Across Viet Nam the urban population is expected to increase from 37 million people in 2020 to 47 million by 2030 and since access to basic services, such as sanitation, drainage, and quality of water, remains low in regional towns, there is an urgent need to fund improvements. In addition to investing in infrastructure, there is an imperative to strengthen capacity in project management, urban infrastructure operations, and urban management for climate resilience.

The project supports 5 districts across Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, and Thanh Hoa in strengthening local infrastructures and enhancing climate adaptation capacity. These cities are highly vulnerable to flooding and have prioritized investments in hydraulic and road infrastructure to reduce health, economic, and environmental impacts during extreme weather events.

We provided technical leadership in urban planning, climate resilience integration, and GIS system development under the Technical Assistance component. Our team led and supervised urban planning and GIS-related tasks, delivering strategic guidance and investment recommendations aligned with green design principles, smart city development, nature-based solutions (NBS), and climate-resilient landscaping approaches. We supported five districts in establishing foundational GIS offices, including data management systems and primary GIS platforms to enhance spatial planning and infrastructure management. In parallel, we conducted technical assessments, developed GIS proposals, and provided recommendations to strengthen climate-responsive urban planning. We also advised districts on reorienting master plans to align major infrastructure investments with long-term smart and sustainable development objectives. Capacity-building activities were designed and implemented to institutionalize GIS applications and resilience-oriented urban planning practices, ensuring local ownership and sustainability.

The project strengthens institutional capacity and technical systems necessary for climate-resilient urban development in flood-prone coastal cities. By integrating GIS-based planning tools, resilience principles, and strategic investment alignment, the districts are better equipped to implement and manage infrastructure projects effectively while enhancing long-term adaptive capacity.

The combined infrastructure investments and institutional strengthening efforts contribute to reduced flood risks, improved urban management, and a more sustainable and climate-resilient development pathway for the region.