Nature and wellness trail through an urban park in San José
Technical Training
Financial support for project development
Community and Government Engagement

First, we identify a suitable community – one that is threatened by fire and has the will to address the problem, and ideally has an established community group. On the Tonle Sap Lake we have worked with Community Fishery Organizations (CFi’s), Community Protected Area Organizations (CPA’s), and Villages to implement CBFiM. Engaging a formal community organization with a recognized structure has several advantages, including recognized community leadership, management capacity, financial resources such as bank accounts, and recognition by the local authorities. First, we seek advice from local government authorities on which communities have the necessary capacity to take part in CBFiM. We then meet with community leaders to gain their support, before engaging with Women’s Saving’s Groups who can provide financial support. From this we develop the community wildfire management team which should be integrated with both the Village and Commune authorities. The community wildfire management team forms the basis of CBFiM.

Successful establishment of CBFiM requires:

  • A committed community with sufficient management capacity and the support of local authorities.
  • The presence of an established community group such as a Community Fishery or Community Protected Area, whilst not essential, provides a structure upon which CBFiM can be adapted and built.
  • Strong support from the local authorities at the Village, Commune and District levels.

In engaging communities and Government we have learnt that:

  • As community leaders such as CFi and CPA Committee members tend to be older men we encourage diversifying the Community Wildfire Management Team through engaging women and younger people.
  • Women have an important role to play as they traditionally manage household finances and can remind the fire management group about fire season preparedness.
  • Younger members, whilst often difficult to engage, bring greater energy to the hard physical work of fire suppression.
  • Gaining the early support of local government helps integrate them into the community management plan which can be codeveloped through engagement at both the District and Provincial levels of government.
  • Continuous government support is maintained through frequent meetings of the Fisheries Coordination Team which brings communities and government together to discuss fisheries issues including wildfire.
Implementation of Urban EbA Measures in Dong Hoi City

At the stakeholder consultation workshop, three urban EbA measures were identified and selected to pilot in Dong Hoi city, including: 

1) The water retention measure aims to address flood risk through water retention and delayed runoff during flooding, and heat stress reduction in the core urban zone of Dong Hoi City. It integrates urban flood risk management, relieves pressure on Cau Rao River as the main floodway protecting the city, improves existing ecosystem health, and increases blue-green space for the city. The measure is designed with multiple urban EbA components, including (1) a water retention area for flood reduction, (2) permeable surfaces (e.g. using native species of grass, vegetation and pavement) for storing water runoff, (3) swales along the existing road to reduce runoff and infiltration of pollutants, (4) additional trees to provide shading and regulate microclimate, (5) a protected area for habitat and to enable scientific investigation.

2) The green wall and green roof measure aims to conserve green spaces in the municipality in the face of increasing pressure to develop the natural lands due to rapid urbanization, contribute to the reduction of surface temperature and heat stress during hot summer months and flood risk mitigation, green-blue components (e.g. trees, vegetation layers...). The measure is designed with facade greening on exterior walls and a rooftop garden replaced the traditional corrugated iron-roof of the building adjacent to a rainwater harvesting system. 

3) The Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) aims to enhance the drainage system through applying a nature-based approach in the construction and operation of the system to improve the flood management in the urban area. It helps to address the problem of local hotspot flooded areas during heavy rainfalls or typhoons in Dong Hoi city. The measure is designed and implemented with following components: 

  • Two underground storage tanks with storage capacity of 150 m3 with soak-away structure
  • Eight inlets to collect rainwater on the road surface around the site
  • Perforated uPVC collection pipes that are connected to the existing drainage system with a one-way backflow preventer
  • Sidewalk paving slabs replaced by permeable structure
  • Green trees to increase water permeability on land surface

The results showcase the effectiveness and possibilities of green interventions in helping the city to cope with increasing temperatures, flood management and energy efficiency while reducing GHG emissions. On top of that, lessons learnt and practical experiences in terms of technical knowledge, methodology and approach were shared, expanded and integrated into provincial technical standards, urban planning and relevant binding documents. 

