Da Nang (VNA) – The fifth Asia-Pacific Coastal Aquifer Management Meeting began in the centralcoastal city of Da Nang on July 17, drawing nearly 50 domestic and foreignscientists and managers.

Thethee-day meeting allows participating scientists, managers and policy-makers toshare results of their studies, discuss ideas to deal with the region’spriority issues related to water resources and saline intrusion and seekcooperation opportunities in coastal aquifer management.

Theparticipants discussed issues related to coastal aquifers, stressing the needto intensify scientific research and application in water resources managementto tackle challenges posed by climate change.

Speakingat the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and EnvironmentVo Tuan Nhan said that global environmental agencies and organisations havepaid much attention to groundwater management.

InVietnam, groundwater is an essential resource for coastal residents’ dailyactivities and agricultural and industrial production, he said.

Itis necessary to increase public awareness of water aquifers, especially incoastal areas, in the context of climate change, particularly sea-level rises,harming the natural conditions of coastal regions, Nhan added.

Theresearch and management of aquifers is an important foundation to assess thepotential of groundwater, which can be renewable if utilised properly.-VNA