Nature-Based Solutions for Building Resilience in Towns and Cities: Case Studies from the Greater Mekong Subregion

Green infrastructure can play a significant role in offsetting losses from climate-related disasters and contribute to building resilience through rehabilitation and expansion of natural ecosystems within built areas.

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Date published: December 2016

Urban populations are projected to increase from 54% to 66% of the global population by 2050, with close to 90% of the increase concentrated in Asia and Africa. Cities and towns—a growing source of greenhouse gas emissions—will need to address challenges posed by climate change. A nature-based approach in identifying climate change vulnerabilities and developing relevant adaptation options was conducted in three towns of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

Working with local governments, nongovernment organizations, women’s groups, and professional associations, town-wide adaptation measures were defined by overlaying climate change projections on town plans and zoning schemes for strategic infrastructure. This publication captures valuable experience and lessons from three towns—Battambang on the Northwest of Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, Dong Ha on the central coast of Viet Nam, and Kaysone Phomvihane lying on the Mekong River in Southern Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).

About the publication

The publication highlights the results of a successful partnership between Asian Development Bank and the International Centre for Environmental Management (ICEM) with cofinancing from the Nordic Development Fund (NDF). This was implemented through a technical assistance on climate resilience in cities in the GMS. ICEM’s demonstrated and widely tested expertise in climate adaptation and mitigation methodology provided the technical basis for the study. Cofinancing from the NDF provided the impetus for capacity building and knowledge sharing of international good practices.

Related Link

Building Tough, Resilient Towns in the Greater Mekong Subregion