Environmental management zone to reduce flood risks in Can Tho: Current situation and lessons learned from some cities in the world

Abstract

Can Tho and many cities worldwide have been facing flood hazards as the consequences of urbanisation and climate change impacts have emerged. Based on the traditional resistant approach, local governments have to deal with flood effects by development of protection systems, which have been established and constructed over many stages with the investment projects in urban infrastructure structures including dikes, embankments, tidal sluices... Although these solutions have partly helped cities overcome some problems during the short-term period with specific results, many experts concern their sustainability in terms of ability dealing with unpredictable flood factors such as increasing high tides and heavy rains. In addition, the dependence on these systems can increase the subjectivity by government and communities in potential protection as the base for potentially promoting settlement and development. This will continue to allow uncontrolled expansion of urban areas despite risks of damages and losses to people and their properties. Therefore, this paper, with the case studies of some cities for practical lessons learned, will be useful for potential analysis and recommendations for Can Tho, in relation to environmental management zoning for flood risk. This can become a sustainable strategy of expanding and developing urban space in long-term sustainable development, and help the city have more effective investments (potential saving costs) in flood protection systems in the future.

Key words: Flood hazards; flood protection system; management of environmental zones.