On March 21, 2019, VNU University of Science (VNU-HUS) organized the "Kickoff Workshop for the ViWat-Operation Project". This project is part of the program of cooperation between Vietnam and the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam.
The project aims to develop integrated strategies and technologies to contribute to the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta region, focusing on water sector management whilst adapting to climate change. The field of Operations Management will be the basis of this project in order to achieve integrated solutions to these challenges.
VNU-HUS and HCMC University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE), in collaboration with the Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management (IEEM) under the University of Witten / Herdecke, commenced discussion of the ViWat – Operations project during the workshop.
Overview of the Workshop
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Giang, Vice Rector of VNU-HUS and the Head of Project Coordination for Vietnam was joined by Prof. Dr. Phan Dinh Tuan, Rector of HCMUNRE to represent the Vietnamese contingent. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Genthe, Head of Research and Mr. Nguyen Van Long, Regional Director, represented IEEM.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Giang, Vice Rector of VNU-HUS delivered the opening speech
At the workshop, managers and scientists introduced the ViWat Project titled "Integrated solutions for sustainable development in the Mekong Delta - Land, Water, Energy and Climate". The project includes 3 components:
+ ViWat - Planning (Land and water use planning at regional level);
+ ViWat - Engineering (Water, energy and construction technologies) and
+ ViWat - Operations (Water sector services);
The 2 projects that make up the ViWat-Operation project were discussed, focusing on the direction and framework for implementation.
Ms. J. Zimmer, an expert of IEEM - introduces activities in the framework of ViWat-Operation Project
The meeting offered the opportunity for representatives of IEEM to introduce advanced technologies and research equipment that can be used to support these two projects. VNU-HUS and HCMUNRE chaired the meeting to discuss the activities that will be implemented within the framework of the Project.
VNU-HUS will collaborate with other institutes to coordinate the implementation of Component 3: ViWaT – Operations. Related parties include:
- From Germany: Institute of Engineering and Environmental Management Witten / Herdecke University (IEEM) by Prof. Dr. Chaired by Karl Ulrich Rudolph, TS. Haneke coordinated.
- From Vietnam: VNU University of Sciences (coordinating unit); Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment; Aquaculture Institute 2; Institute of Social Sciences in Southern region.
The workshop included presentations by representatives of the related parties:
TS. Pham Thi Thuy - VNU University of Science presents the topic "Small water supply for people in rural area"
TS. Le Huu Quynh Anh - Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment presented the topic: "Waste water treatment and WW-reuse for shrimp pond"