An initiative for managing natural disasters was introduced on Friday in the context of increasing extreme weather events in Việt Nam.— VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — An initiative for managing natural disasters was introduced on Friday in the context of increasing extreme weather events in Việt Nam.

The project entitled, “Improving the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to climate change related impacts in Việt Nam”, involved cooperation from the government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), with sponsorship of the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

This newly-approved project adopts community-based approaches to natural disaster management, including storm-resilient housing, mangrove forest restoration and data systems which engage communities and participants.

Experts from the UNDP and CGF will work together with local authorities to reach out and redesign some 4,000 houses in high-impact areas to make them storm resilient.

Mangrove restoration is the key to protecting vulnerable people and fisheries-based communities from storms.

Current data is a reliable source of information for decision making in disaster management. Communities, local decision makers, the private sector and other related agencies can easily access it online.

The database, moreover, is an evaluation tool, as both images and information will be updated in real time so that stakeholders can manage and evaluate the impact of projects on the communities in question. Other global and regional evaluation frameworks of the UN will be applied to guarantee every effort counts.

Local women’s unions will ensure the full participation of citizens in the decision making process.

Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Country Director, emphasised the project’s scale and ambitious goals. “The government and UN agencies are working to make sure they are synchronised with efforts that exist and complement other smart ways of engaging,” she said.

To be implemented in seven coastal provinces of Nam Định, Thanh Hóa, Quảng Nam, Quảng Ngãi, Thừa Thiên – Huế and Cà Mau, the project is expected to both protect and empower involved groups as well as enhance their capacity for natural disaster preparedness.

Hoàng Văn Thắng, deputy minister at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stressed the significance of this initiative in enhancing localities’ capacity.

“With the increasing intensity and unpredictability of natural disasters, provinces are encouraged to create their own blueprints based on the project’s general know-how,” he said.

The project will be implemented over five years with non-refundable aid of USD$29 million provided by CGF.

With more than 3,000km of coastline, Việt Nam is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change. — VNS