WebGIS Map Monitoring Mekong Delta’s River Banks and Coastline

Viet Nam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development introduced a WebGIS (geographic information systems) map to monitor the Mekong Delta’s river banks and coastline in June 2018. The WebGIS map has currently received updated data from 13 provinces in the Mekong Delta. 

The tool aims to help provide information about landslides, including length, depth, influences on the environment, and impact on residents. It can help deliver warnings and disseminate information in advance. It uses map-based data, and can include pictures and videos.  

The tool also aims to support the government in mobilizing financing for the management and treatment of the coastline and riverbanks.  

Early Findings 

Initial findings suggest that the Mekong Delta has 564 hot spots spanning more than 834km of river banks and coastline. These hot spots are threatened with landslides and erosion. Of these, 104 spots spanning around 35% of the total area are “extremely dangerous,” and 121 spots spanning around 29% of the total area are “dangerous.” 

Since 2018, Viet Nam, with support from international organizations, has gathered around $318 million to treat 102 spots measuring around 184 kilometers. In 2011-2018, local authorities mobilized financing worth around $493 million to treat around 141 hot spots.  

Insufficient Data 

The Viet Nam Disaster Management Authority warns that data update is still insufficient. Relevant grassroots authorities must regularly check, categorize, and input updated data for the map with precise, objective, and consistent information.