Thesis of master degree: Vulnerability assessment of freshwater resources in island to environment change a case study in Phu Quoc island - Kien Giang province

1.1 Problem statement

Water is our most precious resource However, in recent years, water has become degraded in both quantity and quality This situation is placing challenges and requires a worldwide effort in the use and sustainable management of water resources The provision of water supply and sanitation has improved living

conditions; in addition, the implementation of social justice and educational

approaches, especially for women and children, are also contributing to the success of the enactment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

The development status of the Island, the isolation characteristic, the distance between neighboring islands, between islands and the mainland, the

change of the environment, climate change, changes in rainfall, etc are the

challenges of water resources management The Island, located in the lower floor of the Southwestern area, is a vulnerable area to climate change and sea level rise Furthermore, the island is affected by the early phase of the El Nino and La Ninas The Island is a key economic zone with typical activities, such as: fishing, oil and gas exploitation, maritime services, tourism as well as it is adjacent to the other countries in the region.

Especially, Phu Quoc Island is the largest island in the coastal island system in Vietnam The current status of the economic development has created a significant social pressure on the island regarding both system resources and the

environmental management There is no rational planning and efficient use of natural resources, although the extraction (water, oil, gas ) has been carried out for

a long time Therefore, freshwater resources in Phu Quoc Island are vitallyimportant, and have a direct impact on daily life, and the development of the island.The assessment of freshwater resource vulnerability in Vietnam is still very limited,particularly in the Island A vulnerability assessment of freshwater resources in Phu

‘Quoc Island will be essential to identify potential risks for fresh water resources on the island and to support decision making; Therefore, detecting early threats to gain insight sustainable solutions to the management of freshwater resources on an island, where the exploitation of freshwater resources management is still problematic.

Understand the vulnerability of freshwater resources of the Islands, therefore, is important to ensure sustainable water management in the region Uses ‘of water have an intimate relationship with land use and impact on ecosystems ‘dealing with integrated water resource management The integrated water resources management will help to use and to protect natural resources In order to effectively implement integrated water resource management, the necessity of understanding and the ability to assess the vulnerability of water resources are highlighted, Performing a vulnerability assessment of freshwater will highlight gaps in information and identify the most influential factors affecting vulnerability, in addition to raising public awareness The availability of such an evaluation would

provide decision-makers with the option to evaluate and modify existing policies

and to implement measures to improve the management of water resources.

Different approaches to vulnerability assessment of water resources and hydrological systems have been developed for a long time with both advantages and disadvantages One of the most effective responses, vulnerability assessment has recently been developed by the United Nations Environment Program and by Packing University This approach is based on the available resources to meet the

production, use, environmental pressures mitigation and capacity development and

management It highlights the vulnerability factors such as climate change, population growth, economic development, and management, etc of vulnerable freshwater resources Currently, this method is implemented in the Pacific Islands, in West and South Asia, in the Mekong River basin, and in several other river basins in Vietnam, However, the vulnerability assessment of freshwater resources on islands in Vietnam is very limited and this method is still not an application

1.2 Objectives and Research questions

1.2.1 Objective of study

“The main objectives of the study include:

- Piloting a method in terms of assessing the freshwater vulnerability in the

southwestern area of Vietnams: applied specifically on Phu Quoc ~ Kien Giang Province;

- Assessing vulnerability of freshwater resources on the Island of Phu Quoc ~ Kien Giang and potential agents;

- Providing scientifically-based evidence to support policy development of water

resources management, to support the decision-making process:

- Proposing measures to reduce the vulnerability of freshwater resources on the

Phu Quốc Island,

1.2.2 Research questions

- What methods and tools are appropriate to assess the vulnerability of

freshwater resoutces on the Island?

= Which elements are vulnerable to freshwater resources?

= What are the opportunities and challenges regarding to freshwater resources

management in the Island?

= What are solutions that should be done to improve the freshwater resources in

the Island?

3 The Assessment Process

Water is essential for life All activities of humans, animals and plants on earth need water, However, freshwater resources are vulnerable and a reliable assessment of vulnerability is essential The vulnerability assessment of freshwater resources, newly developed by UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) and by Peking University is the methodology of the thesis Firstly, relevant data in the study area are collected, including: relevant documents such as natural conditions, hydrology, environment, geology, etc The statistical analysis results are collected

directly from the local agencies The data processing is necessary to investigate additional fieldwork and to update the latest data content research servi as the

‘current status and characteristics of water resources on the island and the control system influence of the current vulnerability of freshwater resources ‘This study will provide an overview of the evaluation method to assess the vulnerability of water resources; the preferred method will be the approach developed by UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) and Packing University The evaluation of data will serve an analytical framework DPSIR (Driver, pressure, state, impact and response)

to analyze quantitative and qualitative features, and a description of the

vulnerability of freshwater resources on the island Then, an integrated vulnerability index (VI) is calculated based on possible vulnerable parameters; the results will assess the vulnerability of freshwater resources on the island, followed by a proposal for solutions to reduce the vulnerability of freshwater resources on the Phu

Quoc Island.

1.4 Structure of the thesis

‘This report is divided into six chapters The first chapter introduces the research to answer three main questions: Why is a vulnerability assessment is important? How can we assess the vulnerability of the island? And, what are the main objectives of a vulnerability sent in this study?

