Hanoi, December 17, 2024 – The Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam, organized a workshop to review the Project "Improving the Resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to the Impacts of climate change in Vietnam." Implemented from 2017 to 2024, the project with a total budget of 42 million USD, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with co-fund from Viet Nam, has brought about clear positive impacts in enhancing the resilience of coastal communities to the growing challenges of climate change.

The project has been implemented in 7 vulnerable coastal provinces, including Nam Dinh, Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh, Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, and Ca Mau. The main objective was to protect and support vulnerable communities through integrated solutions such as building safe houses, restoring mangrove forests, and strengthening disaster risk information systems.

The project has achieved results beyond expectations after more than 7 years of implementation. With 4,966 safe houses built, the project provided solid housing for more than 25,000 people in areas frequently affected by storms and floods. These houses protect people's lives and property and become models integrated into the National Target Program for Sustainable Poverty Reduction.

In addition, the project has regenerated 4,028 hectares of mangrove forests, acting as "natural shields" to protect communities from high tides and storms while absorbing more than 1.1 million tons of CO2, contributing positively to Vietnam's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the project also supported the development of sustainable livelihood models such as beekeeping in Thanh Hoa, helping people increase their income while encouraging the protection of mangrove forests.

In disaster risk management, the project has established an early warning system in 24 high-risk communes and organized training for more than 62,000 officials and people, of whom nearly 50% are women. These programs have contributed to improving the capacity and awareness of the community in responding to natural disasters, helping to minimize damage in emergencies.

At the workshop, the participants listened to real stories from beneficiaries. Mr. Vu Tan Suu, a resident of Da Loc commune, Hau Loc district, Thanh Hoa province, shared that thanks to the beekeeping model supported by the project, his family not only has a more stable livelihood but also understands the importance of protecting mangrove forests. Similarly, Ms. Hoang Thi Thoan, 75 years old, in Phong Dien district, Thua Thien Hue province, said that the storm-resistant house supported by the project has helped her feel more secure during the storm season, bringing stability and hope to her life.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, Project Director emphasized: "This project is a clear demonstration of the close coordination between the parties, overcoming many difficulties to achieve encouraging results. However, the challenge is how to make other vulnerable areas of Vietnam have similar resilience. We hope that UNDP and international organizations will continue to work together to replicate this initiative nationwide, bringing safety and sustainability to the Vietnamese people in the face of increasingly severe natural disasters." 

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam, said: "As we conclude this project, we are reminded of the escalating frequency and intensity of climate impacts faced by Vietnam's coastal communities. These vulnerable populations are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Yet, through initiatives like this, we have demonstrated that resilience is not just possible—it is achievable through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment. UNDP is committed to continuing to work alongside Viet Nam in building resilient communities and ensuring that no one is left behind in the face of climate change."

The workshop was not only an opportunity to review the achievements but also opened up important discussions on opportunities for replication and ensuring the results' sustainability. The participants stressed that the project's success came from technical solutions, active community participation, and close coordination among stakeholders.

Lessons from the project will be integrated into national programs such as the Program for Protection and Development of Coastal Forests Adapting to Climate Change. These initiatives ensure sustainability and expand the scope of support, contributing to building stronger coastal communities to face future challenges.

For more information, please kindly contact:
Phan Huong Giang
UNDP Media and Communications Analyst, Climate Change and Environment
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org
Mob: 0948466688