Cambodia digging the Funan Techo canal will upset the Western ecosystem

The Funan Techo Canal from the Mekong River to the Gulf of Thailand will cause a shortage of fresh water resources, increase saltwater intrusion, and upset the ecosystem in Western Vietnam, according to experts.

On May 19, 2023, the Cambodian Council of Ministers approved the Tonle Bassac Navigation and Logistics System project, also known as Funan Techo Canal, after 26 months of research. The canal is expected to be 180 km long, connecting from Prek Takeo on the Mekong River to Prek Ta Ek and Prek Ta Hing on the Bassac River, then emptying into the Gulf of Thailand in southwestern Cambodia. The canal flows through 4 provinces including Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Kep, both sides have about 1.6 million people living.

Funan Techo Canal route direction. Graphics: Khanh Hoang

The project is expected to have a width of 100 m upstream, 80 m downstream, and a depth of 5.4 m, allowing cargo ships with a total load of up to 3,000 tons to sail. in the dry season, 5,000 tons in the rainy season.

The project has a total estimated cost of 1.7 billion USD, including three waterway dams, 11 bridges and 208 km of secondary roads. party, expected to be implemented by Chinese company CRBC in the form of build - operate - transfer. According to plan, the canal will start construction at the end of this year, operating in 2028.

Dr. Le Anh Tuan, Main Lecturer of Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Can Tho University, said that when the Funan Techo channel is formed, it will definitely have a negative impact on the Mekong Delta. However, the level of impact depends on the scale and purpose of the canal's formation and construction.

On the other hand, according to Dr. Tuan,