In fact, in order to finalise the urban EbA measures at site after the selection process, there were different steps required according to Viet Nam's legal frameworks and project's procedures: 

  • Site assessment: Planning an urban EbA measure required a thorough site assessment of the local climatic and geographical conditions to inform the optimum design and installation requirements. A comprehensive site assessment examined climate, hydrology, soil and water conditions on meso- and micro-level and takes into account the existing built environment.
  • Planning: At this step, it was important to set an upfront goal of each urban EbA measure as this will influence the design, construction and level of maintenance required for the system. The scale, relationship to other facilities, benefits and impacts to communities and region, problems to be addressed were defined and elaborated. In addition, stakeholder engagement needed to be considered to define relevant involved parties and their roles, specialists, technical designers and service providers. All relevant procedures and regulations were figured out as well.
  • Design phase: The crucial step of this phase was to develop a technical design document for the measure. Based on the set goals, site assessment results and requirements, the designers and technical experts prepared the technical drawings and the design report. Aspects related to size, functional components, technology, materials, timeline and cost estimation needed to be included. Consultation process to present the technical design was conducted for comments and feedback from different stakeholders before submitting all files for approval by local authorities. Upon the approval of the technical design document, the process to obtain the construction permit needed to be carried out according to government regulations. 
  • Implementation: The construction implementer and construction supervision consultants were selected through a bidding process. An implementation plan was worked out and agreed by all relevant stakeholders before construction on the site. Local authorities and project partners took the roles of overall management, monitoring the work progress. Monthly meetings were conducted to update the progress and deal with arising issues during the implementation. The relevant government regulations and standard requirements needed to be complied fully and strictly at this phase. At the end of this phase, the implementation guidelines, lesson learnt and leaflets to promote the results were developed and shared in public for awareness raising and upscaling in the region. 
  • Engagement of private sector: After participating in all consultation stakeholder and urban EbA measure selection processes, private sector is interested in involvement and application of urban EbA approach in their daily work implementation to enhance their capacity and knowledge in this field. In particular, the Environment and Urban Development Company has together with the project worked out co-implementation plan for SUDS measure due to it is in line with their mandate and professional experiences. Moreover, the company has committed to cover 50% of the cost for implementation of the SUDS measure from their company yearly budget. Besides, upon the completion of the measure, the company currently covers the maintenance cost for the measure. 
  • Maintenance: Upon the completion of the implementation phase, the urban EbA measures were handed over to provincial partners. A consultation process was conducted to agree upon the roles and responsibilities on management, operation and maintenance of the work by parties who took over. Planning and budget allocation was prepared and committed to on the partner side. 

In fact, the three measures are applied the “Delay-Store-Drain” approach of the Living Water Principles1 in improvement of flood management, natural ecosystems in urban areas. These combined hybrid, blue-green elements of the three implemented measures help to enhance the urban landscape while contributing to reducing current climatic risks, with a particular focus on flood risks and heat-stress in the city. Three implemented urban EbA measures are integrated measures which have clear linkage and complimentary solutions in enhancing climate resilience and ecosystem services maintenance of Dong Hoi city. Meanwhile the Water retention area measure contributes to the reduced urban runoff discharge pressure through the creation of open field retention, waterscapes recharging, increasing permeable surfaces and green spaces, vegetation cover on land surface of the city, the Green wall green roof measure presents complimentary options for creating green spaces on the building to reduce heat stress and provide direct cooling to the buildings, increasing water storage and regulating stormwater runoff through rainwater harvesting components. Additionally, the Sustainable urban drainage system contributes to enhance city drainage system for flood management improvements.

During the stakeholder consultation and urban EbA measure selection processes, gender approach is always considered through engagement of at least 50% women participants in all events and discussion and all their inputs are recognized and integrated into the final results.

  • Close cooperation, support of local governments and stakeholders in the implementation of urban EbA measures and their commitment in combating global climate change and promoting sustainable development
  • Capacity building and awareness raising activities help provincial stakeholders obtaining good understanding and knowledge on the importance and benefits of urban EbA approach in enhancing ecological services, biodiversity and climate change adaptation, and promoting their engagement in implementation of the pilot measures.
  • High commitment, engagement and contribution from the private sectors to invest in adaptation measures, enabling the great success of the project 
  • Integration of EbA approach into urban planning  processes as well as relevant policies, ensuring the sustainability of the interventions
  • Lack of technical standards and regulations necessary to implement the urban EbA measures it takes longer time to explain and capacity building for provincial partners in the process of implementation approval at provincial level. 
  • Various unforeseen requirements and procedures by local government during the implementation and handing over
  • Lack of a comprehensive database of technologies, products, and local manufacturers for the input materials (e.g Green wall green roof measure) caused the challenges for the preparation of designing and planning  document to submit for approval at provincial level. 
  • Local authorities needed more time to revise current technical standards as the approaches were quite new.
  • Tangible benefits of urban EbA measures could only be seen after a relatively long period of time. However, local leaders needed to prove the results in their planning and report cycle. Therefore, public investment for EbA measures in provincial planning is still limited.
  • Facilitating the participation and involvement of private sector at very early phase of consultation, awareness raising, selection of urban EbA measure and designing phase that promote their engagement and contribution in the process of implementation of the measure
Scoping Mission and Preliminary Study to Identify and Select Potential Urban EbA Measures in Dong Hoi City

