GIS assessment of coastal vulnerability to climate change and coastal adaption planning in Vietnam |
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Authors: | Isaac Boateng |
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Institution: | (1) School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, University of Portsmouth, Portland Building, Portland Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3AH, United Kingdom |
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Abstract: | Vietnam’s coastal zone provides a diverse range of natural resources and favourable conditions for social and economic development.
However, its coastal ecosystems are highly vulnerable, due to several natural coastal hazards, over-exploitation and other
human activities. In spite of diverse interventions, Vietnam’s coastal zone continues to experience significant damage from
floods, erosion and typhoons. These hazards are being intensified by climate change and associated rising sea levels. This
paper assesses the potential vulnerability of Vietnam’s coast to climate change and discusses possible adaptation policies
and plan to reduce the impacts. GIS analysis was used for the assessment of coastal vulnerability. Related literature was
reviewed to develop detailed understanding of coastal adaptation to climate change. Adaptation policies and plans were appraised
to identify potential coastal adaptation policies and plans that could be adapted by Vietnam. It was identified that vulnerability
of the coastal zone of Vietnam could not be attributed only to climatic factors, but also to the physical condition of the
coastline. Much of Vietnam’s coastline, particularly, areas around the Red River delta and the Mekong River have elevations
below 1 m. These coastlines are largely developed and serve as economic centres of the country, which makes the coast more
vulnerable to climate change and the rising sea level. The paper concluded that a non-structural approach (coastal buffer
zones, building houses on stilts, storm warning systems, growing of flood-resistant crops and elevated storm shelters with
medicine and food storage) could be used by Vietnam to adapt her low-lying coastline around the two deltas to climate change
as this strategy enables vulnerable areas to be occupied for longer before eventual retreat. However, for these policies to
be successful, it should be planned, implemented well in advance, monitored and evaluated over time. |
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