Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Civil societyorganisations (CSOs) recommended climate vulnerability assessments in order tohelp the Government implement a national adaptation plan to mitigate theimpacts of and respond to climate change.
The recommendation was made by the VietnamNon-Governmental Organisation's Climate Change Working Group (CCWG)at a workshop in Hanoi on April 23.
Climate vulnerability assessments determinerisks to people, areas and sectors that are vulnerable to climate changeand seek responsive strategies. Groups of people vulnerable to climate changeinclude poor people and the disabled.
CCWG Chairman Hoang Viet recommended acommunity-based approach in assessing climate vulnerability.
Many CSOs in Vietnam have implemented climatechange adaptation models using climate vulnerability assessments, for example,zero waste agricultural production in Phu Tho province implemented by theCentre for Sustainable Rural Development, and building small weather stationsoperated by farmers in Ha Tinh province implemented by CARE International.
Viet said climate vulnerability assessmentsshould be considered as a necessary requirement for projects, planning anddevelopment plans to ensure a timely review of current and potential climaterisks.
The Vietnamese Government is looking toimplement a national adaptation plan for 2021-2030 as part of efforts torespond to climate change.
The plan focuses on solutions to reduce thenegative impacts of climate change and the risks it poses to biodiversity,humans, the socio-economy and the environment.
The prioritised areas focus on agriculture,water, land, biodiversity, transport, poverty reduction and gender equality,health and education.
The Ministry of Natural Resources andEnvironment has been assigned to take the leading role in compiling the planwith the support of other government agencies and CSOs.
According to the Department of Climate Changeunder the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the ministry isdrafting the plan and would submit it to the Prime Minister for approvalby the end of the third or start of the fourth quarter this year.
The Vietnamese Government agrees that climatechange adaptation must be implemented in prioritised areas, whileresponding to current impacts and reaching long-term targets, said Nguyen TuanQuang, Deputy Director of the Department of Climate Change.-VNS/VNA