to establish comprehensive databases on reservoirs and river basins across provinces and cities nationwide. These advancements have significantly improved water resource management efficiency and enhanced the safety of the national irrigation system.

China learns from Vietnam's experience in termite treatment

Minister Li Guoying expressed particular interest in Vietnam’s expertise in addressing termite infestations, which pose significant threats to dam safety. Termite nests are a major risk factor for dams, especially during high water levels caused by storms and floods.

“In China, the impact of termites on dam structures has not received adequate attention, leading to several unfortunate incidents,” he noted.

Dr. Nguyen Quoc Huy, Director of the Institute of Ecology and Construction Protection, explained that the termite species responsible for dam damage in Vietnam and China are biologically similar, as they belong to the same faunal group. Consequently, their treatment and control methods share many commonalities.

Thanks to collaborative efforts, Vietnam and China have achieved positive outcomes in termite prevention and dam safety management, strengthening technical exchange and cooperation in this specialized field.

Regarding termite survey methods, Vietnamese experts use biological and ecological research to determine areas with termite nests, then apply radar technology to scan and analyze cavities in the dam body. 

“The termite radar scanning technique has been researched and developed by Vietnamese irrigation experts over the past 20 years. The method is very effective thanks to its ability to detect termite nests at a depth of up to 5 meters, while radar can penetrate up to 30 meters deep,” Dr Huy stated 

In Vietnam, radar termite treatment technology has been regulated in maintenance and upgrading standards for dikes and dams, contributing to ensuring the safety of hydraulic works.

Information technology for saltwater intrusion forecasting

Providing further insights into the saline intrusion monitoring system, Director of the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research, Dr Tran Ba Hoang, stated that the Institute has deployed real-time monitoring stations at multiple locations across the Mekong Delta. This extensive monitoring network covers both coastal and inland areas.

By integrating data from the Institute’s monitoring stations with those of the Hydrometeorological Center, researchers can gather comprehensive information on water conditions along rivers and coastal zones, particularly in areas highly vulnerable to saltwater intrusion. Based on this data, scientists analyze and forecast upstream water flow, sea level rise, and tidal fluctuations. These calculations help determine the depth and extent of saltwater intrusion at river mouths and further inland.

Ahead of each winter-spring cropping season, the Institute issues seasonal drought and salinity forecasts (6-month analysis), providing important information to support the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and local authorities in planning and resource management. As a result, farmers can proactively adjust their cropping schedules to minimize losses due to drought and salinity.

The forecasting system operates across multiple timeframes, including long-term (six months), medium-term (three months), short-term (one month), and weekly updates during peak drought and salinity periods.

“Thanks to accurate forecasting, when saltwater arrives earlier than expected, planting schedules can be adjusted accordingly. For example, completing sowing before December helps farmers avoid the most intense dry months, January and February, when water resources are at their lowest,” said Associate Professor Dr. Hoang.

In 2024, the MAE (previously MARD) successfully directed early planting efforts, effectively mitigating the impact of saltwater intrusion and ensuring stable agricultural productivity and livelihoods for communities in the Mekong Delta.

Minister Li Guoying concluded that to enhance collaboration, both sides would work towards defining research priorities with concrete plans and projects, ensuring alignment with each country’s specific context and regulatory framework.

Regarding dam safety, Minister Li highlighted: "Vietnam faces significant challenges in dam management, from assessment to operational and maintenance oversight. Many existing earth dams are aging and require rigorous monitoring to ensure their structural integrity. China has accumulated extensive experience in dam system management and maintenance. I strongly support deeper cooperation between our two countries in this field.”