Spatial and temporal interactions of land-use changes and water resources management in the Vietnamese Mekongdelta

Summary

This research investigated the dynamics of land-use changes in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta from 1975 to 2016, focusing on the interactions between land-use changes, hydrological regimes, and driving factors across multiple scales. Through a systematic analysis and case studies, the study identified the dominance of hydrological regimes, infrastructure interventions, and policies in shaping land-use change patterns. However, smaller-scale drivers, like market forces and community influences, have gained prominence, especially in regions where soil and water resources were severely degraded due to the effects of climate change and human overexploitation. Besides, case studies revealed different pathways between a uniform progression towards rice intensification in the highly flooded zone and divergent trajectories towards saline-based shrimp intensification in the salinity intrusion zone. These findings shed light on the evolving dynamics of land-use decisions and provide insights vital for policymakers and practitioners in crafting effective and harmonious management strategies for the delta's varied regions.