On 24 June, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) hosted a symposium titled ‘Emissions Reduction Potential of Wetland Ecosystems in the Mekong Delta’. The event brought together scientists, experts, business leaders, and policymakers to share recent research findings and propose scientific and technological solutions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.
As Ģý implements commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, wetland ecosystems are increasingly recognised not merely for biodiversity conservation, but as vital natural infrastructure capable of absorbing and storing carbon whilst helping to regulate the climate. Accurately assessing the potential of these ecosystems has become essential for developing resource management policies, advancing carbon markets, and implementing nature-based adaptation strategies.
In the opening address, Dr Phạm Quỳnh Hương, Director of the Research Centre for Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change at HCMUS, noted that climate change increasingly impacts the lives, production, and livelihoods of local communities. Consequently, research into greenhouse gas mitigation solutions is urgent for Ģý and crucial for achieving global sustainable development goals.
According to Dr Phạm Quỳnh Hương, ecosystems such as mangroves, melaleuca forests, seasonally inundated grasslands, aquaculture areas, and rice cultivation systems possess the capacity to store substantial volumes of carbon within biomass and soil. Conversely, these environments can also release methane and nitrous oxide if managed improperly. Therefore, integrating research into hydrology, soil characteristics, and nutrient cycles with advanced monitoring technologies will establish the scientific foundation required to maximise carbon sequestration whilst mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
A notable highlight of the symposium was the growing synergy between environmental science and digital technology in emissions reduction research.
Presentations introduced several novel research directions, including the application of IoT and artificial intelligence (AI) in water regulation for low-emission rice production; the deployment of the Eddy Covariance method to measure gas exchange within agricultural and forestry ecosystems; and investigations into the relationships between flooding regimes, soil properties, and greenhouse gas emissions in the seasonally inundated grasslands of Tram Chim National Park.
Furthermore, studies on the ‘blue carbon’ sequestration capacity of aquatic plants in U Minh Thuong National Park, the role of mangroves in emissions reduction and climate adaptation, and life cycle assessments of black tiger shrimp raised under mangrove canopies in Ca Mau opened new avenues for linking scientific research with green economic development and carbon markets.
Experts agreed that effectively exploiting the potential of wetland ecosystems demands close coordination between environmental science, monitoring technology, resource management, and economic mechanisms, particularly carbon markets and green finance.
Experts sharing research findings and scientific-technological solutions related to greenhouse gas emissions reduction in wetland ecosystems.
Discussions at the symposium provided further scientific evidence to inform wetland management policies that simultaneously enhance ecological, economic, and climate values. The event also established a framework for strengthening collaboration between universities, research institutes, businesses, and regulatory bodies to develop ecosystem-based mitigation solutions, thereby supporting sustainable development in the Mekong Delta and contributing to the national emissions reduction strategy.
Scientists, experts, business representatives, and regulatory officials discussing sustainable management solutions for wetland resources in the Mekong Delta.
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