‘The chapter two reviews several studies about the concept of vulnerability vulnerability assessment methods and some previous researches relate to study area

‘The chapter three presents an overview of freshwater resources, which describe the geographical context of natural, socio-economic, freshwater resources Especially, we focus on the present status and the challenges dealing with the management of fresh water resoures in the island This chapter also discusses the importance of the influence of climate change and the pressures of environmental change to freshwater resources on the island,

Chapter four identifies methods to assess the vulnerability of freshwater + summarizes the specific assessment method of UNEP, including, such as:

‘Chapter five is an important chapter of the report This chapter continues to assess the vulnerability of freshwater resources on the island of Phu Quoc ~ Kien Giang Province These assessments determine the importance and the interelationship of social-economies, the environment, climate, geographical factors and management resources with vulnerable island freshwater resources, The study of assessment indicators and injury parameters such as water stress

development pressure, the insecurity of the ecosystem and management challenges,

is necessary to calculate the vulnerability index In addition, this chapter will provide proposed measures to reduce the vulnerability of freshwater resources on the Island,

Chapter six: Finally, the last chapter concludes the findings of this thesis, discusses the limitations of this work and provides an outlook by giving recommendation for future areas of research,

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REWIEW

2.1 Concepts of vulnerability

‘The concepts of vulnerability have been changed over time, According to Jom Birkmann (2006) statistics, the current literature encompass more than 25 different definitions, concepts and methods to systematize vulnerability (for ‘example, Chambers, 1989; Bohle, 2001; Wisner et al., 2004; Downing et al, 2006; UN/ISDR, 2004; Pelling, 2003; Luers, 2005; Green, 2004; UN-Habitat, 2003; Schneiderbauer and Ehrlich, 2004; van Dillen, 2004; Turner et al., 2003: Cardona,

20040) According to Downing (2006), the vulnerability ineludes the expres ion,

sensitivity and resilience of the system to combat the dangers posed by the effects of the agent Researchers in the field of natural sciences often focus on the concept of risk, while researchers in the field of social sciences often refer to the term vulnerability Concept of vulnerability is the social scientists associated with the

group of sovioeconomie factors and the eommunity’s ability to cope with natural

disasters, but scienti s about climate usually consider the concept of vulnerability

asa function of the likelihood of occurrence and the potential impact of weather and

climate related.

According to Jém Birkmann (2006) statistics, one of the best-known definitions were formulated by the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR), which defines vulnerability as:

- The conditions determined by physical, social, economic and environmental factors or processes, which increase the susceptibility of a community to the impact

of hazards, (UN/ISDR, 2004)

- In contrast, the United National Development Programme (UNDP) defines vulnerability as: a human condition or process resulting from physical, social, ‘economic and environmental factors, which determine the likelihood and scale of ‘damage from the impact of a given hazard (UNDP, 2004: 11)

isa key element for this purpose Vulnerability is a term used to describe a weakness or flaw exists in the system, the sensitivity of the system with a threat or a particular disadvantage, and/or challenges systems faced when dealing with the threat

In view of water resource management, the vulnerability can be defined as the characteristic weaknesses and flaws of the system of water resources makes it <ifficult to respond to changing economic and social and the environment Thus, the

vulnerability can look through (i) the pressure of the water resources in the study

area: and (ii) the ability of ecosystems and society in the fight against the agents acting on the healthy function of water resource systems,

2.2, Vulnerability assessment

Water, "blood" of natural ecosystems, have a role indispensable for almost all functions of ecosystems Water is also one of the important resources needed to support the soci economic development of human, The result of the excessive

population growth, rapid economic development, mismanaged of water resources,

leading to dwindling water resources Therefore, sustainable water resources ‘management has become a priority concem of many national agendas.

Vulnerability assessment is a process of investigation and analysis to assess the sensitivity of the system before the potential threat, and to identify the main challenges for the system in reducing or minimize the risks associated with, the negative consequences of the opposition activists Assessment of water resources

will be calculated based on the water balance between water supply and water

demand, system policies and ownership to support the conservation and management of water resources, as well as regime change hydrology under the impact of climate change and other environmental factors Besides, It needs to consider the risks that ‘may occur from the surrounding areas can affect water resources.

‘The vulnerability assessment can be used to orient the rational use of water resources through the provision of a priority plan for upgrades, adjusted operating

procedures, and/or change the policies to reduce risks and vulnerabilities to achieve the most efficient use Vulnerability assessment will provide the basic framework for the development of options to reduce the risks and costs involved In fact, every

problem is identified, vulnerability assessment to delimit the main control factor;

estimate the pressure; understand the current situation and development trend; impact analysis; and determine the response to deal with vulnerability of water

resources systems,

Previous studies in study area

Phu Quoc Island is the largest island in the system of the coastal islands of Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand, the Southwestern of Vietnam ‘The studies related to the Island’s water resources are very limited The coastal islands Southwestern systems have a very important p sition on national security and economic de lopment, Some typical projects in the Phu Quoc Island area are:

- In 2006, Dr Dao Manh Tien and Dr Pham Van Thanh to implement the s the current state of the marine environment of Phu + "Investigation asses

“Quoc Island from 0 - 20m" The results were evaluated of marine resources Phu

‘Quoc island, the environmental status of sediments and seawater.

= Dr Dao Manh Tien (2008) to implement the project “Investigation of

environmental geology and geohazards coast of Phu Quoc - Ha Tiên rate 1/100,000".

~ Within the scope of Phu Quoc Island and especially the National Park, tis area has had plenty of the study of biological diversity The survey results synthetic, fauna and flora of the area by the Institute of Forest Inventory and Planning II

performed (1996, 2002) This is the basis of the results are t9 assess, comment on

diversity and biological resources of Phu Quoe National Park

- NAWAPI - National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation (2010), Project “Water Resources Planning on the Phu Quoc Island” Planning is approved as the basis for the management ageney of water resources

- Vietnam Academy for Water resources (2010), Project * Research, evaluate the potential exploitation of surface water sources serving, water supply on Phu Quoc Islan

‘The previous studies in Vietnam, not to mention much of each object on the Island are harmed by the activities of socioeconomic development, or the natural environment changes In Vietnam, Vulnerability assessment of freshwater resources is limited, especially object is the island, where the water resourees are very vulnerable.

