Vietnam implements new water resource management laws

The 2023 Water Resources Law, effective July 1, 2024, introduces a shift toward integrated management based on river basins. This approach aims to balance water distribution across sectors and regions while proactively preventing shortages.

Data from the National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation indicates that approximately 60% of Vietnam's water originates from outside its borders, a figure rising to nearly 95% for the Mekong River basin. Because surface water accounts for 96.5% of total water extraction and agriculture consumes 86% of all water usage, national water security is heavily dependent on transboundary sources and efficient distribution.

Experts emphasize that management must move beyond administrative boundaries and individual projects toward unified river basin governance. This includes connecting information systems and transitioning from reactive drought response to proactive forecasting and early water allocation planning.