Today, city authorities from Hue, Vietnam, met with technical partners from the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) to discuss the progress of a critical climate adaptation project aimed at protecting the riverbank of the Hen Dune from flood and erosion. Hue city administration experts were led by Mr Phan Thien Dinh (Hue Party Secretary) and Mr. Tran Song (City Vice Chairman). The Association of Cities of Vietnam (ACVN) was represented by Secretary General, Mr Ngo Trun Hai. From the GCoM side, the Global Secretariat (Piero Remitti), the Regional Asia Team (Thao Nguyen, Pablo Gándara) and the GCoM SEA Secretariat (Hendra Adi, Rendy Primrizqi). Technical experts included Nguyen Sy Linh (ISPONRE) and Steven Petit (OMGEVING).
The GCoM project has developed a conceptual design that incorporates nature-based solutions (NbS), specifically focusing on the use of bamboo walls and sediment capture structures, known as “porcupines.” These innovative measures, if implemented, are expected to stabilize the riverbanks and enhance the ecological resilience of both urban and rural landscapes in the region.
This project is the result of a detailed collaboration between EU and Vietnamese experts, who have produced a comprehensive technical sketch for the proposed interventions. The study also includes an in-depth analysis of the institutional governance necessary for project implementation, along with potential funding sources.
During the meeting, participants highlighted the significant benefits of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) at both city and neighborhood scales, particularly in addressing the growing challenges of flooding, river erosion, and increased rainfall due to climate change. The discussion underscored the importance of involving relevant government departments and building robust support among local stakeholders. Emphasising the need to prioritize the local community, the participants agreed that the proposed measures should be designed with their needs at the forefront.
The meeting also emphasised a holistic approach, integrating NbS with broader strategies that not only focus on environmental solutions but also enhance accessibility and livability across the city. To ensure effective implementation, a logical phasing of the proposed measures was deemed essential, with the urban master plan providing the necessary legal and planning framework.
Furthermore, the Hen Dune Island NbS pilot project was recognised as a initial initiative with the potential for upscaling across the city. As a next step, the development of an Integrated Flood Risk Management Plan, incorporating structural measures and investments at the city scale, was proposed to build on the successes of the pilot and further enhance the city’s resilience to climate impacts.
The Hen Dune project, like other pilot initiatives, has been developed in close coordination with the city administration and has received the endorsement of the City Mayor and the City People’s Committee. The project has also benefitted from the endorsement of UCLG ASPAC, the regional GCoM Secretariat for South East Asia, the Association of Cities of Vietnam (ACVN) and technical cooperation with experts from the Institute of Strategy, Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (IPSONRE) and OMGEVING, a Belgian landscape architecture & urbanism company with a branch office in Vietnam. The project reflects a strong collaborative effort to advance sustainable urban development and climate action in Hue.
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