24 Overview of assessment methods

‘An approach to assess the vulnerability of water resources and hydrological system has been developed for a long time, with many different methods Such as Water Poverty Index (WPI) - (Lawrence and others 2002; Sullivan and others 2003), with the aim is to provide an interdi iplinary measure, including the benefits

associated with household water and indicate the level of water availability affect

humans, the index takes into account the physical and social - economic factors

related t9 water scarcity

Water Stress Indicator WSI description available water resources in a country, the water stress index developed by Swedish Falkenmark expert 1989 ‘This index is often used in the evaluation on a national scale which data are available and provided intuitive results and understanding However, the use of

average annual water of the country should tend to obscure information water

scarcity on a smaller sea.

Meigh and others (2004) have developed a water availability index Water Availabil ty Index (WAD The index includes surface wat groundwater and compared to the total water demand of all sectors such as industry, agriculture, ete ‘Or water stress (Gleick 1996) at the regional level The index uses measurements of input, output, and based on the water balance equation.

Or The South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) has developed an Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI) 2005 to develop a vulnerability index to demonstrate the disadvantages, which the small islands are incurring, This index focuses on the vulnerability of the environment from the risks of natural and human, Including the effects on physical and biological aspects of the ecology, habitat, biodiversity, ecological resilience etc.

‘There are many different evaluation methods to be studied and applied, with both advantages and disadvantages For the vulnerability assessment of water

resources in recent years, Method of water resources vulnerability assessment,

developed by UNEP and Peking University (2009) emerged a way to evaluate the effectiveness and advantages With the approach depending on the resources available to meet (he production, use, environmental pressures and capacity development and management It highlights the vulnerability factors such as climate ‘change, population growth, economic development, and management, ete of freshwater resource vulnerabil ty Currently, this method has been used to assess the

vulnerability of water resources in the Pacific Islands, West Asia Region, and

South Asia and some river basin as Mekong river basin, Amu Darya river basin.ete ‘The research on sea environmental resource vulnerability assessment in Vietnam has just begun inthe late twentieth century To date, there are many studies following different approaches, such as regions/areas, natural systems and social, ‘community, resources in different areas The study is based on general principles of ä vulnerability assessment is to determine the ability of a compromised system (natural, social and economic) to meet natural disasters and man-made, one determine the resilience and recovery of systems; thereby, proposing vulnerability mitigation measures From 2001, the team of Prof Dr Mai Trong Nhuan conducted studies assessing coastal vulnerability (Mai Trong Nhuan 2005) Thereby, the research team has identi ied the ability of the vulnerable segments of society, nature, previous works, The combined effects of natural and man-made disasters as well as vulnerability maps propose mitigation measures for many coastal localities

river resources as Vulnerability Assessment of Water Resources Systems in Thach Han basin, Nhue Day basin by Trinh Minh Ngoc and others, 2013 - Faculty of Hydro-Meteorology and Oceanography, VNU University of Science used Methodologies Guidelines of UNEP and Peking University (Trinh Minh Ngoc 2013), However, this approach on the Island is still not applied.

For Southwestern areas the densely populated island group also has studied,

[As the evaluation of Prof Le Due An (1995), this area is much variation in natural

conditions, natural resources The project "Research on natural conditions and Southwestern ateas of environmental, economic development serves to protect the security and sovereignty " KC09 02/06-10 of Prof Do Ngoc Quynh mentioned the major motivating factors in the forms of sea disasters, environmental impacts of climate change in the current trend, Overall, the southwestern areas, especially in the island system have not been fully studied with the latest data on natural

freshwater resources is most

conditions, resources and environment In which, vulnerable,

CHAPTER 3: DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA.

3.1 Geography and Socioeconomics

3.1.1 Geography and Biodiversity a) Geography

Phu Quoc, also known

located in the Thailand Gulf, The total area of the Island is $67.55 km? (National

is Pearl Island, is the largest island of Vietnam,

land statistics, 2005), approximately the size of Singapore Phu Quoc District has a {otal area is 589,23 km2, perimeter about 150km, includes 2 towns and 8 communes (NAWAPI 2010)

Duong Dong Town, located in the northwest i the administrative town of the Island, Phu Quoc is located 120 km from Rach Gia and Ha Tien town by 45 km.

Phu Quoc Island lies in the Gulf of Thailand in Southwest of Vietnam, Pha Quoc stretches from latitude 9°53'to 10°28" and longitude from 103°49'to 104°05'

Figure 3 jocation of Phu Quoc Island on satellite images

(Source: Google Earth)

‘Topography can be divided into two areas of Phu Quoc Island with the following ‘characteristics (NAWAPI 2010)

~ North Island has an area of about 400km? with over 70% of mountains

(average slope of 25-30%), less than 30% of the low hills and flat land Overall, topography elevation is Tower from the north to south and from east

to west

= South Island has an area of about 1672km’, including many low mountains

alternating strips of land fairly low and gradually in the direction from Northeast to Southwest with a slope less than 15%.

Currently, it is being used or capable of use for agricultural production, Follwing are the results of the natural distribution according to altitude and slop.

‘Table 3.1: Distribution by altitude and degree slope

Altitude TS Current status and Area tkm!) | Pe “&

Phu Quoc Island has one meteorological s tion was set up in 1957 in Duong Dong town, observation of meteorological factors: temperature, humidity, evaporation, wind, sun, and rain Until 1995 on Phu Quoc island has two water levels stations at White bridge locations on Cua Can river and at Tram station on

Duong Dong river Oceanographic stations are located in the estuarine areas of Duong Dong

‘The specific datas on temperature, humidity, wind, ete of Phu Quoac were provided by Kien Giang Hydrometeorology Center.

