Strengthening Communication Capacity for Better Climate Resilience in the Mekong River Delta (CCBCR)

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14/09/2025

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As climate change is no longer a story of the future but a present reality—drying up rivers, salinizing farmland, and disrupting the lives of millions in the Mekong Delta—raising community awareness and promoting collective action has become more urgent than ever.
In response to this situation, since 2020, the Center for Environment and Community Development (CECAD) has been implementing the project “Strengthening Communication Capacity for Better Climate Resilience in the Mekong River Delta (CCBCR)”, with the funding by the Embassy of Finland in Hanoi through the Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC).
The project has successfully completed two phases and is currently in its third phase of implementation. It has not only improved the accessibility and accuracy of climate-related information for local communities, but also fostered a spirit of initiative, creativity, and collaboration among youth, students, journalists, and local authorities—working together toward a more resilient Mekong Delta.
 
 

Project Goal: The project aims to enhance communication capacity, raise awareness, and strengthen the adaptive capacity of local communities—particularly youth, students, and vulnerable groups—to cope with the impacts of climate change, with a focus on saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta.

Project Phases:

Phase I (FLC 20-02, 2020–2022)

  • Piloted in Tien Giang Province, one of the areas hardest hit by saltwater intrusion in 2020

  • Developed and tested an automated early warning system for saltwater intrusion, providing timely information to affected communities

  • Implemented a variety of creative communication activities, including a documentary film, talk show, social media campaign (via fanpage and Zalo messages), to raise public awareness

  • Organized a climate-themed community run and a youth competition on indigenous knowledge to encourage community-driven adaptation initiatives

Phase II (FLC 22-02, 2022–2023)

  • Expanded project coverage to five provinces: Tien Giang, Long An, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, and Soc Trang

  • Launched youth-oriented activities, including awareness runs, high school debate contests, and innovation idea competitions

  • Built the capacity of local journalists and communicators in climate reporting and communication planning

  • Broadcast a climate adaptation talk show on national television to reach a wider audience

Phase III (FLC 23-02, ongoing)

  • Further expanded to focus on Can Tho and Dong Thap provinces

  • Continued creative youth engagement activities such as awareness runs, debate contests, and innovation competitions in the two new provinces

  • Delivered communication planning training for Youth Union members in previously participating provinces, promoting youth leadership as “climate ambassadors”

  • Organizing a regional workshop with the participation of all 13 Mekong Delta provinces to connect youth, policymakers, and media in co-designing climate adaptation initiatives

Key Activities 

  • Diverse communication campaigns: Produced and broadcasted documentaries and talk shows on national television (VTV) and local stations; organized journalism training for reporters, bloggers, and communication officers.

  • Large-scale community events: Held climate-themed communication runs across 7 provinces, engaging nearly 3,000 young participants; organized provincial-level high school debate competitions on climate change.

  • Technology application: Developed and applied an early warning system and real-time information-sharing technology to strengthen community capacity in responding and adapting to climate change and natural disasters.

  • Community-driven innovation: Encouraged locally initiated ideas and community-based solutions to enhance resilience to climate change and disaster risks.

The project “Strengthening Communication Capacity for Better Climate Resilience in the Mekong River Delta ” is not only a communication initiative but also a model for mobilizing community participation—especially among youth—in the climate adaptation process. With the support of the Embassy of Finland in VIetnam and local partners, the project is contributing to the development of a dynamic, creative, and responsible young generation, dedicated to a sustainable future for the Mekong Delta.

For more information and the latest project updates, please visit the official website and Facebook page of CECAD. Join us in spreading meaningful action for a sustainable future.