The Đồng Văn Karst Plateau consists of four districts, namely, Đồng Văn, Meo Vac, and Yên Minh in the North of Vietnam. Due to the topographical, climatic, hydrologic, and geologic conditions, the water supply in this area is extremely difficult. The karstic landscape of this mountainous region leads to a stormwater discharge into widely branched cave systems as well as into deep valleys and canyons.
These water bodies are located between 600 and 800 m underneath the settlement areas. Therefore, the river and groundwater can only be utilized if the huge conveying altitudes and distances can be managed. Combined with the concentration of rainfall during three or four months in summer, which is typical for South-East Asia, this leads to an enormous water shortage in the area during the dry season.
The Đồng Văn Karst Plateau was declared as “National Geopark” in 2010. Though the hereby expected increase in tourism in the region provides opportunities for economic development, the water supply problem could be intensified.
To cope with the difficult situation of water supply in karst areas, it is inevitable to realize sustainable water management as well as to develop innovative and adapted concepts and technologies. To approach this challenge, the target of the KaWaTech project is the elaboration of a concept applicable for similar areas exemplified in the karst region of North Vietnam.