Phu Quoc Island area characterized by tropical monsoon climate High

temperatures during the year, an average of 27.1°C Evaporation (Piche) annual

average is 1,210 mm (3.3 mm / day) Average annual humidity is 82.6% October, the highest average humidity (87.8%) February, the average humidity is lowest

(15 5%) (NAWAPI 2010),

Annual rainfall is abundant here, annual average 2902 mm and is relatively stable over the years (coefficients of variation Cv = 0.176) (NAWAPI 2010), pretty standard distribution Rainfall in large stable with mountainous terrain conditions are ideal conditions for the development, management and operation of small and ‘medium reservoirs on the island of Phu Quốc.

‘Table 3.2: Temperature characteristics (°C) at Phu Quoc Station (1984-2011)

Characteristics 1{ ulm) 1W | V {wl vl] vm] IX | x | XI | xm] Year

‘Table 3.3: Average humidity by months ~ year (%)

Month 1 | H | "| IY | V | VI, VH| VH|Ị XÃ x | xt) XHỊ Year

‘Table 3.4, Lowest humidity by months — year (%)

Month vf fam) wl V | VI, vol VH wx | x | XI | xn) Yer

ThoChu x} a] | sof ss] | | | | os | | sr] a

Rach Gia wl a] »| a | a] ss] | mi s| s| | so | 7 Phu Quoc 34 33 35 “2 4l $8 $6 49 | 55 50 4l 35 | 33

(Source: Kien Giang Hydrometcorology Comer)

‘Table 3.5: Character Phu Quoc

Month 1] HỊ mil aw)v | VI | val VH| IX | x | xt] xm Year

(Nguyen Ngoe Tran 2013).

Figure 3.2: Total annual rainfall in Phu Quoc station (1985 ~ 2011) (Source: Kien Giang Hydrometeorology Cente)

‘Water level data from Phu Quoc station shows the maximum tide height, minimum tide height and the average trend line for the period (1988 - 2010); ‘annual average tidal amplitude and the average trend line in the years (1988 -2009) are shown in the image below:

Fimax and Hmin in Phu Quoc station (1985-2010)*

= 7

Figure 3.3: Hmax, Hmin in Phu Quoc island (Source: Kien Giang Hydrometeorology Center)

Figure 3.4:

(Source: Kien Giang Hydrometeorology Center) lal amplitude in Phu Quoc island

Tidal amplitude has the trend inereased both on tidal and tidal foot The maximum tide height, minimom tide height for the period (1988 ~ 2010) tend to

Based on the standards division of the rainy season and dry season Hydrometeorology Center (monthly rainfall exceeding 150 mm, surpassing the average evaporation month period, the fall in the rainy season) and in combination with the analysis of Duong Dong station rainfall data, rainfall regimes in Phu Quoe island can be divided into the following two seasons: rainy season lasts 7 months (May - November), coincided with the period of active southwest monsoon; 5 month long dry season (December- April years later), coinciding with the period of operation of the northeast monsoon April rainfall average is 150 mm at Duong Dong station, but heavy rain and steady rainfall in the last 10 days of April, so April could be cor idered a transition month from dry season to the ra yy season, The rainy season accounts for 81% of total rainfall leading to excess water during the rainy season, water shortages in the dry season, Moreover, due to the steep

people's lives (Nguyen Ngoc Tran 2013) 4) Rivers Network

‘The river and streams on the island of Phu Quoc with diverse characteristics, especially small rivers, estuaries flowing into different directions depending on terrain conditions Surface water during rainy season is abounding in the inland The density of spring is 0,42 km/km2 (largest density among islands in Vietnam) There

are two main river systems in the They occupy a total basin area about 25% of the

total island area (NAWAPI 2010) These rivers have steep slopes, flood season

caused major erosion.

= Cua Can river: Derived from Chua mountain, flows from East to West The river length is 29,75 km, the total length of the River in this basin is about

‘69km, the catchment area is 120km”

+ Dong Duong river: Derived from Da Bac mountain, flow direction from east

to west The river length 21,5km, total length of the network of rivers and

streams in this river around 63 km, the catchment area is 57 km”,

~ Cua Lap river connects with many small rivers derived from Ham Ninh mountain, flowing to the sea to the west, the river length is 1km, the total

length of the river about 45km, the catchment area is 21 km

~ Tram river derived from Ham Ninh mountain, Ham Rong, flowing into the © North, river length is 9km, the total length of the rivers is about 22 km,

‘catehment area is 41, 2 km.

= Suoi Lon river derived from Ham Ninh mountain, flows east - west, then enters the Dam river, flow 1g to the west - east, then to see; river length is

15km, the catchment area is 8km”,

~ Ca river: Dirived from Ham Ninh mountain, flowing into the Bast sea, river

Tength is 5km, catchment area about 1 km”

‘There are also a number of other smaller Rivers are: Vung Bau River in the norhw of, Ham Ninh River in the Southeast, Dam river in the south and the “Chanh river on the center island

“4 The influence of natural conditions for the Island Development

~ Phu Quoc Island has steep terrain and complicated Difficult mining, land used for agricultural purposes in many areas of upRiver rivers and Rivers Steep topography is a major cause localized flooding on the Island, causing soil erosion

~ Annual rainfall is relatively abundant on the island with the amount of 2902

mm/year (NAWAPI 2010) However, rainfall is not evenly distributed over the year Rainfall during the rainy season accounts for 89% inthe dry season only 11% lead to water shortages in the dry season.

