"Integrating natural disaster risk reduction models in urban planning" Conference

On the morning of September 20, 2023, the VLU’s Faculty of Architecture and Ho Chi Minh City Urban Area Research Institute co-organized the Scientific Conference "Integrating natural disaster risk reduction models in urban planning". At the Conference, experts discussed and suggested strategies, proposals and recommendations on solutions to reduce disaster risks in Vietnam’s urban planning and compare them with other countries’ to expand the perspective and have a more objective understanding.

The conference had the participation of the Faculty of Architecture lecturers, delegates of Ho Chi Minh City Urban Planning and Development Association; Ho Chi Minh City Regional and Urban Studies Institute; Representatives of Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture, Vietnamese-German University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, …

In the opening speech, Dr. Architect. Do Phu Hung, Dean of the VLU’s Faculty of Architecture at Văn Lang University stated that the conference had significant importance for natural disaster risk reduction in current urban planning. Scientific research from experts are valuable contributions to strategic planning through processes, levels and implementation in the planning and architecture management in Ho Chi Minh City from a theoretical perspective, legal framework to practical implementation.

The conference was conducted with 5 main discussion topics presented by experts in the field, including:

1. "Overview of natural disaster risk reduction and the need to integrate natural disaster risk reduction into Urban Planning in Vietnam", presented by Assoc. Prof.  Dr. Le Anh Duc, lecturer of Van Lang University;
2. "Reducing the risk of loss due to severe flooding for urban areas: the capacity to apply the " resilient urban" theory to the case study in Ho Chi Minh City”, presented by Dr. Architect. Phan Nhat Duy - Deputy Director of Institute of Postgraduate Education, Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture; Lecturers Tran Trung Vinh and Tran Bao Trung of Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture and Mr. Le Tien Liem, expert of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture;
3. "When urban development challenges natural disasters", presented by Dr. Nguyen Bao Thanh, lecturer of Ho Chi Minh City Open University;
4. "Transfer of spatial development rights - a factor that promotes the development of green spaces to reduce the flood risk in urban areas", presented by Dr. Pham Tran Hai, Head of Scientific Research Department of Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies;
5. "The urban spatial structure of Ninh Thuan province adapts to drought and flood", presented by MSc. Nguyen Quoc Vinh, Head of the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Construction, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.

According to the report, urban areas have a large population and play an important role in economic, cultural and social development. Currently, Vietnam has over 820 urban areas, the population density living in urban areas is many times higher than the national average density, especially large cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The risks of storms, floods, landslides, and economic losses threaten 60% of the total land area and 71% of the urban population, equaling to about 0.8% of gross domestic product (GDP). However, the system of development policies still does not concentrate on improving urban resilience and adaptation. This situation requires profound and drastic innovation in urban planning, renovation, planning adjustment, and urban management.

Sharing an overview of the natural disaster risk reduction as well as the planning system and implementation in Vietnam, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Anh Duc, lecturer of Van Lang University said: "It is necessary to consider the specific context of Vietnam, with the particular impacts of flooding and soil salinity, as a basis for evaluating the influence on urban areas”. Speaking at the conference, Dr. Architect. Phan Nhat Duy - Deputy Director of Institute of Postgraduate Education, Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture, Lecturers Tran Trung Vinh and Tran Bao Trung of Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture and Mr. Le Tien Liem, Specialist of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture discussed the issue "Reducing the risk of loss due to severe flooding for urban areas: the capacity to apply the " resilient urban" theory to the case study in Ho Chi Minh City" Accordingly, flooding is occurring more frequently, creating serious harm to both community property and human lives.

Emphasizing the importance of natural disaster risk management, Dr. Nguyen Bao Thanh believed that urban development would increase the risk of natural disasters. He demonstrated by providing important data indicating that Vietnam was currently among the ten countries with the most natural disasters in the world as well as pointing out a number of serious damage caused by natural disasters in urban areas in Vietnam and the World. Dr. Nguyen Bao Thanh affirmed: “The ultimate goal of anti-disaster standards is not to save the city from devastation, but to prevent disasters from threatening the residents.”

Within the framework of the Conference, Faculty of Architecture students listened to experts exchange valuable discussions. This is a tremendous opportunity for Architecture students to obtain more informative professional knowledge, multi-dimensional and comprehensive view of domestic and worldwide urban planning.

On the journey to become a university meeting international standards, Van Lang University strives to organize scientific conferences and academic exchange spaces to connect the research community and engage learners with other experts. From scientific conferences such as “Integrating natural disaster risk reduction models into urban planning”, Van Lang University students will accumulate more practical lessons, supporting their learning, research and future career development.

News: Phuong Trinh - Bao Ngoc
Image: Nghiep Phu