Transforming Communities and Building Climate Resilience: Major Climate Initiative Marks Milestone in Securing the Future of Four Vietnamese Provinces

For families in North-Central Vietnam, heavy rains and extreme weather often bring the immediate threat of flooded homes, disrupted livelihoods, and public health risks. Today, a powerful international partnership celebrated a critical milestone in changing that reality.

The "Climate Resilient Urban Infrastructure in North-central Viet Nam" (CRUIV) project officially concluded its Technical Assistance (TA) phase, marking a profound shift from planning to lasting community empowerment. Supported by the European Union (EU), the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and four provinces Ninh Bình, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, the initiative addresses the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations from escalating climate threats.

Crucially, a EUR 5 million grant from the EU ensured that the CRUIV project went far beyond simply "grey" infrastructure. This funding transformed the initiative into a comprehensive, people centered resilience program. In line with the European Union's Global Gateway strategy and its commitment to high-impact, sustainable development, this initiative has provided local engineers, urban planners, and community leaders with the hands-on training and advanced tools needed to effectively manage flood risks and operate modern wastewater systems long into the future.

"Infrastructure is only as resilient as the people who manage it," stated Ms. Kristina Bünde, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam. "By investing heavily in local capacity building and environmental health alongside physical construction, we have expanded the ambitions of this project. We are ensuring that local authorities are fully empowered with the lasting knowledge to protect their communities and sustainably manage climate risks for generations."

The enduring impact of this technical phase is an illustration of the strength of the collaboration between international donors and Vietnamese provinces. The methodologies and equipment introduced over the past four years are actively shifting how these communities prepare for and respond to climate emergencies.

"Financing climate adaptation is ultimately about safeguarding human lives and securing futures," emphasized Mr. Julien Seillan, Country Director of the AFD in Vietnam. "The successful closing of this phase highlights the power of our partnership with Vietnam. By combining financial resources with shared expertise, we are building resilient systems that will stand strong against unpredictable climate realities, protecting both local economies and the daily wellbeing of families."

The impact of these efforts is profound and tangible. As the physical construction phase continues, the project is on track to drastically improve flood safety for 116,000 residents, keeping streets navigable, businesses open, and homes dry during severe storms. Furthermore, over 110,000 people will gain critical access to modern wastewater treatment, significantly improving public sanitation, reducing waterborne diseases, and restoring local environmental health.

"For our communities, extreme weather and urban flooding are not abstract concepts; they are urgent, daily realities that disrupt lives," said Mr. Nguyen Cao Son, Vice Chairman of the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee. "This project reflects the strong and growing partnership between Vietnam and Europe in addressing shared global challenges, particularly climate resilience and sustainable urban development. The tangible benefits it brings to our people - from improved flood protection to reliable wastewater services - demonstrate how international cooperation can directly improve lives, safeguard public health, and build a more secure future for our communities."

Today's closing event in Ninh Binh provided a platform for stakeholders to celebrate these human centered milestones and share lessons learned. With a foundation of strong local expertise now firmly in place, these communities are prepared to step confidently into a safer, more resilient future.

Background information

About the CRUIV project

The Climate-Resilient Urban Infrastructure Project in Four North-Central-Coast Provinces in Viet Nam (the CRUIV Project) supports subprojects in five locations in four provinces in north-central Viet Nam to strengthen infrastructure and enhance capacities for climate change adaptation. The subprojects are conducting investment activities with a total funding of just over €122.6 million provided as an official development assistance (ODA) loan from Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and about €35 million in counterpart funds. A grant of €5 million delegated by the European Union to the AFD supports Technical Assistance for project implementation and capacity building.

About the European Union

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit. The European Union launched in 2021 the #GlobalGateway strategy that provides the framework for the EU's external action in an evolving international context, to deepen engagement in quality infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries around the world and strengthen the global economy.

#TeamEurope approach: The EU and its Member States work together as #TeamEurope for their joint external action becomes more than the sum of its parts. Jointly, they are one of the most important donors in grants to Vietnam. EU grants to Vietnam are used in line with the country's socio-economic policies and come in support of the government's efforts to restructure the economy with the aim of ensuring long term growth and welfare for its citizens.

About Agence Française de Développement (AFD)

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) helps advance France's policy on sustainable investment and international solidarity. Through its public sector and NGO financing operations, research and publications (Editions AFD), sustainable development training programs (AFD Group Campus) and awareness-raising activities in France, AFD finances, supports and drives the transition to a fairer, more resilient world.

Alongside our partners, we provide sustainable solutions for - and with - communities. Our teams are working on over 2 700 projects in the field, in over 115 countries, including France's overseas territories, to support projects for climate, biodiversity, peace, gender equality and global health. Together with Proparco and Expertise France, AFD supports the commitment of France and the French people to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Working by your side, toward a world in common.