In order to identify the most feasable urban EbA measures with the highest potential to pilot in Dong Hoi city, the first step was to carry out a scoping mission and a preliminary study to collect and analyse data to provide a scientific basis for the consultation process. The objective was to provide a detailed review and analysis of previous studies and information gathered through structured stakeholder engagement via interviews, focus group discussions and stakeholder consultations for a participatory selection of pilot measures with relevant partners. 

The scoping mission and the preliminary study were conducted to provide further insight into the specific vulnerabilities and the possible adaptation responses for Dong Hoi city. The findings were used to identify a short list of urban EbA measures as well as any outstanding knowledge gaps and/or information needs for the next steps. 

A multi-stakeholder engagement event was held to promote an open dialogue between stakeholders to discuss key issues related to climate impacts and local vulnerabilities. This knowledge exchange among key stakeholders strengthened relationships among key partners, enhanced partners’ understanding of urban EbA measures as well as generated knowledge to fill information and data gaps identified in the preliminary study.

Selection Process
Analysis: The identification, development and assessment of the selected urban EbA measures was based on a functionalistic approach in which the cause and effect of the main hazards compiled during the preliminary assessment and the scoping mission provided the basis for the revision of final measures. These measures, based on the causes of the key problems and their linkages to current and future climate hazards, were meant to take into account short-term and long-term considerations as much as possible.

Selection: The selection criteria were based on the Friends of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (FEBA) Assessment Framework for EbA Quality Standards. It was used in a participatory selection exercise during the second multi-stakeholder event and during consultation with key partners. The use of the framework provided a scientific and transparent selection process, based on an internationally endorsed tool.

The final measures, based on this selection process, was defined as: 1) Cau Rao EbA River Park (water retention areas), 2) Rain Gardens (green wall and green roof) and 3) Water Flow Management (SUDS).

  • Stakeholder consultation and urban EbA measures selection process were conducted with active participation of relevant stakeholders (public and private) from local to provincial levels, aiming at awareness raising on urban EbA concepts, bringing together stakeholder views and perceptions, ensuring local relevance of the selected measures and involvement of stakeholders in the implementation process. Thus it brings a good cooperation, engagement and a learning attitude from local authorities and stakeholders for the topics and their willingness to change, making the urban EbA selection exercise more interesting and practical
  • Deep understanding of challenges, needs and expectations of key stakeholders towards climate change adaptation measures for their sector development and provision of useful advice 
  • Exchange and dialogue between relevant stakeholders and involvement in shared discussions on their roles, mandates and cooperation in their daily work to enhance sector resilience 
  • Leading role of key stakeholders in selection and decision processes
  • Awareness raising of provincial partners about climate change adaptation and urban EbA through their integration in the process of data collection, focused group discussions, stakeholder consultations and the selection process 
  • Early involvement of key partners and the private sector into participatory processes to enhance their ownership of the process and the selected urban EbA measures
  • Facilitation of communication and cooperation between different government entities and the private sector in the processes to ensure a successful implementation in the next phase
Ngoc Anh, 2021
Scoping Mission and Preliminary Study to Identify and Select Potential Urban EbA Measures in Dong Hoi City
Implementation of Urban EbA Measures in Dong Hoi City
Capacity Building on Urban EbA and Climate Risk Management for Provincial Partners and Local Communities
Ngoc Anh, 2021
Scoping Mission and Preliminary Study to Identify and Select Potential Urban EbA Measures in Dong Hoi City
Implementation of Urban EbA Measures in Dong Hoi City
Capacity Building on Urban EbA and Climate Risk Management for Provincial Partners and Local Communities
Maintenance of agricultural environment and conservation of cranes

Local communities are actively contributing to habitat conservation through initiatives like preserving rice straws and providing water to rice paddies in winter, facilitated by Payment of Ecosystem Service (PES) contracts. Engaging in 'ecotourism programs, including crane birdwatching activities, and hosting 'Crane Seminars,' they create added value for their efforts. Furthermore, farmers in the Cheorwon area have taken an innovative approach by producing 'Cheorwon Odae Rice' and promoting their product brand using the image of the crane.