~ Every year in August, September heavy rains and lowland flooding, causing innundation, flooded from I 2m The flood prone areas at downRiver Cua Duong Dong, however Duong Dong downriver flood situation now has improved somewhat due to the reservoirs upriver Flood damages situation in Phu Quoc, are not severe during the construction of hydraulic some

coustruetion system

= Droughts occur locally in Bai Thom and Ganh Dau commune In coastal areas there are salt intrusion situations, affecting the farming activitis and lives of the people living there

BAN ĐỒ MẠNG L- 6 SONG SUỐI DAO PHU QUỐC.

©) Vegetation cover

The Phu Quoc flora has a high biodiversity in comparison with other island of cour country Along with high and steep topography condition, soil properties and climate characteristics here are favorable conditions for development of forest vegetation The biodiversity is rch with main tropical broad-leaved forest ecosystem, forest on sulfate acid soi, salt-marsh forest, coral refs and seagrass beds.

Phu Quoc has a large protected area is located on the territory of the commune Ganh Oil, Bai Thom, Duong Cua, Cua Can, Ham Ninh and Duong Duong Dong town, Since 2001, this nature reserve has been transformed into Phu Quoc

National Park with a total area is 314,22km”, According to a 2005 survey, there are

1.164 species of plants on ground surface the plants in Phu Quoc National Park,

belong to 66 sets, 137 groups and 513 offshoots of 06 sectors of higher plants are Psilophyta, Lycopodiophyta, Equisetophyta, Polypodiophyta, _Pinophyta, Magnoliophyta (Wildlife at Risk 2006)

In Phu Quoc Tropical wet broad-leaved rainforest ocupies for more than 90%

of the area of Phu Quoc National Park The dominant plants belonging to Dipterocarpaceae, Myrtaceae and Ebenaceae families Salt-marsh, forest has Lumnitzera Rose and Rhizophora Apieulata In addition, there are many rare and ‘endemic species that have high value for research and gene conservation as well as ‘economic value,

Phu Quoe National Park has three ecosystems include ecosystems of tropical moist forest; Alum forest ecosystems and Mangrove ecosystems As shown

in the table below:

‘Table 3.6 Distribution of Phu Quoc forest ecosystem

Set Group Offshoot

Set % | Group | % | Offshoot | %

Phu Quoe National

Park 137 100 1 | 100 | 1164 | 100

1], dropiealmoist | lại 956 | 487 | 933 | 108 | 93,1forest ecosystems

FOREST Set Group, OiRhoot

ECOSYSTEM [Se # | Group | % | Offshoot | %

2| Alumforest” a5 7 547] as | 384 | HA | 167

3 Mangrove l§ 10,9 25 48 35 3ecosystems

(Source: Forest Inventory and Planning Institute (Ho Chỉ Minh city))

Forest vegetation cover over 88% natural area of Phu Quoc National Park Natural forest area of Phu Quoc is also quite large 39 618 ha (65% of the land area of the whole island), including many wood rare types, forest resources have shown here is also an advantage for the Island in the resource supply, rain water havesting and environmental protection (Wildlife at Risk 2006)

3.1.2 Socio-economies

a) Administrative Organization

Phu Quoc has 2 towns (Duong Dong and An Thơi), 6 communes are Bai ‘Thom, Ganh Dau, Cua Duong, Cua Can, Duong To and Ham Ninh, The commune with the largest area Cua Duong (140.7 km2), followed by Bai Thom commune (04.12 km2) Administrative units with the smallest area is the town of Duong Dong

(16 km2) then the town of An Thoi (27.51 km2) (NAWAPI 2006)

b) Population and population distribution

According to statistics of Kien Giang province, with a population in 2012 of the Phu Quoc island district, about 96 940 people, the population density of about

165 persons/km2 (Statistical Yearbook 2012) In particular

~The sex ratio is relatively uniform, Men accounted for 51.2%.

~The urban population is 58.6% The urban population concentrated mainly in to centers: Duong Dong town and around An Thoi port, This is the second urban area with a relatively high growth rate in recent years, Duong Dong is an important administrative center of the Island In addition, urban residents are concentrated in the community centers as Duong To, Cua Can, Ham Ninh, Cua Duong, Bai Thom, Ganh Dau.

~The rural residential areas: outside urban areas, the rural residential living mainly distributed on the inter-vllage roads, communal, The rural_ population accounted for 41.4% Phu Quoc rural population concentrated inthe coastal fishing Village and agricultural village, the current status as follows

+ The fishing village formed on the river to mouth, where the beans favorable for fishing boats Fishermen often build houses along the beach and even relatively concentrate on estuaries and along the river Housing is usually a temporary floor Sanitation is very poor, men sheet often discharge

ireetly into the sea water causing pollution, The infrastructure of the

fishing village residents almost nothing, water is mainly self-drilling groundwater wells.

+ Agricultural villages live mainly in the hamlet of communes as Duong To, ‘Cua Duong, Cua Can and a few at An Thoi, Bai Thom, Ganh Dau.

BAN ĐỒ HANH CHÍNH DAO PHU QUOC

©) Economic

Recently, the Prime Minister has d cided to recognize the Phu Quoc land, Kien Giang Province is grade II This is considered as an important step towards the establishment of the Special Administrative Region - Economic centrally; postion and promote the potential of Phu Quoc in the relationship of the national and international levels The Phu Quoc is recognized as Urban Il also reflects the kind of results alter 10 years of implementation of the Master Plan of Development ‘overall of Phu Quoc Island until 2010 and The vision to 2020 in Decision 178/201

/QD TTG of the Prime Minister in January 10/2004

‘Through 10 years of implementations of the Decision No 178/2004/ QD ~

“TT issued by the Prime Minister on executing “ An overall development plan of

Phu Quoc Island to 2010 and vision to 2020" the current state ofthe island has been positively changing

In 2013, economic growth rate of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached 24.68%, per capita income reached 71,910,000 VNDiperson The economic

structure is divided into 3 areas (Notification No 425 / TB-OG December 25,

~ Area: Agriculture, forestry and fishery produets reached 38,456, inereasing

2.3% compared with last year at the same period Total fishery products reached 161.107 tons: aquaculture production reached 841 tons.

