1 VETIVER SYSTEM FOR NATURAL DISASTER MITIGATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN VIETNAM- AN OVERVIEW

The use of Vetiver grass for natural disaster mitigation in Vietnam has become very popular despite the fact it has been introduced into Vietnam for such purpose only 5-6 years ago and it was met with considerable skepticism at the beginning. However, thanks to the faith and efforts of some Vietnamese enthusiasts and believers, the grass is now known throughout the country and is in use practically in nearly 40 provinces (out of the total 64). It is planted in a very wide range of soil types and climatic conditions, from very cold winter in the North, very hot summer-cold winter, pure sand in Central Vietnam to acid sulfate soil, saline soil in the Mekong Delta. The widest application of the VS is for river bank, irrigation canal, river and sea dyke erosion control, cut slope stabilization along highways. But it is also used for sand dune stabilization, reduction of soil erosion on sloping farm land due to surface runoff, reduction of flood damages etc. And very recently, several trials have been made in using VS for wastewater and pollution control, for reclamation of contaminated and toxic soils etc. Many lessons have been drawn out on the use of Vetiver grass, including its advantages and disadvantages as well as comparison with other, either rigid, ineffective, expensive, environmental-unfriendly structural measures or traditional bio-engineering approach. A plan to compile a manual on the use of Vetiver grass for natural disaster mitigation is now being implemented and it is expected to be complete by the end of 2006. 1.