Vinh Long Province, Viet Nam – 16 March 2026 — A climate-resilient water treatment facility has been officially handed over to local authorities and communities in Con Linh Island, marking a major step forward in securing clean water access and strengthening livelihoods in the Mekong Delta.
The pilot was implemented under the Triangular Cooperation Project on Sustainable Development in the Lower Mekong River Basin based on the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) Nexus (RoK–UNOSSC Facility Phase 3/P-LINK), demonstrating how science, technology, and multi-stakeholder partnerships can be translated into practical, scalable solutions for vulnerable communities.
From Salinity Crisis to Safe Water Access
For years, Con Linh Island has faced severe saline intrusion, leaving households dependent on rainwater and costly external supply. The newly operational system now delivers safe, treated water for over 2,000 residents, while also supporting aquaculture through circular water reuse. “This project has significant practical value for the local community and demonstrates what strong coordination and shared responsibility can achieve,” said Dr. Truong Hong Tien, Deputy Director General, Viet Nam National Mekong Committee. “Access to clean water is increasingly urgent due to salinity intrusion, and this facility provides a timely and sustainable solution for local residents,” added Mr. Bui Van Tham, Deputy Director, Vinh Long Department of Agriculture and Environment.
Turning Innovation into Immediate Impact
The solution—co-designed through extensive consultations with Vinh Long provincial authorities, community representatives, and project partners (UNOSSC, MRCS, MI and STEPI)—was delivered by a Korean start-up L2E Solution, combining local needs with advanced technology.
The system integrates:
• Ultrafiltration (UF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) technologies to address high salinity
• Solar-assisted energy systems to reduce operational costs
• A circular water use model, enabling reuse of brine for aquaculture
Key results include:
• Reliable daily water supply aligned with WHO standards
• 50 m³/day treatment capacity for domestic use
• Additional water supply supporting local livelihoods
• Up to 78% reduction in energy consumption through solar integration
• Stable performance despite extreme salinity fluctuations (up to 7,900 mg/L)
“This pilot shows how science and technology can translate into tangible improvements in daily life and livelihoods,” underscored Ms. Eunyoung Huh, Director, Multilateral Cooperation Division, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT).
Partnership in Action: From Global Innovation to Local Impact
The Viet Nam pilot reflects a true public–private and multi-level partnership, bringing together:
– Viet Nam National Mekong Committee (VNMC)
– Vinh Long provincial authorities and communities
– UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC)
– Mekong River Commission (MRCS)
– Mekong Institute (MI)
– Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI)
– L2E Solution
Throughout implementation, the project combined policy dialogue, technical design, and community engagement, ensuring that solutions were both technically sound and locally appropriate.
Capacity Building and Regional Learning
A key feature of the pilot has been hands-on, community-focused capacity building led by the Mekong Institute, which translated complex treatment technologies into practical, user-friendly training for local operators—enabling effective system operation, maintenance, and long-term ownership. The handover also served as a platform for regional exchange, with participation from the Thai National Mekong Committee Secretariat/the Office of National Water Resources (TNMCS/ONWR), where stakeholders from Viet Nam and Thailand shared experiences on managing water challenges under climate stress and explored opportunities for replication. Together, these efforts highlight P-LINK’s role in combining technology transfer with knowledge sharing, strengthening sustainability and scaling through South-South and triangular cooperation.
Local Ownership Driving Long-Term Impact
With the official handover, the facility is now operated by local authorities and technical teams, supported by an established operation and maintenance framework.
A community representative from Tan Hao Commune emphasized:
“We will work closely with relevant agencies to manage and operate the facility effectively, ensuring long-term sustainability and benefits for our community.”
“Today’s handover marks a transition from partnership to local ownership. This facility now belongs to the community, reflecting how cooperation, innovation, and trust can come together to deliver real improvements in people’s lives,” said Ms. Xiaojun Grace Wang, UNOSSC Trust Fund Director.
Scaling What Works Across the Mekong
The Con Linh pilot demonstrates how integrated WEF Nexus solutions can deliver immediate and lasting impact, while also offering a replicable model for other salinity-affected areas across the Mekong Delta and beyond.
Partners reaffirmed their commitment to:
• Scale similar solutions across the region
• Strengthen regional knowledge-sharing platforms
• Mobilize future investments for Nexus-based innovations
“This pilot shows how science, technology, and innovation can be applied in an integrated way to address complex challenges. More importantly, it provides a practical model that can be refined and replicated across the Mekong region,” highlighted Dr. Ji Woong Yoon, President, STEPI.
About P-LINK
The P-LINK initiative enhances water, energy, and food security across the Mekong region through innovative, demand-driven solutions and triangular cooperation, improving livelihoods for vulnerable communities.
