Vietnam, UNDP fortify coastal communities against climate change
Over 25,000 Vietnamese residents in seven coastal localities are now safeguarded by storm-and flood-resistant homes thanks to a project on improving resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to climate change in Vietnam.
A natural disaster-resistant house built for residents in Hue city (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Over 25,000 Vietnamese residents in seven coastal localities are now safeguardౠed by storm-and flood-resistant homes thanks to a project on improving resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to climate change in Vietnam.
The project, which runs from 2017 to 2024, also restored 4,028 ha of mangrove forests and installed early warning systems in 24 high-risk communes.
A joint effort between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Vietnamese Government, it targets Nam Dinh, Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh, Hue, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai and Ca Mau, known for their high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.
With a substantial investment of 42 million USD from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Vietnamese Government, the project has constructed 4,966 safe homes, offering a new lease on life to communities often at the mercy of nature's fury, said Deputy Director Nguyen Van Tien from the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
But the project's impact extends far beyond housing. It has also restored 4,028 ha of mangrove forests, which act as a natural shield against storm surges and coastal flooding and absorb over 1.1 million tonnes of CO2, directly contributing to Vietnam’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Empowerment is another key pillar of the project. It has fostered sustainable livelihood models, ensuring communities can not only survive but also thrive amid climate adversity. Additionally, it has trained over 62,000 officials and residents, with nearly half being women, in disaster risk management, enhancing local preparedness and response capability.
Vu Thai Truong, head of the Environment and Climate Change Unit at UNDP Vietnam, highlighted the project's role in shaping 10 policy documents on climate change adaptation from the Government and relevant ministries. These include the National Target Programme on Sustainable Poverty Reduction Programme for the 2021-2025 period, the Prime Minister’s decision on community-based disaster risk management, along with national strategies and plans.
UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to continue assisting Vietnam in building sustainable communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against climate change.
Looking ahead, stakeholders are set to build on the project’s success by focusing on the national programme for community-based disaster risk management. They plan to leverage the data and software developed through the project to expand the integration of the early warning system, which currently operates 24 stations across seven localities, into the national early warning network. This integration will also pave the way for the insurance sector to develop products that mitigate risk in agriculture./.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha received Boris Yuryevich Titov, Special Envoy of the Russian President for relations with International Organisations for the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in Hanoi on January 15 afternoon.
The People's Committee of Thua Thien-Hue province, in collaboration with the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, on December 19 launched two climate adaptation projects with a combined budget of 12 million USD.
Nature-based projects implemented by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Vietnam in the Mekong Delta region have helped support local residents to adapt to climate change, heard at a workshop which is part of The Mekong Connect Forum 2024 held in Mekong Delta province of An Giang on December 17.
Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
