Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has officially signed Directive No. 04/CT-TTg on behalf of the Prime Minister, calling for the enhanced implementation of the project “Developing Vietnamese Cities to Respond to Climate Change for the 2021-2030 Period.”
Under the Directive, the Ministry of Construction (MoC) is tasked with leading coordination between ministries, sectors, and local authorities to refine legal frameworks and policies regarding green growth urban development. This includes the advancement of smart and green technical infrastructure, alongside the establishment of technical standards, norms, and regulations for green materials, green buildings, and energy-efficient structures.
The MoC is also directed to effectively execute tasks outlined in previous Government Decisions, specifically Decision No. 84/QD-TTg (2018) regarding the Vietnam Green Growth Urban Development Plan toward 2030, and Decision No. 950/QD-TTg (2018) on Sustainable Smart City Development for the 2018-2025 period with a vision to 2030.
Furthermore, the MoC will oversee the “National Master Plan for Urban and Rural Systems for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.” This plan will serve as the foundation for managing urban resources and implementing investment projects focused on urban upgrades, green growth, and climate resilience. The Directive sets a 2026 deadline for the completion of mandatory green building and energy-saving standards for all projects utilizing public investment capital.
A key highlight of the Directive is the focus on financial support. The Ministry of Finance has been assigned to lead research and report to competent authorities on the development and perfection of financial mechanisms and budget allocation for urban climate adaptation. Notably, the Ministry will research green financial mechanisms specifically designed to support vulnerable cities.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is tasked with providing updated national climate change scenarios, hydrological data, sea-level rise maps, and flood maps to support urban management. They will also guide local authorities on land-use management to ensure urban development aligns with approved environmental and climate-risk planning.
The Directive requires People’s Committees at the provincial and municipal levels to immediately review and statistics high-risk areas. Localities must proactively develop and manage urban flood maps based on climate scenarios, including forecasting zones prone to landslides, flash floods, and severe inundation. These maps and data sets regarding natural disaster risks must be updated regularly to ensure the safety and stability of urban communities.
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