Tackling the Asian Sand Crisis–A Case Study in Applying GAIN™ Best Practices in Viet Nam’s Mekong Delta

Abstract

In early 2021, the author was requested by WWF Viet Nam to suggest solutions to the over-extraction of sand in the Mekong Delta. The study drew on the extensive experiences of the Global Aggregates Information Network (GAIN™), which had recently focused on challenges of river sand extraction globally. Relevant case studies from China, India, Malaysia, Colombia, Mexico, USA, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Netherlands, Myanmar and Japan provided key insights, these leading to a set of key recommendations proposed for implementation in Viet Nam. These recommendations ranged from suggested amendments to Viet Nam legislation, to designation of a strongly-empowered single regional authority to implement a rigorous permitting regime, using internationally-proven technical extraction guidelines, backed up by certification of professional operators, comprehensive compliance monitoring and strongly increased royalties, penalties and deterrents. International experiences also indicated the desirability of a project-specific champion to successfully implement these changes, which could also be greatly assisted by a professional national aggregates association and/or a construction industry association. Recommendations were also made on encouraging alternatives to river sand, such as manufactured sand and use of recycled and secondary materials, which can reduce the river sand demand to within its annual sedimentation budget. Commercial incentives to promote this shift can be achieved by using legislation to substantially reduce demand and increase the extraction costs of river sand. This “carrot and stick” approach can lead to a more sustainable extraction and construction industry in the Mekong Delta, as well as benefitting its fishermen, farmers, ecosystems and the wider community.

Convenor, Global Aggregates Information Network (GAIN™), (www.GAIN.ie)