~ Area Il: Industry ~ construction reached 18,53%, 2,92% lower in comparison with last year.

= Area Ill: Services and other sectors reached 43,02%, increasing 0,62%

compared with last year at the same period Total retail sales and services revenue in the area estimated at VND 12.003 billion, service revenue reached, ND 1.209 billion, accommodation also increased by 25% The domestic transport sector estimated 6.5 million visitors: with air transport is the most increase of 32,72% higher, 5,55% higher by navigation, road traffic 6.33 % lower and cargo transport reached over 6.500 million tons.

‘The total state budget revenues in 2013 reached VND 760,24 billion, People’s lives are improved, the poverty rate fell from 14% in 2004 to below 2% in 2013 Infrastructures have been invested and have been operation, such as International Airports Phu Quoc, and the international habour, transpontation systems and number of other infrastructure projects.

According to the conclusions of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung at the Preliminary Meeting implementation of Decision No 178/2004 / QD-TTg dated October 5, 2004 Rate of economic growth and stability, the average annual GDP

increase by 22% (4.91 times GDP in 2012 compared with 2004); GDP per capita

was 50 million / person / year, an increase of 5.78 times compared to 2004; tourist arrivals increased by an annual average of 13%; Revenue increased by an annual average of 36% (in 2012 reached 681 billion) (Notification No, 425 / TB-OG December 25, 2012).

Phu Quoc has many conditions for economic, culture, society development, particularly eco-tourism development Golden age accounted for about 40% of the

population, which attracted sector most labor intensive fisheries, agriculture and

forestry sectors, construction industry, ete đ) Construction and planning

‘The adjusted general master plan for Phu Quoc island to 2030 approved in the Decision 633/QD ~ TT dated May 11th, 2010 Phu Quoc with key functions including resorts, commercial zones, urban areas with urban area associated with scientific research, sport center, amusement parks with the potential of including

‘casino, international airport, international seaport with non-tariff zone attached,

According to Strategic Planning up to 2030, Phu Quoc is divided into 3 large metropolitan areas (Decision 633 / QD-TTg May 11, 2010)

= Cua Can urban area: 3,29km2 - 26.500 people

= Duong Dong urban center: 25,02km2 ~ 240.000 people

= An Thoi urban area: 10,20km2 ~ 71,000 people.

tract and develop investment projects inthe period 2005 -2010: According to Phu Quoc Development and Investment Management Authority

~ 75/250 project investment certificates, VND 52 337 billion invested.

= The project is not attached to the land or to invest in upgrading and

‘expanding existing facilites: VND 1,176 billion invested, 16 projects Projects in the area under the planning function: 49 projects, VND 51 161 billion invested.

- FDI projects: 18 projects, VND 31 971 billion invested There are 57 projects in the country: VND 20 366 billion in invested.

Established companies and development phase 2005 - 2010: Percentage increase in the number of annual business: 22.8% The average rate of increase of the registered capital is 85.6 annually

3.2 Freshwater Resources 3.2.1 Water Resources

a) Rainwater resources

Rainwater is the source of water surface reserves and groundwater on the Island, so the rainfall on the island is a very important factor in determining potential water resources of the Island; on the other hand rain water itself should also be collected by various means to domestic water use.

‘Annual rainfall is abundant on the Island., average is 2902 mm and quite

stable over the yeats Heavy rainfall and stable, with mountainous terrain

conditions are ideal conditions for the development, m: agement and

‘operation of small and medium reservoirs on Phu Quoc island,

‘otal rainfall for the month was 2.570 mm in the rainy season, accounting for 89% of annual rainfall Dry season rainfall of 332 mm, accounting for 11% of annual rainfall (NAWAPI 2010)

Table3.7: Rainfall distributions

Rainy season Dry season

Characteristic Years | Tom | % Toul %

Rainfall (mm) 2902 asm | ca mm "

Number of rain days | 174 Ne

(Source: NAWAPI }

b) Surface water resources

Rivers in Phu Quoc island are classified as small Northern has Tram river systems; island center has Cua Can river, Duong Dong river, Cai Lap

river; island southern has Suoi Lon river, Dam river In an Island river

network, the most important role is Cua Can river (basin area is 150km2), Duong Dong (basin area is 60km2)

Rivers and streams during the rainysson has big flow discharge, but in the dry season the flow ismall, some time dried up stream Rivers have the biggest flow in the dry season reached only 120.5 Us.

‘The reservoir was built in Duong Dong, effective capacity of 3.3

million m3,

Due to the uneven distribution of water resources, in the dry season,

local water shortages are offen happend Duong Dong town and An Thoi

town (NAWAPI 2010),

‘The assessment of water resources in rivers and Rivers on Phu Quoc island, based on the river flow datas measured at hydraulic constructions

According to Project * Research, evaluate the potential exploitation of surface

‘water sources serving water supply on Phu Quoc island” of Vietnam Acadeny for

Water resources in 2010; Survey results showed rainfall resources is abundant on

the Island, the average total flow years (from the rainfall) around 950 milion m*

(VAW 2010)

(Source: Tnttute of Water Resources Planning South)

©) Ground water resources

~ Ground water is abounding Shallow ground is evenly distributed over the area while true aquifer water in the northern part is more difficult; for instance, in Ganh Dau, two pits bored up to 30 - 40m in depth failed to produce water)

