Climate change adaptation in Ba Ria

Flexible response

In recent years, Ba Ria - Vung Tau has been heavily impacted by climate change, which not only hinders economic development but also leads to unforeseen disasters for people's lives, most clearly manifested in the increase of unusual weather phenomena, natural disasters that no longer follow patterns, and extreme weather events.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Vinh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, said: In recent times, given the complex developments of climate change, the Provincial People's Committee has assigned relevant departments, agencies, and localities to implement comprehensive solutions to proactively prevent and mitigate natural disasters and minimize damage caused by climate change, thereby contributing to the province's goal of sustainable poverty reduction.

Investing in several coastal erosion control projects has initially minimized the impact of climate change, especially sea level rise.

Accordingly, in addition to focusing on leveraging local experience in responding to climate change and the role of local authorities and grassroots organizations, the functional departments of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province are also concentrating on implementing projects such as the project "Assessing the impact of climate change on flooding in the province and developing an action plan to respond to climate change in flood control and mapping flood risk zones due to rain"; and the project "Addressing erosion and sedimentation in coastal and river areas"; implementing dike and embankment projects using Stabiplage soft technology and non-metallic reinforced concrete technology; and constructing storm shelters. At the same time, localities in the province have also focused on transforming the structure of crops and livestock, changing the scope and scale of production, and applying and transferring technical and technological advancements to adapt to climate change.

Serving poverty reduction

Mr. Nguyen Cong Vinh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, stated: According to research results and warnings from scientific experts, the increase in extreme weather events in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province will continue to occur in the coming time and will have a more serious impact. Therefore, to proactively and effectively respond, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province has developed an Action Program to respond to climate change for the period 2023 - 2030, with a vision to 2050.

Specifically, the province will focus on implementing three groups of tasks: enhancing the effectiveness of climate change adaptation through strengthening state management of climate change and promoting the integration of climate change adaptation into strategic and planning systems; strengthening resilience and improving the adaptive capacity of communities, economic sectors, and biodiversity through investment in adaptation actions, science and technology, and raising awareness to be ready to adjust to climate change; and prioritizing disaster risk reduction and damage mitigation, and preparing to respond to increasing natural disasters and extreme weather events caused by climate change.

Switching to crops that adapt to climatic conditions not only brings economic benefits but also helps people rise out of poverty.

Mr. Dang Son Hai, Deputy Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, said: In the coming time, with its function of state management in the fields of meteorology, hydrology and climate change, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment will focus on advising the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province on adjusting planning and land use in urban areas and rural residential areas, especially those at risk of being affected by floods, landslides and sea level rise.

At the same time, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue a plan for restoring, developing, and expanding the mangrove forest ecosystem by planting more mangroves; focusing on maximizing the potential advantages of each area to implement greenhouse gas emission reduction activities suitable to actual conditions; contributing to promoting economic growth, towards achieving the province's sustainable poverty reduction goals.

In addition, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province will continue to strengthen coordination with relevant departments, agencies, and localities to conduct investigations, assessments, and delineate areas where groundwater exploitation is prohibited or restricted to combat the degradation and depletion of water resources; at the same time, it will resolutely prohibit sand mining in estuaries and coastal areas, especially in areas prone to landslides. In particular, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment will continue to coordinate and strengthen propaganda and awareness campaigns for the community and businesses regarding adaptation to climate change.

Source: https://baotainguyenmoitruong.vn/thich-ung-bdkh-o-ba-ria-vung-tau-dong-bo-nhieu-giai-phap-360214.html