Israel’s water management: A global model

Despite being a water-scarce nation, Israel has emerged as a leader in water management, driven by an innovative approach that treats water as a strategic national asset. A key aspect of Israel’s success is its centralized water governance under the Israel Water Authority, which ensures efficient allocation across sectors. Israel has also developed cutting-edge technologies to maximize water efficiency, including desalination, wastewater recycling, and precision irrigation.

Seawater desalination plant in Ashkelon, Israel

One of Israel’s most remarkable achievements is its extensive use of desalination, with five large-scale desalination plants supplying nearly 80% of household water. At the same time, Israel recycles almost 90% of its wastewater for agricultural use, significantly reducing dependence on freshwater sources. Among the country’s most influential innovations is drip irrigation, a technology invented in the 1960s that delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste and evaporation while enhancing crop productivity. This system, now widely adopted worldwide, has revolutionized farming, particularly in arid regions.

According to the Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Yaron Mayer, Israel’s experience demonstrates that a combination of advanced technology, strong governance, and a conservation-oriented public mindset can turn water scarcity into abundance. These lessons are particularly relevant for Vietnam, where water-related challenges are becoming more acute.

Vietnam’s water challenges and the need for innovation

Vietnam, known for its fertile deltas and abundant rivers, is paradoxically facing increasing water insecurity. The country grapples with multiple threats, including saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta, which jeopardizes rice production; pollution from industrialization and urbanization, affecting both surface and groundwater quality; and droughts and water shortages, especially in central and southern regions. Given these challenges, adopting modern water technologies and integrated management approaches is essential.

According to Mr. Nguyen Minh Khuyen, Deputy Director General of the Department of Water Resources Management (DWRM), Vietnam is now shifting towards a more proactive water management strategy, focusing on efficient water use, conservation, and technological solutions. This shift is particularly important as Vietnam faces a growing water demand that is expected to increase by 32% by 2030, placing further stress on available resources.

According to the Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Yaron Mayer, Israel’s experience demonstrates that a combination of advanced technology, strong governance, and a conservation-oriented public mindset can turn water scarcity into abundance

Israel has already played a role in supporting Vietnam’s efforts to improve water management. Through MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, Israeli water technologies have been introduced to Vietnam’s agricultural sector. Universities such as Vietnam National University of Agriculture and Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry have received advanced irrigation systems from Israel, serving as demonstration models for research and training. In addition, Israeli short-term training programs on water management have benefited Vietnamese specialists and policymakers.

The Embassy of Israel previously collaborated with the former Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, to address urgent water security issues, particularly in the Mekong Delta. Severe saltwater intrusion in 2023 highlighted the need for sustainable water use and recycling technologies, prompting discussions on expanding Israel’s water solutions in Vietnam. The Israeli Ambassador noted that the application of Israeli irrigation and desalination technology could significantly help Vietnam mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture.

Most recently, an agreement was reached between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Vingroup to introduce Israeli modern irrigation technologies to ten Vietnamese provinces, demonstrating the growing interest in water-smart solutions

Expanding Vietnam-Israel cooperation in water security

As Vietnam and Israel strive to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6—ensuring sustainable water management and sanitation—deepening cooperation between the two countries could bring significant benefits. Key areas for expansion include technological adoption, research collaboration, and policy development.

Scaling up Israeli water-saving technologies in Vietnam: Given Vietnam’s vulnerability to droughts and saline intrusion, integrating advanced water solutions such as drip irrigation, smart sensors, and wastewater recycling systems into agricultural and industrial sectors could significantly improve water efficiency. According to Israeli Ambassador Yaron Mayer, these technologies have already proven successful in countries with similar climatic conditions, making them highly relevant to Vietnam’s water challenges.

Developing joint research programs: Collaboration between Vietnamese and Israeli universities in water science and engineering would accelerate knowledge exchange, foster technological innovation, and develop tailored solutions for Vietnam’s water security. By leveraging Israel’s expertise in research and technology, Vietnam could enhance its scientific capabilities and advance sustainable water management strategies.

Drip irrigation system donated by MASHAV to Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry

Enhancing policy dialogues on water governance: Vietnam can learn from Israel’s experience in centralizing water management to improve efficiency and sustainability. Mr. Nguyen Minh Khuyen, Deputy Director General of the Department of Water Resources Management, emphasized that strengthening institutional frameworks and legal mechanisms for water resource management is now a priority for Vietnam. Closer cooperation in this field could help Vietnam refine its policies and governance structures, ensuring more effective water resource management.

By adopting Israel’s innovative water management strategies and fostering stronger partnerships, Vietnam can work toward a more resilient and sustainable water future. As Ambassador Yaron Mayer noted, water security is not just a national issue but a global challenge that requires shared solutions and collaborative efforts. Strengthening Vietnam-Israel cooperation in this critical sector would contribute to long-term sustainability and mutual development for both nations.

Minh Hanh - Ngoc Huyen