Norway helps Vietnam cope with climate change

The Vietnam Red Cross in coordination with its Norway partner organized a seminar in Hanoi from September 24-26 to share experience in disaster risk reduction (DRR).Present at the seminar were representatives from the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Norway Embassy, Red Cross organsiations from Vietnam, China, and Norway, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and other international organizations involved in DRR in Vietnam.The seminar provided a good chance for participants to get updated on DRR and climate change adaptation activities in the country.The DRR project funded by the Norway Foreign Ministry targets 32 communes in Phu Yen, Binh Dinh and Lao Cai provinces at an estimated cost of US$1.8 million for five years (2010-2014).More than US$1 million has been disbursed so far for 21 communes in these provinces.The project aims to improve the capacity of local authorities, Red Cross chapters and people to cope with disasters and climate change. Its main focus is on vulnerable groups, including women, children, disabled people, elderly people and others living in high-risk areas.Since 2010, more than 100,000 people have directly benefited from the building of bridges, drainage systems, shelter houses, cement roads, hygiene and water supply systems, early-warning systems, and rescue and relief operations.According to the United Nations’ statistics, in 1990-2010, Vietnam ranked sixth among countries which suffered the biggest losses from disasters with 445 deaths and damages worth US$1.8 billion annually. Every year, millions of people need support to overcome the consequences of disasters. In the next 30 years, Vietnam will be among 30 “extreme risk” countries affected by disasters and climate change.VOV