During 5th-9th October, Department of Water Resources (DWR) and GIZ-ECOSWat have welcomed 19 Vietnamese delegation for their visit to project’s pilot sites. Started with the warm welcome by DWR Bangkok, then continued with site visits in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Ratchaburi provinces respectively.
In Nakhon Si Thammarat, the delegation learnt about the results of the Vulnerability Assessments and proposed EbA measures, jointly conducted by German expert and Walailak University. The presentation was carried out by the Thai professor, Mr. Suthira Thongkhao and GIZ-ECOSWat team member, Miss Ketprima Sansud. Furthermore, Mr. Roland Treitler, also shared the project’s initiative in Drone Integration in the Water Sector. The session was very well received and smoothly carried out by our moderator, Mr. Poom Pinthep.
The delegation then proceeded to Tha Di sub-river basin, to visit the living weir and to learn the river behaviour. The local community warmly welcomed and provided insightful details on the water situation in Tha Di sub-river basin. The delegation discussed and exchanged the experience on the similar problems in Vietnam and the proposed solutions to tackle the floods and droughts.
Later on, the delegation travel to Ratchaburi province, located on the West of Thailand. DWR 7 warmly welcomed and presented on the situation in Lum Pha Chi (LPC) sub-river basin. Additionally, the Vulnerability Assessment was also conducted by German expert team and presented by our colleague, DWR 7, Director Sompit Prasomchab.
The delegation continued with the site visit and met with representative from the LPC Working Group. Despite the heavy rains, the visit was very well received by explanation on the establishment of local wisdom measure to tackle floods and droughts. The village head showed the delegation the weir and the EbA measure: the river bank stabilization using bamboos. Not only stabilize the river banks, the local community also can generate some income by selling bamboo shoots. The fishery ecosystem has also been restored. The delegation also had a chance to grow the bamboos with the people.
We are much appreciated in the kind hospitality and valuable knowledge shared by local community, Department of Water Resources and stakeholders.