Workshop Highlights Sustainable Urban Planning in Mekong Delta
A workshop focusing on sustainable urban planning and development in the Mekong Delta was held on July 18 in Hau Giang, a southern province of Vietnam. The event, organized by the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission, the Ministry of Construction (MoC), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the provinces of Hau Giang, Son La, and Quang Tri, aimed to explore strategies for sustainable urbanization amidst the challenges posed by climate change.
At present, the Mekong Delta is home to 211 urban areas, with an urbanization rate of 32%, lower than the national average. However, it is projected that by 2025, the region will witness a significant increase, with over 250 urban areas and an urbanization rate of approximately 35-36%. By 2030, this is expected to reach 42-48%.
Vietnam is highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, with the Mekong Delta identified as one of the three deltas most at risk. Rising sea levels, predicted to increase by 0.5-1 meter by the end of the century, threaten to inundate and encroach upon vast stretches of land. Without suitable measures to combat climate change, it is estimated that around 35% of the Mekong Delta’s population and over 10% of its area will be affected.
The workshop emphasized the importance of responding proactively to climate change and highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Construction. Tran Thi Lan Anh, Deputy Director of the MoC’s Urban Development Department, discussed the need for a combined urban-rural system that puts making room for water at the forefront. This approach aims to maintain the balance of the ecosystem and existing river and canal structures.
Participants also recognized the significance of managing urban public spaces, including infrastructure locations, roads, and access routes, to ensure the unobstructed flow of floodwater. Dong Van Thanh, Chairman of the Hau Giang provincial People’s Committee, shared the green urban area development project in Nga Bay city. Furthermore, Hau Giang has implemented disaster risk management policies and integrated them into the provincial planning and development. These diverse initiatives aim to enhance the region’s resilience in the face of climate change.
The Mekong Delta plays a vital role in Vietnam’s agricultural sector, making sustainable urban planning essential to ensure long-term environmental and economic stability. Addressing the challenges of climate change and pursuing sustainable development will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government agencies, international partners, and local communities. By sharing experiences and exchanging best practices, this workshop provides a valuable platform to guide future urban planning in the Mekong Delta, helping to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the region.
Keywords: sustainable urban planning, Mekong Delta, workshop, climate change, urbanization, Ministry of Construction, French Development Agency, resilient, proactive response, floodwater management, green urban area development, disaster risk management, sustainable development, agricultural sector.
