Tecotec : New Solutions for Climate Change in the Mekong Delta 2023

Tecotec respond to Climate Change in the Mekong Delta 2023

The Mekong Delta, a fertile and densely populated region in southern Vietnam, is facing a growing crisis. Climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns, leading to more frequent and severe flooding in urban areas. While the threat escalates, many local authorities are struggling to respond effectively, hampered by outdated infrastructure, limited resources, and a lack of coordinated action. Recognizing the urgent need for innovative solutions, Tecotec, a leading Vietnamese technology provider, has stepped forward with a proactive approach: establishing a state-of-the-art data center dedicated to enhancing the region’s resilience to natural disasters and climate change.

This ambitious initiative reached a significant milestone on May 10th, when Tecotec signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Nelen & Schuurmans, a renowned Dutch firm specializing in water management and flood control. This partnership brings together Tecotec’s deep understanding of the Mekong Delta’s unique challenges with Nelen & Schuurmans’ three decades of experience in developing cutting-edge solutions for water-related issues.

At the signing ceremony, Mr. Pham Ngoc Phuc, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tecotec Group, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. “The Netherlands, a country renowned for its expertise in water management, offers valuable lessons for the Mekong Delta,” he remarked. “By embracing technology and digitalization, we can learn from their successes and build a more sustainable and resilient future for our region.”

Representatives of Tecotec (left) and Nelen & Schuurmans signing the cooperation agreement.

The cornerstone of this initiative is the creation of a sophisticated data center that will house advanced hydrodynamic models and comprehensive databases. These powerful tools will provide invaluable insights into flood risks, hydrological patterns, and the potential impacts of climate change. By simulating various scenarios and analyzing vast amounts of data, scientists, researchers, and policymakers will be empowered to make informed decisions, develop effective mitigation strategies, and enhance disaster preparedness.

Nelen & Schuurmans will contribute its flagship products, 3Di (a cutting-edge hydrodynamic model) and Lizard (a large-scale environmental database), to this project. 3Di allows for highly detailed simulations of water flow and flood dynamics, enabling researchers to predict the extent and impact of inundation under various conditions. Lizard provides a comprehensive platform for storing, managing, and analyzing environmental data, facilitating a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between climate change, land use, and water resources.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by stark warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC has identified Vietnam as one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with the Mekong Delta facing particularly acute risks. Projections indicate that a one-meter rise in sea level could inundate vast swathes of the delta, displacing millions of people, devastating agricultural land, and causing immense economic damage.

Compounding the threat of rising sea levels is the alarming rate of land subsidence in the Mekong Delta. Excessive groundwater extraction, coupled with natural geological processes, is causing the land to sink at an alarming rate. Studies conducted by Utrecht University and the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment have revealed that the average subsidence rate is 0.96 cm per year, significantly higher than the global average. This subsidence, combined with rising sea levels, is creating a perfect storm, accelerating the risk of inundation and jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions.

The data center established through the Tecotec-Nelen & Schuurmans partnership will play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. By providing accurate and timely information on flood risks, hydrological dynamics, and climate change impacts, the data center will empower decision-makers to implement effective adaptation and mitigation measures. This could include investments in flood control infrastructure, improved urban planning, sustainable water management practices, and community-based disaster preparedness programs.

Representatives of the two businesses took a photo at the signing event. Photo: Tecotec

​https://tmk-holdings.com/tecotec-group-solutions-to-combat-climate-change/