More than 60% of Vietnam’s water originates beyond its borders, making the country deeply vulnerable to external pressures and climate shocks.
HANOI: As Vietnam faces rising climate threats and a surging economy, water governance is no longer just good practice, it’s a matter of survival.
Recognising the urgency, leading businesses have stepped up with impactful solutions to conserve, recycle and replenish water across their operations.
This message was front and centre at the 8th annual “Sharing for Sustainability” media programme, held under the theme “Strengthening water governance and conservation for sustainable development and climate resilience”.
Organised by the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD), under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the event highlighted the critical role of water in every sector, from agriculture and industry to daily household use.
With an estimated annual surface water volume of 840 billion cubic m and underground reserves of up to 63 billion cubic m, more than 60% of Vietnam’s water originates beyond its borders, making the country deeply vulnerable to external pressures and climate shocks.
Experts pointed to gaps in enforcement and cross-sector monitoring, even with legal frameworks like the amended 2012 Law on Water Resources and national river basin plans in place.
“Water governance is a survival issue for economic growth, energy security and social stability,” said VCCI vice-chairman and VBCSD chairman, Nguyen Quang Vinh.
“Many companies in Vietnam have pioneered sustainable water management, introducing technologies to save, reuse and replenish water.
“These initiatives prove that water conservation is not just a cost but a strategic investment, reducing risks, building reputations, accessing green finance and meeting global environmental, social and governance standards.”
Several major firms were spotlighted. Nestle Vietnam pledged to return 100% of the water used in production to communities and nature by 2025.
Heineken Vietnam offsets more than 690 million litres annually by planting forests and protecting biodiversity in the Tien River basin. BAT Vietnam and Samsung Vietnam have achieved Alliance for Water Stewardship certification at their factories.
Suntory Pepsico Vietnam continues its long-running Water of Life programme.
However, Vinh warned that small and medium enterprises remain at a disadvantage, often lacking the financial means, technology and institutional support to implement similar measures.
He called for stronger policy tools, increased funding and more active media engagement to amplify successful models and catalyse broader change.
“A single pioneering business must become hundreds, even thousands, so that saving each litre of water becomes a nationwide movement,” he said.
From the business perspective, Head of Sustainability at Heineken Vietnam, Nguyen Huu Hoang, said water and nature conservation are central to the company’s long-term strategy.
Through multilateral partnerships, Heineken has achieved water balance in the Tien River basin five years ahead of schedule.
He called it “a milestone in our journey ‘For a Better Vietnam’, demonstrating the power of collective action among businesses, government, civil society and communities in tackling environmental challenges.” — Viet Nam News/ANN
