NGOs promote community-based climate change adaptation

The Climate Change Working Group comprised of several NGOs presented 16 initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change. These initiatives were divided into 2 groups. One focuses on adapting to climate change and minimising risks, while the other ideas focused on agriculture, forestry and sustainable energy. Among them are plans to build houses to withstand harsher weather, awareness raising and improved agriculture systems.

Miguel Coulier, an expert on climate change highly appreciated the proposed ideas and expressed his confidence that they will be effective when implemented.

Over the past 10 years, NGOs both inside and outside the country have carried out many ideas for community-based adaptation to climate change. These initiatives have brought positive effects in protecting natural resources, reducing greenhouse gases and maintaining food security.

"Vietnam has on many occasions, co-operated with international organisations to implement climate change adaptation ideas in a number of regions. We hope that based on these results, we can carry out a nation-wide programme." - Chu Thi Thanh Huong, Deputy Director, Science, Technology and International Division, Department of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change

According to CCWG, the proposed ideas have been proven effective through trials and can be implemented immediately. If these initiatives are carried out systematically, on a large scale and become part of the government’s policies, they will greatly help in the fight against climate change.