Vietnam is experiencing significant land degradation, with 11.8 million hectares - equivalent to 35.7% of the country’s natural area - classified as desertified. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment highlights climate change and human activities as the primary drivers of this alarming trend.

Of the affected land, 1.2 million hectares are severely degraded, 3.8 million hectares moderately degraded, and 6.8 million hectares lightly degraded. Regions most impacted include the Northern Midlands and Mountains, North Central Coast, and the South Central Coastal region.

Key factors contributing to desertification in Vietnam include soil erosion caused by rain and wind, drought, salinization, and acidification. In provinces like Ninh Thuan, desertification affects 69% of surveyed land, driven by extreme drought, moving sand dunes, and declining soil fertility. Similarly, Son La has over 777,000 hectares of degraded land, with desertification exacerbated by high temperatures, prolonged drought, and saltwater intrusion.

The national action program against desertification has achieved significant milestones, including advanced irrigation systems, drought-resistant crops, and salt-tolerant agriculture. Efforts have shifted from reactive to proactive approaches over the past 15 years.

Forests play a crucial role in mitigating desertification. Measures such as afforestation, sustainable forest restoration, and preventing deforestation are essential in controlling land degradation, particularly in hilly and coastal areas. Water resource management also supports these efforts by maintaining soil health and reducing erosion.

Tran Quang Bao, Director of the Forestry Department, emphasizes that desertification poses severe environmental, economic, and social challenges. The situation calls for sustainable solutions, including forest preservation and international collaboration, to ensure long-term land management.

Tam An