U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Welcomes Delegates from Vietnam and World Bank for Nature-Based Solutions Tour

Delegates from the World Bank and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam recently embarked on a study tour in the United States, specifically visiting with personnel from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The tour, known as the Vietnamese Delegation Study Tour: Nature-Based Solutions, took place on June 3 and 4, 2024.

The purpose of the visit was to exchange best practices in nature-based solutions for large river systems, with a focus on water resources management in both the U.S. and Vietnam. The tour included visits to various USACE districts and divisions, such as the New Orleans District, Jacksonville District, Mississippi Valley Division, the Pacific Ocean Division, and USACE Headquarters.

During their time in the U.S., the delegates received briefings and toured key sites, including the Bonnet Carre’ Spillway and the Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion, both integral parts of the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project aimed at managing flood risk in the Lower Mississippi River Valley.

Additionally, the delegates visited The Water Institute in Baton Rouge and the Louisiana State University Center for River Studies, where they learned about research and initiatives related to river systems and environmental challenges.

These engagements are part of ongoing efforts by the USACE to share best practices in water management and sustainable development with countries like Vietnam. The exchange of knowledge and collaboration in nature-based water management not only benefits the participating nations but also contributes to global efforts in environmental diplomacy and community resilience. The delegates expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas, highlighting the importance of such collaborations for the future of sustainable natural-resource management.