On March 18 - 19, 2025, the Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) hosted the final workshop for the international collaborative project “Linking Disaster Risk Governance and Land-Use Planning - The case of hazard prone informal settlements in the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam” (LIRLAP) at the Nguyet Que Auditorium. This important event marked the conclusion of the project's four-year implementation period (2021-2025). It was held in cooperation with universities and research institutes from Germany (LMU Munich, University of Stuttgart, TU Dortmund), Vietnam (Vietnam National University of Agriculture), Thailand (Thammasat University), and the Philippines (School of Urban and Regional Planning, University of the Philippines). In Vietnam, the project was led by the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment at VNUA, under the leadership of Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Trong Phuong, Dean of the Faculty, who also served as the project coordinator.
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| International Experts and Workshop’s Participants |
The workshop brought together numerous experts and scientists from LMU Munich, the University of Stuttgart, and TU Dortmund in Germany, Thammasat University in Thailand, as well as the University of the Philippines’ School of Urban and Regional Planning (UP-SURP). In Vietnam, participants included scientists from several universities such as Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, Hanoi University of Construction, the University of Architecture, the National Economics University, and the Vietnam National University of Science. In addition, representatives from state management agencies were present, including staff from the Land Management Department, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, as well as officials from Dan Phuong District and Ba Dinh District. VNUA was represented by Prof.Dr. Pham Van Cuong-Vice President of VNUA, Prof.Dr. Tran Duc Vien - Chair of VNUA’s Scientific and Training Council, leaders of various administrative and scientific committees, and Assoc.Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Phuong - Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, along with faculty members, research groups, postgraduate students, and other participants.
In his welcoming remarks, Prof.Dr. Pham Van Cuong, Vice President of VNUA, emphasized the significance and practical impact of the project for both Vietnam and the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, especially in the context of deteriorating inner-city areas in Hanoi (old collective housing complexes) that are highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as flooding, fire and explosion risks, earthquakes, and storms. He also praised the efforts of all partners involved and wished the workshop great success.
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| Welcome Address by Prof.Dr. Pham Van Cuong, Vice President of VNUA |
In the opening speech, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Trong Phuong, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment and project coordinator in Vietnam, highlighted the essential role of the faculty in addressing urgent issues related to disaster risk management, climate change, urbanization, and environmental sustainability. He noted that Vietnam, like many other countries, faces an increasing threat from natural disasters intensified by climate change. Rapid urbanization has further compounded these challenges, as cities expand at unprecedented rates, putting additional pressure on infrastructure and communities. These developments underscore the urgent need for research and strategic planning to mitigate disaster risks and enhance resilience in the face of climate change. The faculty is pioneering efforts to tackle these critical issues, with plans underway to develop a new program in Urban Management and Planning that will focus on sustainable urban development, comprehensive urban planning, and recovery strategies. This initiative comes at a time when effective urban management has never been more vital as we strive to balance rapid growth with the need for environmental protection and disaster prevention.
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| Openning Remarks by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Trong Phuong, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment |
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Trong Phuong remarked that the implementation of the LIRLAP project at VNUA has been highly successful. The research conducted by the faculty’s LIRLAP team involved extensive field surveys, in-depth interviews, and expert consultation workshops with urban planners and architects. These efforts have resulted in proposals for appropriate solutions on the renovation, resettlement, or relocation of vulnerable settlements, ensuring a balance between the interests of residents and the sustainable urban development strategy of Hanoi. Moreover, the project shared valuable experiences from neighboring countries such as Thailand and the Philippines, providing a reference base for formulating suitable policies in Vietnam.
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| The International Workshop (LIRLAP Project) at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture |
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| Prof.Dr. Matthias Garschagen, LMU Munich Assoc.Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Phuong, VNUA |
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| Dr. Ngo Thanh Son, VNUA Dr. Juan Du, TU Dortmund |
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| Dr. Hannes Lauer - University of Stuttgart Dr. Vince Eugenio - The University of the Philippines |
Presentations of experts and participants at the workshop
In the concluding session, Assoc Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Phuong stressed several important recommendations aimed at enhancing the disaster resilience of communities and improving urban governance. The workshop opened new research avenues, particularly in the proactive upgrading of infrastructure to boost resilience against natural disasters in collective housing areas. At the close of these productive two days, the participants expressed confidence that the project’s outcomes would be effectively implemented in land-use and urban planning practices, contributing to the development of safer, more sustainable, and livable cities in the future.
Assoc Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Phuong expressed his enthusiasm for continued collaboration with international partners, the exchange of knowledge, and joint efforts to resolve the challenges associated with disaster risk management in urban and land-use planning in the ongoing impacts of climate change. The in-depth discussions on integrating resilience into urban planning and exploring innovative solutions for the challenges facing modern cities have proven invaluable. The expertise shared by colleagues from Germany and Vietnam will undoubtedly support our collective efforts to build more sustainable and resilient urban environments. Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Trong Phuong also extended special thanks to the international partners from LMU Munich, TU Dortmund, and the University of Stuttgart for their effective support and cooperation throughout the partnership.
The Vietnam National University of Agriculture and the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment look forward to further valuable discussions and the continued joint commitment of all participants in shaping a more sustainable future.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Phuong - Project Leader of LIRLAP,
Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment (FONRE)