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This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of sea level variations around the Mekong Delta, and their causes and consequences on the environment, based on the tidal records from several stations. The results of the analysis revealed significant spatio-temporal sea level variations along the delta coast. Tidal fluctuations showed their local peaks around the river mouth with shallow bottom areas. The prevailing winds were identified as the factor governing the remarkable seasonal variability of the mean sea levels along the southern coast of the delta. From 1985 to 2010, the relative sea level along the southern coast of the delta rose by about 3.3 mm y -1 . This rate of rise combined with the effect of land subsidence renders the Mekong Delta alarmingly susceptible to frequent inundation. Moreover, the immediate impacts, including saline intrusion and occasional inundation due to seasonal sea level fluctuation, are also found to be critical and require urgent attention. These findings suggest the need to revise coastal management strategies to prioritize the immediate effects of short-term sea level fluctuations and to increase the focus on local management issues such as groundwater pumping causing land subsidence and local sea level trends in addition to the global threats.

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The Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) comprises extensive river and canal networks, both natural and man‐made, and has a history of extensive land use change and development. The delta's wetlands are under considerable ecological stress because of hydrological changes, agricultural and aquaculture development, urban and industrial pollution, climate change, and upstream water resource development. In this paper, we review the current threats and challenges to the conservation and management of the wetlands in the VMD. We recommend that the current water management practices of the Ramsar‐listed Lang Sen Wetland Reserve are changed so that the natural flood regimes are reinstated and the risks to the community from forest fires are managed. Ongoing investment is needed to support further research, set up long‐term monitoring, and to develop hydrodynamic models for the Lang Sen Wetland Reserve so that management and conservation efforts can achieve the specific objectives for the wetland. This approach may be useful for managing other wetlands across the VMD.

Abstract. The Mekong Delta is the most important food production area in Vietnam. Salinity intrusion during the dry season poses a serious threat to agricultural production and local livelihoods. A seasonal forecast of salinity intrusion is required in order to mitigate the negative effects. This communication present a simple statistical seasonal forecast model able to predict the salinity intrusion up to 9 months ahead with high skill. The model can thus be used as a basis for timely adaptation and mitigation planning, which is urgently needed for the imminent severe salinity intrusion expected in spring 2020.