These houses not only protect people's lives and property, but also become a model that is integrated into the National Target Programme for Sustainable Poverty Reduction.
They are results of the project 'Improving resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to climate change in Vietnam', which began in 2017.
With a total budget of 42 million USD, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with matching funds from Vietnam, the project has brought about clear positive impacts in improving the resilience of coastal communities to the growing challenges of climate change.
The achievements were announced at the project closing ceremony, organised by the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, in Hanoi on December 17.
The project has been implemented in seven vulnerable coastal provinces, including Nam Dinh, Thua Thien-Hue, Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai and Ca Mau.
Its main objective is 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 regenerated 4,028ha of mangrove forests, acting as 'natural shields' to protect communities from high tides and storms, while absorbing more than 1.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, contributing positively to Vietnam’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
It has also supported the development of sustainable livelihood models such as beekeeping in Thanh Hoa province, helping people increase their income while encouraging the protection of mangrove forests.
In the area of disaster risk management, the project has established early warning systems in 24 high-risk communes and provided training to more than 62,000 officials and residents, nearly 50% of whom are women.
The programmes have contributed to improving the capacity and awareness of communities in responding to disasters, minimising damage in emergency situations.
During the conference, delegates heard real stories from families who had been helped by the programme.
Vu Tan Suu, a resident in Da Loc commune, Hau Loc district, Thanh Hoá Hoa province, said that thanks to the beekeeping model supported by the project, his family not only had a more stable livelihood through selling the honey, but also understood the importance of protecting mangrove forests.
Similarly, Hoang Thi Thoan, 75, lives in Phong Dien district, Thua Thien-Hue province, said that the flood-resistant house supported by the project helped her feel more secure during the storm season, bringing stability and hope to her life.
Also at the conference, Nguyen Van Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control and also Project Director said: “The project is a clear demonstration of the close coordination between different parties, overcoming many difficulties to achieve encouraging results.”
Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, said, “As we conclude this project, we are reminded that coastal communities in Vietnam are facing the increasing impacts of climate change. The project has shown that resilience is not just a goal, but can be achieved through collaboration, innovation and the continued commitment of stakeholders to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against climate change.”
Lessons learned from the project will be integrated into national programmes such as the Coastal Forest Protection and Development Programme for Climate Change Adaptation.
These initiatives not only ensure sustainability but also expand the scope of support, building stronger coastal communities in the face of future challenges./.
