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| Mr. Gal Saf, Commercial Counselor of the Embassy of Israel in Vietnam. (Source: Embassy of Israel in Vietnam) |
World Water Day 2023 with the theme “Driving Change” aims to encourage people to change from small actions in the way they use, consume and manage water resources. How do you evaluate the significance of this theme for Vietnam?
Israel has long incorporated into its culture a philosophy about water that “every drop counts”. For an arid, water-scarce country like Israel, water is an indispensable part of human existence and the basis for everything else such as agriculture , infrastructure, etc.
For Vietnam, this change and perspective comes quite late, as Vietnam has traditionally been a land of abundant water with a large number of rivers and lakes. This can confuse people about the actual need to be careful with water consumption.
In Israel, every child knows to turn off the tap when brushing their teeth or to turn off any tap on the street if it is leaking. When we understand that water is a shared resource and that if everyone conserves water, everyone benefits from cleaner, more controlled water, you will see change.
Could you tell us about the water management policy or model in Israel to help the country overcome water scarcity and difficult climatic conditions?
Israel is an arid country, about 60% of our land area is desert and water resources are extremely scarce. Furthermore, according to studies, Israel is very vulnerable to the effects of climate change and is expected to face a serious phase in the next few years.
Very early on, in the 1950s, we understood that we could not wait for good climate years or resources to buy water from outside, we would have to own our own solutions and implement a comprehensive national water strategy.
This strategy involves government -private sector collaboration, aiming to introduce regulations, invest in research and development (R&D), invest heavily in national and regional infrastructure, and promote private companies to bring solutions to market.
In doing so, Israel has become a world leader in desalinating seawater, reusing brackish water and wastewater in agriculture and industry, and implementing water-saving methods such as drip irrigation and water-saving faucets in everyday life, from kitchen faucets to showers.
| "When we understand that water is a shared resource and if everyone saves water, everyone benefits from cleaner, more tightly controlled water, you will see change," said Mr. Gal Saf, Commercial Counselor of the Embassy of Israel in Vietnam. |
Israel is a leading country in the field of high-tech water management. Could you share some experiences about water use and water management technology in Israel?
Israel uses desalination plants, recycled water and advanced water treatment technology to ensure safe drinking water and other uses.
95% of wastewater in Israel is treated and 86% of it is reused for agriculture and industry. This means that on the one hand these industries get fresh and clean water to use, but on the other hand drinking water is not wasted.
Israel has built the world's largest desalination plant and 70% of the water Israelis drink comes from the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, Israeli companies have used technology and innovation to innovate and reduce the average national water loss rate to 10% in recent years, compared to the global average of around 30%.
Last but not least, since Israel is always short of water, our companies have created technology based on a revolutionary concept: extracting water from the air. The process is simple, efficient and can produce at least 800 liters of water per day.
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| Sorek desalination plant in Israel. (Source: israel21c) |
How have Vietnam and Israel cooperated in water resources management and what should our two countries do to further promote cooperation in this field?
Water efficiency has always been a part of the long-standing cooperation between Vietnam and Israel. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993, the two countries have worked together to develop innovative solutions to meet the water needs of both countries.
Notable events include a bilateral forum on trade and technology cooperation between the two countries. The State of Israel, represented by the Agency for International Cooperation and Development (MASHAV), and the Mekong River Commission (MRC) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in groundwater management and development, helping to enhance the capacity of technical staff of the MRC and its members.
Vietnamese officials regularly visit Israel to attend short courses on irrigation and water resources management. Water-saving drip irrigation systems and recirculating aquaculture filtration systems funded by Israel have been introduced to universities in Vietnam for teaching purposes, such as the Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry.
In particular, Israeli experts have come to Vietnam to advise on projects related to water resources. Most recently, in November 2022, experts from the Israel Water Authority and British experts discussed with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development a program to support water management in the Mekong Delta.
In addition, the Israel Economic and Commercial Chamber in Vietnam organizes a number of annual business presentations and seminars in Vietnamese provinces, as well as supporting delegations visiting Israel and Vietnam. In the private sector, the best Israeli water companies have working relationships with major Vietnamese agricultural companies and corporations to deploy Israeli technology in Vietnam.
To further promote cooperation between Vietnam and Israel in the field of water management, it is important that both countries continue to develop joint projects and initiatives focusing on water conservation, reuse and management.
In addition, Israel has some of the most advanced solutions in this field, such as advanced sensors, satellite imagery and other technologies to monitor water levels and water quality. Most of these projects have not been implemented in Vietnam but can help Vietnam better manage its water resources and better cope with floods and droughts.
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| Israeli and Vietnamese experts at the inauguration of the water filtration system installed by Israel at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry. (Source: Embassy of Israel in Vietnam) |
How can Israel's specific water solutions and technologies be applied in Vietnam's agriculture, production and daily life?
The Embassy of Israel in Vietnam is committed to supporting the country's efforts to improve access to clean water and reduce water scarcity.
Our water solutions and technologies can help improve water quality, reduce water waste, and increase water efficiency. Notable examples include automated leak detection and repair systems that can significantly reduce non-revenue water (NRW); data management systems and tools that help cities and organizations not only gain a centralized view of their water systems, but also make data-driven decisions and cost-effective infrastructure within existing systems; and advanced irrigation systems (such as wireless Internet of Things systems) that can not only reduce water use, but also farm costs, labor hours, and maintenance costs.
I believe that most of Israel's solutions are suitable for Vietnam's growing needs in the water sector and I am pleased to see more and more cooperation in recent years between Israel and Vietnam.
The Israel Economic and Commercial Chamber in Vietnam will continue to support businesses of the two countries wishing to cooperate and explore business opportunities in this field.
Thank you!
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