A delegation from the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) led by its Minister Nguyen Minh Quang is attending the 6th World Water Forum in Marseille, France, from March 12-16.

The WWF, co-organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the International Network of River Basin Organizations (RIOB), provides a platform for RIOB members and observers to find the best solutions for developing and improving management of basins of 276 rivers, lakes and ponds as well as strengthening international cooperation in this field.

The forum attracts around 20,000 delegates from 140 countries and territories who will listen to reports presented by around 800 speakers at 300 meetings and discussions.

Reports focus on key issues, such as strengthening the enforcement of policies and laws on water at the local, regional and international levels, signing new documents to improve the management of surface and underground water resources, and developing and improving international cooperation mechanisms.

Creating sustainable financial mechanisms for trans-national organizations, training managers and law-makers, drafting cooperative documents among river basin organizations, and sharing information and data in this field are also high on the agenda.

Participants will present initiatives and solutions to overcome current difficulties to sign an international treaty on management of river and lake basins which is expected to be inked on March 16.

The Vietnamese delegation is scheduled to meet with the French Minister for Cooperation and Development and the European Commissioner for Environment.