International Scientific Workshop on PLUME: “Preliminary Results of the PLUME Survey and Action Plans”

22/04/2026

On April 14–15, 2026, in Hanoi, the Institute of Science, Technology and Environmental Economics (ISTEE) under Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) organized the International Scientific Workshop on PLUME with the theme “Preliminary Results of the PLUME Survey and Action Plans.” The workshop was held within the framework of international cooperation between VAST and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) on the study of land–sea material transport (River Plume) and its impacts on the coastal marine environment and ecosystems of Vietnam.

Overview of the International Scientific Workshop on PLUME

Attending the workshop were Prof.Acad. Chu Hoang Ha – Vice President of VAST; H.E. Olivier Brochet – Ambassador of the French Republic to Vietnam; Dr. Le Quynh Lien – Head of the Department of Training and International Cooperation; Assoc.Prof. Dr. Do Van Manh – Director of the Institute of Science, Technology and Environmental Economics; along with Vietnamese and French scientists who participated in the survey aboard the research vessel ANTEA.

The workshop aimed to review the preliminary results of the joint Vietnam–France survey conducted aboard the ANTEA nearly two years ago. This was a large-scale marine research campaign lasting 42 days along the coastal areas of Vietnam, with the participation of nearly 60 scientists and observations conducted at 77 survey stations. The program collected more than 2 tons of samples and over 100 GB of field data to support research on land-to-sea material transport and its impacts on coastal ecosystems.

Prof.Acad. Chu Hoang Ha delivering the opening remarks

In his opening remarks, Prof.Acad. Chu Hoang Ha emphasized that the PLUME program is evidence of effective cooperation between Vietnamese and French scientists in marine and environmental research, while contributing to strengthening scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.

H.E. Olivier Brochet speaking at the workshop

Ambassador Olivier Brochet highly appreciated the initial results of the PLUME program and considered the project a demonstration of effective scientific cooperation between the two countries, especially in the context of global challenges related to climate change and marine environmental protection.

Within the framework of the workshop, scientists presented approximately 20 scientific reports on topics such as the hydrodynamics of the Red River and Mekong River waters, modeling of the East Sea coastline, distribution of microplastics and pollutants in the coastal environment, as well as studies on coastal circulation and the distribution of chemical elements in the surveyed area.

The preliminary research results are expected to provide an important scientific basis for the development of sustainable coastal management policies, protection of marine ecosystems, and effective responses to future environmental changes.