Update Highlights of Blue Dragon Program Activities

Blue Dragon Program Phase 1 (2021-2023) in Vietnam has just been concluded successfully with a series of productive activities in Quarter IV of 2023.

In the latter half of September, the Blue Dragon partnership in Vietnam undertook another mission, featuring a training week and the strengthening of collaborations with various partners.

Training Week:
The mission commenced with a training week for our partners' staff on the topic of Flood Risk Management, facilitated by experts from the Dutch water authorities of Hollands Noorderkwartier, Vallei en Veluwe, and from Rijkswaterstaat (a former employee of Vallei en Veluwe. The special focus of the week was on the significance of dike inspections and their practical implementation, demonstrated during the field trip on the West sea Dike, in Hon Dat ward, Kien Giang province.

Meeting with Partners and Commitment for Coming Years:
Simultaneously, the Blue Dragon Program team actively engaged in preparatory activities for Phase 2, scheduled to commence in 2024. Notably, the Blue Dragon Program consisting of Dutch partner (Dutch Water Authorities) and Vietnamese partners (DARD Kien Giang, Hau Giang, and Can Tho, Can Tho University) participated in the important meetings with the People's Committees (PC) of each province, the key decision-makers about the Phase 2 proposal. The primary objectives is to make a smooth transition to Phase 2 and to secure Provincial Approval Decisions from the local government by the start of Phase 2 in March 2024. During these meetings, comprehensive reports on Phase 1 activities and outcomes were presented, strategic plans for Phase 2 were introduced, and discussions were held about possibilities for continued collaboration.  The positive responses indicate the commitment to Phase 2 continuation from 3 provinces is a big motivation for the Vietnamese and Dutch staff of the program. 

Diplomatic Relations:
Moreover, in the context of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands held in Can Tho, one of the local partners of the program. Through the invitation from the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City, the Program participated in the tree planting event in Tan Loc Ward, Thot Not District as the main sponsor for 1000 cork trees planted on the shore of Hau River to help the area to reduce and deal with landslides. This event attracted a response not only from officials at all levels and sectors but also from the enthusiastic participation of pupils and students. In particular, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc He - Vice Chairman of Can Tho People's Committee, and Consul General Daniel Stork - Netherlands Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City also participated in the event.

Additionally, the Blue Dragon Program unexpectedly gained visibility on Vietnamese TV twice during this work visit. A news report was produced in Kien Giang Province, covering the training conducted there. Similarly, the tree-planting event in Can Tho was featured on television.

Final Mission in November with Training Week on Resilient Cities and Blue Dragon Day on 10 November:
Training Week:
The latest addition to our program is a new Pool focusing on Climate Adaptation. In the inaugural week, the Pool concentrates on:

      Explaining the importance of cooperation in climate-adaptive measures.
      Outlining the concept of climate adaptation.
      Describing the systematics of climate adaptation.
      Identifying the necessary data collection from a given area.

Blue Dragon Day:
On Friday, 10th November 2023, from 08:00 to 13:00 at the Meeting Hall of the Research Laboratories Complex (RLC) Building, Can Tho University, the Blue Dragon Program and Can Tho University jointly organized the Blue Dragon Day. This event, a highlight of the Blue Dragon Program, revolves around the "Partnership for long-term assistance of Dutch Water Authorities in Mekong Delta Vietnam."

We had the honor of welcoming distinguished delegates:

• Mr. Willem Timmerman, First Secretary, The Netherlands Embassy in Vietnam.
• Mr. Vương Viết Hưng, Vice Director of Integrated Climate Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods Mekong Delta Project Management Board, Central Project Office (CPO), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
• Mr. Đặng Ngọc Giao, Vice Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Hau Giang,
• Prof. Dr. Trần Ngọc Hải, Vice Rector of Can Tho University.
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Văn Phạm Đăng Trí, Director of DRAGON-Mekong Institute, Can Tho University.
• Mr. Tjeerd Dijkstra, Partnership Manager, Dutch Water Authorities.
• Mrs. Birgitte de Kraker, Partnership Manager, Dutch Water Authorities.
• Mrs. Anet Waunters and Ms. Denise Winters, Pool 4 Trainer, Dutch Water Authorities.
• Representatives from Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Departments of Construction, and Departments of Planning and Investment from provinces in MKD.
• Lecturers and Students of Can Tho University.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for our partners to share their activities and experiences during Phase 1. Plans for Phase 2 were also discussed, including the expansion of the program to other provinces in the Mekong Delta. Dynamic discussion sessions yielded valuable insights for Phase 2, and intent for cooperation was received from a new province in MKD.