Quang Ngai to have two climate-resilient urban areas

The plan aims to facilitate Vietnam’s active response to climate change, promote the efficient use of natural resources in upgrading and developing urban areas and effectively reduce air, water and soil pollution in accordance to international standards.

It is also to review and supplement legal documents related to urban classification, urban planning, management of investment in urban development amid increasing risks posed by climate change; and enhance coordination among ministries, governmental agencies and local administrations in managing climate-resilient urban areas.

The plan shall be implemented in 63 cities and provinces nationwide, with focusing on those prone to floods, flash floods, and landslide in the northern mountainous, central coastal, southeast and Central Highlands regions.

Flood control systems in urban areas shall be also developed, including dredging, renovating drainages, building dykes and large-scale underground water storage works. Solutions such as relocation for affected people and floating houses will also be considered.

Quang Ngai province has two urban areas of Quang Ngai city and Duc Pho town to carry out this plan.

Vietnam in general and Quang Ngai province in particular are extremely vulnerable to climate change impacts given its extensive coastline and river deltas, and highlands that have poor water retention capacity and are susceptible to severe erosion.

Each year, increasingly intense and unpredictable weather events cause fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure, such as schools and health centres, and impact on the livelihoods of already disadvantaged communities in urban and rural areas.

To effectively cope with climate change and boost sustainable development, a ten-year climate-resilient urban development plan is very necessary for Viet Nam in the current situation.

Hoang Le