The importance of the river The Mekong is a vital economic and environmental asset: • It enables the transportation of goods between and within countries. • It supplies cities and communities with water for agricultural activity and household use. • Parts of the river are used for the production of hydroelectric power. • It is the second most biodiverse river in the world, sustaining important fishing industries.
FIGURE9 Floating markets of Soc Trang in the Mekong Delta
SkillBuilder discussion Concluding and decision-making 1. What is a delta?
2. Discuss why floating markets are important in the cultural life of the region. 3. What challenges might people face in a floating market environment?
Floods Flooding is common along the Mekong River, especially affecting Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. While seasonal flooding is part of life, extreme floods can be devastating. In 2020, severe weather led to a major flood that caused over 100 deaths, damaged more than 200 000 homes, and affected around 850 000 livestock. Thousands of hectares of farmland were also impacted. Living on a floodplain has both benefits and drawbacks. The Mekong River Commission estimates that the annual value of floodwaters is between US$8 billion and US$10 billion, but the cost of flooding events averages US$60 to 70 million per year. Despite the economic benefit, the human toll of flooding must be considered.
342 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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