Climate Change-Related Migration in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam — Challenges to Regional Sustainable Development

Phan Thi Phuong Anh; Dang Thi Minh Phuong; Ngo Minh Hiep; Nguyen Thi Tuy; Bui Thi Huyen

doi:10.22162/2619-0990-2025-80-4-821-835

Climate Change-Related Migration in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam — Challenges to Regional Sustainable Development

Phan Thi Phuong Anh, Dang Thi Minh Phuong, Ngo Minh Hiep, Nguyen Thi Tuy, Bui Thi Huyen

https://doi.org/10.22162/2619-0990-2025-80-4-821-835

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Abstract

Introduction. The Mekong Delta of Vietnam (VMD) is a key agricultural region vital for national food security. In recent years, the region has faced significant outmigration driven by economic challenges and climate change impacts, such as droughts, saltwater intrusion, and extreme weather events. Goals. This study examines the relationship between climate change and migration in the VMD and its implications for sustainable regional development. Methods. Using a political-environmental perspective, the paper analyzes quantitative and qualitative data from the 2019 Population and Housing Census and the 2022 Mekong Delta Economic Annual Report. Migration patterns, demographic shifts, and regional development indicators are assessed to understand how environmental stressors influence human mobility. Results. Findings reveal that climate change is a major driver of migration reshaping population structures, labor supply, and the region’s long-term development capacity. Over 1.3 million people migrated from the VMD in the past decade, posing challenges to demographic stability and socio-economic resilience. Conclusions. The study recommends strengthening climate-adaptive sustainable development policies and enhancing local human resource capacity. These measures aim to stabilize migration, promote inclusive development, and ensure climate-resilient growth in the Mekong Delta.

Keywords

Mekong Delta of Vietnam (VMD), migration, climate change, sustainable development, policy, human resources.

About the Authors

Phan Thi Phuong Anh

Can Tho University (3/2 St., Tan An Ward, 94000 Can Tho, Socialist Republic of Vietnam)
Вьетнам

PhD (Political Science), Lecturer

Dang Thi Minh Phuong

Industrial University (12, Nguyen Van Bao St., Hanh Thong Ward, 700000 Ho Chi Minh, Socialist Republic of Vietnam)
Вьетнам

PhD (History), Lecturer

Ngo Minh Hiep

Университет Дуй Тан, Институт социально-экономических исследований (254, ул. Нгуен Ван Линь, 550000 Дананг, Вьетнам)
Вьетнам

Duy Tan University (254, Nguyen Van Linh St., 550000 Danang, Socialist Republic of Vietnam)

Nguyen Thi Tuy

University of Finance – Marketing (UFM) (778, Nguyen Kiem St., Duc Nhuan Ward, 70000 Ho Chi Minh, Socialist Republic of Vietnam)
Вьетнам

PhD (History), Lecturer

Bui Thi Huyen

University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) (279, Nguyen Tri Phuong St., Dien Hong Ward, 700000 Ho Chi Minh, Socialist Republic of Vietnam)
Вьетнам

PhD (History), Lecturer

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Review

For citations:

Phuong Anh P., Minh Phuong D., Minh Hiep N., Thi Tuy N., Thi Huyen B. Climate Change-Related Migration in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam — Challenges to Regional Sustainable Development. Oriental Studies. 2025;18(4):821-835. https://doi.org/10.22162/2619-0990-2025-80-4-821-835

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