Vũ Hoa

HÀ NỘI — As Việt Nam faces rising climate threats and a surging economy, water governance is no longer just good practice, it’s a matter of national survival. Recognising the urgency, leading businesses are stepping up with creative, 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 on Tuesday under the theme 'Strengthening water governance and conservation for sustainable development and climate resilience.' Organised by the Việt Nam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) under the Việt Nam 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.

Despite an estimated annual surface water volume of 830–840 billion cubic metres and underground reserves of up to 63 billion cubic metres, more than 60 per cent of Việt Nam’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 Vice Chairman of VCCI and Chairman of VBCSD Nguyễn Quang Vinh. “Many companies in Việt Nam 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 reputation, accessing green finance and meeting global ESG standards.”

Several major firms were spotlighted. Nestlé Việt Nam has pledged to return 100 per cent of the water used in production to communities and nature by 2025. HEINEKEN Việt Nam offsets more than 690 million litres annually by planting forests and protecting biodiversity in the Tiền River basin. BAT Việt Nam and Samsung Việt Nam have achieved Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) certification at their factories, while Suntory Pepsico Việt Nam continues its long-running Water of Life programme.

However, Vinh warned that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) 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.

Industry voices and water security risks

From the business perspective, Head of Sustainability at HEINEKEN Việt Nam, Nguyễn Hữu Hoàng, said water and nature conservation are central to the company’s long-term strategy. Through multilateral partnerships, HEINEKEN has achieved water balance in the Tiền River basin five years ahead of schedule. He called it “a milestone in our journey ‘For a Better Việt Nam,’ demonstrating the power of collective action among businesses, government, civil society and communities in tackling environmental challenges.” 

Experts echoed these concerns. Water Programme Director at WWF-Việt Nam Hoàng Việt stressed that water is not only a natural resource but also the foundation of food, energy and livelihoods. He warned that climate change, unsustainable exploitation and pollution are compounding global scarcity risks. Tools such as WWF’s Water Risk Filter and the Water Stewardship framework, he said, can help companies and localities in Việt Nam identify risks, adapt proactively and generate long-term value.

Deputy Director of the Department of Water Resources Management under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Nguyễn Minh Khuyến, said water demand has tripled in the past 50 years due to population growth, industrialisation and urbanisation. 

By 2030, demand is forecast at 122.47 billion cubic metres annually, rising to 131.7 billion by 2050. Meanwhile, pollution is rising and conflicts over water use are increasing. Productivity also lags, with each cubic metre of water generating just US$2.37 in economic output, only 12 per cent of the global average of US$19.42.

"Việt Nam’s national water security rating is just two out of five, lower than Indonesia and far behind South Korea and Australia. Water is a valuable asset but is not fully priced or protected, leading to waste and weak awareness,” Khuyến said.

To address this, the ministry is developing measures against drought, salinity intrusion and water pollution; building a national water resources database; publishing annual water scenarios from 2025; and proposing projects to restore sources and enhance storage capacity. He stressed that public-private partnerships (PPP) are essential.

“PPP not only mobilises capital but also brings advanced technology and management expertise,” he added.

Launched in 2018, VBCSD-VCCI’s Sharing for Sustainability programme has become an annual platform connecting policy, business and the press. By updating journalists on the latest policies and sustainable development practices, it aims to strengthen reporting and inspire closer collaboration with the business community.

This year’s discussions highlighted the urgent need for collective responsibility in safeguarding water resources. As businesses, government, NGOs and the media work together, Việt Nam’s water security can be better protected — ensuring that this vital resource continues to sustain the nation’s people, economy and ecosystems. — VNS