(NAWAPI 2010)

- Potential reserves groundwater is calculated by the water balance method

‘over Phu Quoc Island is 102.553m3 / day Unconfined aquifer about 77.211 m3/day, confined aquifer about 25.342 m3/day

‘The results calculated potential reserves throughout the region, summarized in the following table:

Table 3 + Reserve potential underground water

Potential reserves (m°/day)

Aquifer “Move reserve Static Total

T | Unconfined aquifer 60243 16967 T21

Potential reserves (m?/day)

Aquifer Move reserve Static Total

2 | Confined aquifer 1563 3714 Ba Toại T571 3663 [102553

(Source: NAWAPI)

3.2.2 Current status of exploitation and use of water resources

Currently, Phu Quoc island water resources are exploited to serve the needs, of socioeconomic development on the island, mainly of groundwater and surface water, Rainwater is exploited to serve a small amount of agricultural activities in rural and urban areas However, exploited water from rainfall and surface water are small percentage in comparison to the amount of ground water,

& Current state of works exploitation of water resources.

Phu Quoc Islan has 14.810 works exploitation and use of water resources

(NAWAPI 2010)

- Number of groundwater exploitation is 14.291 works, accounting for 96.5%; - The number of surface water exploitation 519 works accounting for 3.5%.

Tớ n HETNETMETNETNI-TNIETLINEET

Figure 3.8: Works classification of the exploitation and use of water resources

(Source: NAWAPI

standards, oriented socio ~ economic development of Phu Quoc island defined in

the following documents:

- Decision No 178/2004 / QD-TTạ, October 5, 2004 of the Prime Minister approving the Master Plan of Development for Phu Quoe Island, Kien Giang Province by 2010, with a vision to 2020;

- Decision No 1197/2005 / QD-TTe November 9, 2005 by the Prime Minister for approval, "The general planning of the construction of Phu Quốc Island, the province Kien Giang Province to 2020 ";

- Decision No 2200/2007 / QD-PPC, November 9, 2007 of the People’s

‘Committee of Kien Giang province approved "Plan for industrial development district of Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province 2006-2010, with a vision to 2020”

Water demand of sectors

= The water demand for domestic use in urban area is calculated according to

Vietnamese standard in the Decision so1197 / QD-TTg, November 9, 2005 of the Prime Minister: In 2010 - 2015: 110-120 1ý person/day;

= Water demand for public services, the amount of water loss and water

requirements of water treatment factory taken from QCXDVN 01: 2008 / BXD - Water losses as a percentage of domestic demand for the sector: domestic, tourism, industry, environment, public service over a period 2007 -2010: 20%; the period 2010 - 2020: 15%:

~ According to the technical process of fisheries, the aquaculture freshwater use of about 12.000m3 / ha / year.

~ Demand water for agriculture, including irrigation of erops and livestock eas, water demand is calculated based on QCXDVN 01 2008 / BXD is 40 m3/day/ ha Water demand for handicraft production took = For industrial a

10% of water demand activities

According to the calculation by NAWAPI, the total amount of fresh water is used for agricultural, tourism, manufacturing industry, aquaculture is about

18,282.10° m3/ year on the island in 2007.

‘Table 3.10: Synthesis using water of the sectors in 2007

‘ ‘Amount of water used wate

Results of calculations demand for water resources for soci

sectors throughout the island of Phu Quoc is synthesized for each industry in each planning period as the table below:

‘Table 3.11: Demand using water resources on Phu Quoc island

Environment 0800 | AGS] 5788| T935 OO | aR aT | TAG Tota 3982] 1397 | 39.301] 54293, TOO | Too | 100 | T89

(Source: NAWAPD,

‘Thus, the water use for about 34,56.10" m in 2012,

untreated directly into the environment Receiving wastewater is rivers and River

network on the island concentrated on rivers and streams in the area of Duong Dong,

and AnThoi, Ganh Dau and some rivers, small Rivers on the East part,

Currently, the island of Phu Quoc has only some residential areas, tourist, areas that have wastewater collection systems Wastewater is collected but not processed, because wastewater treatment systems on the island are in the testing

phase; therefore mainly wastewater discharged into rivers, Rivers and spill on the

‘ground and some discharged directly into the sea Currently, only Duong Dong

‘town has built sewerage system with the capacity of 70.000 m3/day rate of 80% of,

the total volume of wastewater of the town (NAWAPI 2010),

In Duong Dong town, waste water is collected through the general sewer system (wastewater and stormwater in the same pipe system), and then be discharged directly into the Duong Dong river; An Thoi town area is discharged directly into habour

‘The total volume of wastewater on Phu Quoc Island (NAWAPI 2010).

~ Domestic wastewater, and tourism wastewater, by 75% of the water used:

~ Wastewater from industrial areas by 60% of the water used 3.3 Challenges of water resources

For island developing freshwater resources will face a lot of problems, such

islands have additional as inadequate technical and financial capacity Howev

unique physical, population growth, economic development, greater susceptibility to natural disasters such as typhoons and isolation from the mainland that contribute further to the vulnerability of their water resources Environmental threats such as rapid development of the area, tourist expand, climate change, deforestation and natural disasters affect everyone (NAWAPI 2010),

3.3.1 Drought

Drought is the urgent problem of Phu Quoc island, due to water shortage during the dry season, Most of land capable for specialty crops such as cashew, but

due to lack of water itis difficult to expand and increase productivity Drought in the dry season and even during the rainy less rainfall years.

According to the local records, about 3-4 years has 1 year of water shortage

for production and domestic.

