HÀ NỘI — Nearly 1,100 storm-resilient houses were constructed in 2018 in seven provinces under the framework of the ‘Improving the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to climate change–related impacts in Việt Nam’ project funded by Green Climate Fund (GCF).

In its first project in Việt Nam and ASEAN, GCF has benefited some 4,000 residents in Nam Định, Thanh Hoá, Quảng Bình, Thừa Thiên Huế, Quảng Nam, Quảng Ngãi and Cà Mau provinces.

The project includes three components of storm-resilient housing, mangrove forest restoration and data systems with community engagement.

GCF, the UNDP and local authorities have worked together to implement the initiative in disaster-prone areas.

Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Country Director, applauded Việt Nam’s commitment to the project.

Besides storm-resilient housing, about 200ha of mangrove trees were planted or restored while 15,000 people in more than 100 communes were offered capacity building courses in disaster management and assessment.

US$4.5 million was disbursed in 2018. The goal for 2019 is $8.4 million.

“It means we need to double our efforts to commit with this ambitious goal. First is the approval of the 2019 annual work plan which is set to complete by January. Second is to confirm co-financing for constructing 1,380 houses and 1,386ha of mangrove which is a key for all supported provinces. Third is that we can agree on how to ensure the delivery of $4.8 million by July,” she said.

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

However, mangrove restoration efforts are still behind schedule.

According to Hoàng Văn Thắng, deputy minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, it is a challenge to find 4,000ha on which to plant and restore mangrove as other similar projects have been implemented on accessible areas. Meanwhile, the cost to plant new mangroves is higher than previously.

Representatives from provinces of Nam Định and Thanh Hoá called for reconsideration of the area of mangrove planted and budget distributed to this component.

Launched in 2017, the project will be implemented over five years with non-refundable aid of USD$29 million by GCF. — VNS