 

'The Cheorwon Crane Land,' serving as a conservation asset under the stewardship of the National Nature Trust is situated in Yangji-ri, which boasts a fertile plain and is adjacent to Togyo Reservoir and the Hantangang River, resulting in abundant water resources. This geographical advantage makes it a haven for various migratory birds that flock to the area every winter, typically from mid-October to March. Embracing its rich ecological setting, Yangji-ri has actively pursued becoming a full-fledged eco-village. This commitment has earned notable recognitions, including being selected as an eco-friendly excellent village in 2000, becoming a project operator of the New Rural Construction.

  • Habitat conservation: Preserving the agricultural environment in a way that supports wildlife, especially migratory birds like cranes
  • Community engagement: Encouraging local residents to participate actively in conservation efforts requires overcoming inertia
  • Sustainable ecotourism development: Developing ecotourism, such as birdwatching activities and educational seminars
  • Economic sustainability: Finding viable economic models, such as the PES contracts, that incentivize conservation while also supporting the local economy is a complex task.

The efforts in Cheorwon illustrate the importance of integrating conservation activities with local economic development. By aligning the interests of wildlife conservation with those of local farmers and the wider community, a more sustainable and mutually beneficial outcome is achieved.

Initiatives like preserving rice straws and providing water to paddies, supported by PES contracts, demonstrate how community involvement can lead to significant ecological benefits.

The geographical advantages of Yangji-ri, with its fertile plains and abundant water resources, underscore the potential of leveraging local natural resources for conservation purposes. These resources provide a foundation for the area's success in attracting migratory birds and supporting biodiversity.

The series of awards received by Yangji-ri serve as powerful motivators for continued ecological and conservation efforts. These accolades not only provide validation for the work done but also inspire further commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Cheorwon Rice Paddy, the largest wintering site for cranes

Cheorwon, situated in the vicinity of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), stands as a crucial wintering ground for cranes, an endangered species. Due to restricted development and civilian access since the Armistice Agreement in 1953, the area has become vital for the survival of these birds. The Cheorwon Plain, with its expansive farmlands and reservoirs, along with the wetlands of the DMZ, serves as essential feeding and resting grounds for crane species.

 

A positive trend has been observed in crane populations, with 372 red-crowned cranes and 474 white-napped cranes in the Cheorwon Plain in January 1999 (Kim Sang-won, et al. 2020). This upward trajectory has continued, reaching 833 red-crowned cranes and 2,766 white-napped cranes in January 2017. The commitment of local farmers, particularly since 2004, in preserving rice straws and providing water to rice paddies under the Biodiversity Management Agreement Project has played a significant role in this success.

 

This trust initiative aligns with the Global Trust's mission to safeguard private land in the DMZ (South) and the Civilian Control Zone, preserving it as public property and a 'common heritage of mankind' in the face of development pressures.

  • Integrated partnerships: Collaboration among local farmers, local communities, groups, government, and private sector
  • Legal support: The National Trust Act and related policies provide a legal basis for habitat management and conservation funding
  • Community engagement and involvement: Engaging locals through economic incentives like ecotourism and sustainable farming practices
  • Private sector engagement: private sector support and public campaigns
  • Adaptive management: research and habitat monitoring inform conservation strategies,

The Cheorwon case study offers several valuable lessons for conservation and sustainable community-based conservation:

  • Collaborative efforts enhance conservation: the synergy between local communities, conservation organizations, and corporate sponsors maximizes the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
  • Economic incentives promote conservation: integrating conservation with economic benefits, such as ecotourism and product branding, motivates community participation and support.
  • Legal frameworks support initiatives: a strong legal foundation, like the National Trust Act, is crucial for facilitating and securing conservation efforts and funding.
  • Adaptive management ensures sustainability: continuous monitoring and adapting conservation strategies based on ecological and social feedback ensure long-term sustainability.
  • Broad stakeholder engagement is key: involving a wide range of stakeholders, from local communities to international corporations, creates a comprehensive support network for conservation efforts.
Siska Sihombing
Cheorwon Rice Paddy, the largest wintering site for cranes
Maintenance of agricultural environment and conservation of cranes
Crane-based eco-tourism
The National Nature Trust (NNT) and conservation assets
Siska Sihombing
Cheorwon Rice Paddy, the largest wintering site for cranes
Maintenance of agricultural environment and conservation of cranes
Crane-based eco-tourism
The National Nature Trust (NNT) and conservation assets