3.3.2 Inundation, flood

Due to the steep terrain, rainwater concentrates very quickly However, the dai ige time is short only for 1 and 2 days The flood-prone areas such as Cua Can, Duong Dong downriver, Howev , Duong Dong downriver flood situation has improved somewhat by the effect of upriver reservoir operation.

3.3.3 Pollution

In recent years the process of migration from the mainland to the island, and

the production and trading of local residents had indirect or direct negative impact ‘on the environment.

The exploitation of ground water excessively, leading to the underground water level is decreased; quality of ground water in coastal areas will be affected by

salinity Currently, the coastal resorts are using groundwater sources serving

demands The wastewater discharged directly into the environment.

Solid waste, currently only 60 % of waste generated in domestic area is

collected, the rest of the populations waste is self- treated or discharged into the natural environment, all waste collectors flock into 2 open landfills in the town of Duong Dong and An The town burned or buried Therefore, the water quality and ‘quantity will be affected

3.3.4, Saltwater intrusion

Annually, saltwater starts entering the estuary from the rivers and streams during the dry on (December) this isthe period when a combination of factors: rainfall is small, hight evaporation, flow on the rivers ate small and the period of high tides of the year Duration of the largest salt water intrusion usually oceurs in February, March, and then decreases with the increase of rainfall

3.3.5 Climate Change

intensity of extreme weather events Sea level rise, increased evaporation,

unpredictable precipitation and profonged droughts are just a few manifestations of

climate change that are directly impacting on the availability and quality of water Phu Quoc Island is situated in the region affected by climate change, sea water level ¢ will therefore alter the quantity and quality of water is effected Future water sources on the island can be changed and the risk of drought occurs 3.3.6 Rapid population growth

‘The fact that the majority of the Island's population is growth in the next few

decades, mainly on the urban areas As the island’s population grows, the demand

for water amounts and pressure on finite water resources intensifies Population ‘growth, immigrants from the mainland to the island, and this will impact water availability,

Water scarcity is measured in various ways, including water availablity per capita and percentage of water used While politcal, social, and economie factors all help determine access to water Population growth is a major contributor to

water scarcity Growth in population means mounting demand and competition for

water for domestic, industrial, and municipal uses Rapid population growth and urbanization could expose more people to water shortages, with negative implications for livelihoods, health, and security

‘Table 3.12: Summary of highlighted issues in water resources

Area ‘Summary of issues

~ Lack of elean drinking water in the dry season

Groundwater quality is not good

1 Tram River - Inundation, localized flooding occurs at some point

line intrusion into the river inthe dry season

- The isk of saltwater intrusion of underground

2 Của Can River

~ Inundation offen occurs in the rainy season

= Drought and water shortage in the dry season ~ Saline intrusion in the dry season.

3 Duong Dong River ~Taundation, localized flooding in the rainy season - Saline intrusion inthe dry season

4 Small River in the East, Saline intrusion inthe dry season

+= The tisk of saltwater intrusion of underground

5 Của Lap River

~ Drought, ivigalion water shomlages Inthe dry season

~ Saline intrusion inthe dry season

6 (Cau Sau- Suoi Lon River

~ Droughi, water shortages in the dry season

Saline intrusion into the river in the dry season

‘The risk of saltwater intrusion of underground

(Source: NAWAPI)

‘An assessment of the vulnerability of freshwater to environmental change in the islands, with approach was also presented based on methodological guidelines prepared by UNEP and Peking University (UNEP 2009)

Initially, methodology to a the vulnerability of freshwater resources to be developed for assessment of freshwater resources in the river basin, rather than of the island, The successful application of the method to the islands as the Pacific Islands, South Asia, West Asia, Africa and river basin as Mekong shows the flexibility of the method and the application of this method is necessary for the island in Vietnam.

Notably, itis considered that these changes reflect the limitations of applying indicators developed for river basins to Pacific islands and the unique nature of the vulnerability of island water resources, rather than differences in the level of vulnerability (UNEP 2012).

This approach is based on the application of the DPSIR (Drivers, Pres es, State, Impacts and Responses) analytical framework for assessing vulnerability index,

‘The UNEP (2009) vulnerability assessment methodology assumes that the

vulnerability of a system is dependent upon three aspects: stress, adaptation and

‘cooperation It is assumed that these aspects operate across four core components, namely.

~ Total water resource: Hydrological balance analysis before considering a water resource and use iL Thus, the establishment of water from natural hydrological processes in relation to global climate change, local biophysical conditions.

~ Water resource development and use: Analysis of water resource supply, the balance between supply and demand is essential Analysis of supply water

resources, the balance between supply and demand is essential Development of water resources through technical approach and the relationship between development and water resources, the support of water resources for economic

development, health development pressure components such as water extraction,

improved drinking water assess.

= Ecological Health: Water needs of economic development, water for

land domestic use, the economic sector, maintaining the ecological health of th

Ecosystem health is analyzed through degradation of ecosystems and water quality Environmental pollution as a consequence of the development and use of water

(pollution), more pollution affect the budget for water resources on the island.

~ Management and governance: Management capacity to focus on three

issues that are efficient water use, IWRM capacity, improving access to sanitation, ‘The capacity of water resource management has an important role in the development and use of water resources, The challenge of management and ‘governance should be assessed, evaluated trends of institutional and other factors in the management of freshwater resources,

‘This assessment approach recognizes that a sustainable freshwater systems

can only operate within a framework of integrated system combines both natural

and managed systems.

4.2 Diagnosis of Issues

To assess the vulnerability of freshwater resources in the Island, First of all, wwe need to collect the basic data from various sources related to the social economy situation, basic water resources, use and management of water resources In addition, the fieldtrip relevant to the region of the Island Then, possibly preliminary

assessment, diagnostic issues related to water resources The results of the initial

description will tell us the main functions and key issues related to water resources on the Island,