US Pledges $4 Million for Sustainable Development in Vietnam's Mekong Delta

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on March 15, 2024, launched two major initiatives in Vietnam, investing a total of $4.05 million in projects focused on environmental protection and disability inclusion.

The larger of the two, the $2.9 million Mekong Delta Coastal Habitat Conservation project, is a joint effort between USAID, the Vietnamese government, and local partners. It targets the urgent need to protect the delta's fragile coastal ecosystems. Mangrove forests and seagrass beds – crucial for fisheries and storm protection – are under increasing strain. This project will restore biodiversity, encourage sustainable fishing, and make the coast more resilient.

"This project advances our shared priority with Vietnam to build coastal resilience in the Mekong Delta," said Aler Grubbs, USAID/Vietnam Mission Director. It strengthens the growing US-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The second initiative, focused on Bac Lieu province, will receive $1.15 million to improve disability rights. Implemented by Vietnam Assistance for the Handicapped (VNAH), the project will bolster disability law enforcement, make rehabilitation services more accessible, and enhance early childhood disability screening. This builds on the $155 million USAID has previously invested in disability assistance in Vietnam.

The launch of these programs highlights the deepening US commitment to Vietnam, particularly in addressing the Mekong Delta's development challenges. By tackling both environmental threats and social inequalities, these initiatives promote a more sustainable and inclusive future for the region.