Abstract

The objective of this research is to develop a “livelihood model” in the combination with the local industrial activities for the community in the “Nang” canal, Tien Giang province. The proposed model is developed on the basis of the current state of existing livelihood conditions, taking advantages of available natural conditions and additional resources (e.g., waste streams) and also the application of zero-emission techniques to the system with purpose to form a closed eco-model at the area. The proposed system is applied at the local households and the Long Giang industrial park in “Tan Lap 1” commune, Tan Phuoc district, Tien Giang province. The major proposed eco-solutions include: (1) reuse of the wastewater after being treated (achieved QCVN 40:2011/BTNMT, column A) by the centralized wastewater treatment plant of Long Giang IZ, and lead this wastewater go to the ditches in the cajuput forest nearby (green area of the industrial park) for the aquaculture purpose (feeding freshwater fish); and (2) fish products is then used to produce fertilizers served for the cultivation activities of local people in the Nang canal area. The study results showed that the developed model has contributed to create 3 additional new types of livelihoods for local community (aquaculture, composting, beekeeping), and thus supported to maintain of sustainable existing livelihoods, to increase the income of about 121,010,000 VND/year for people, as well as to contribute to the protection and reasonable use of water resources in the region. The model under study, as a circular economy model, could be considered as a suitable livelihood model for people in the Nang canal area in particular, and aldo for those areas in Mekong delta with similar conditions in general.