The project “Collective Actions for Water Conservation” (CAWACON), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with CECR as the coordinating agency is currently being implemented in Hanoi and Da Nang. The 5 major components of the project in Da Nang include (1) Preventing water pollution at the Tho Quang fishing port; (2) Building a sustainable residential area model; (3) Promoting smart water use and water reuse initiatives to approach the circular economy; (4) Coordinating in implementing activities of the Coordination Board for Integrated Management of Vu Gia – Thu Bon river basin and Quang Nam – Da Nang coastal area; (5) Coordinating in implementing the Environmental City Project 2021-2023 in Da Nang and environmental education communication activities.

From July 7~12, 2022, more than a year after the signing of the MOU and the start of the project, CECR has conducted a field visit to Da Nang. The goal of the visit is to carry out an overall assessment of activities within the frame of the CAWACON project, ensure that activities are carried out effectively, discuss the sustainability of the project in the future, as well as to visit the water conservation models within the project framework.

Participating in the field trip were: Mr. Nguyen Khac Hung – Director of CECR, along with the Deputy Directors of CECR; Mr. Hoang Duong Tung – Former Deputy Director of the Vietnam Environment Administration; as well as CAWACON officers and VIWACON network members.

CECR had arranged a meeting with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment in Da Nang – the local coordination agency, to update and discuss the process and future actions for the project. The meeting ended with activities being updated, difficulties in the implementation process were discussed with given solutions, and the orientation was set for the final phase of the project.

The group also visited the project’s inspection points to assess the implementation situation for more reasonable adjustments and plans in the future: (1) Water reuse system at Sandy Beach resort; (2) Tho Quang fishing port; (3) Sustainable residential model implement area in Thanh Khe and Hoa Vang district.

The field trip ended with many potential results for new ideas and future decisions to improve project implementation, adding valuable contributions to the community.