Study on Scientific and Practical Basis for Developing an Action Plan on Climate Change Response at the District Level in Red River Delta

In order to implement the National Strategy on Climate Change and the National Target Programs to Response to Climate Change, the action plans to cope with climate change have been developed at three levels: national, ministerial – sectoral and provincial levels. This paper presents the findings on scientific and practical basis to guide localities to develop district-level climate adaptation action plans (first piloted in three districts in the Red River Delta: Tien Hai district, Thai Binh province, Giao Thuy district – Nam Dinh and Cat Hai district – Hai Phong city. Methodology used for development of the action plans includes desk study methods and field surveys according to PRA tools. The action plans developed include the following main contents: i) Characteristics of natural, socio-economic conditions and socio-ecological zoning of the study area; ii) Change trend of climate factors, and iii) Assessment of impacts and potential impacts of climate change to sectors and areas, and iv) Proposing ecosystem-based adaptive solutions for sectors and areas. The climate change adaptation action plan for three pilot districts has been approved and is currently being implemented in practice.