Article by Ms Hanh Huynh, Project Manager, Water Stewardship Vietnam
Vietnam stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey. As one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, Vietnam faces both immense opportunities and significant challenges, especially when it comes to managing precious water resources.
Facing the immense challenges from rapid urbanisation, expanding industries, and the impacts of climate change, it became clear that collective efforts are needed to ensure sustainable water management, and it has to start with breaking the silos at both organisational and national levels. Water stewardship offers the water users in Vietnam a clear path forward—a solution rooted in collaboration, innovation, and resilience. It is not just a framework; it is a call to action for all stakeholders to come together and secure our shared water future.
Through bringing together different expertise and networks, the Australian Water Partnership (AWP), Water Stewardship Asia Pacific, and Water Stewardship Vietnam are helping to lay the foundation for this vision.
Water stewardship addresses more than immediate water challenges – it is about creating a long-term strategy that benefits people, the economy, and the environment. By adopting this approach, we can:
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- leverage a shared understanding among different stakeholders and more actions from the private sector
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- strengthen cooperation between government agencies, private enterprises, and communities to achieve shared water goals
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- prioritise and allocate resources effectively to address shared water challenges
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- protect against risks like water shortages, pollution, and the effects of climate variability.
The ultimate outcomes are having fair and sustainable access to clean water for households, agriculture, and industries for resilient communities, thriving industries, healthier ecosystems, and inclusive opportunities for everyone, especially women and vulnerable groups.
Recent activities have expanded water stewardship efforts across Vietnam, transforming how different stakeholders see their role in protecting water resources and integrating practices that align with climate resilience and social inclusion. Highlights include stakeholder workshops, capacity-building programs, and engagement with industries and communities to adopt sustainable practices.
One participant, a representative from the textile industry, shared: “Joining the water stewardship workshop really changed my view on water, I didn’t really think about how important the water was because I see water everywhere, I have a different appreciation to water resource and started to use water more carefully. Such initiatives are so important to businesses and local governments to really understand the importance of water resources and how we should take action.”
AWP, in collaboration with Water Stewardship Asia Pacific, Water Stewardship Vietnam and Vietnamese partners, provides technical expertise, strategic guidance, and capacity-building resources. This partnership exemplifies the shared commitment of Australia and Vietnam to addressing global water challenges locally.
These efforts demonstrate the power of collective action in tackling complex water issues. Key lessons include the importance of local partnerships and the necessity of integrating water stewardship into national development strategies. As we look ahead, expanding this model to neighbouring regions offers exciting opportunities to amplify impact.
Featured image: Group photo of participants in the water stewardship workshop – credit IWMI