Sustainable development in Mekong Delta, Vietnam: designing resilient cities based on landscape ecological principles

Abstract

Mekong Delta cities are increasingly degrading as a result of urbanization, flood control, and climate change. These cities are increasingly vulnerable to flooding, and current flood control measures are not only inappropriate but also exacerbate the impacts of climate change and urbanization. A flood-resilient city is a solution; however, applying this idea to the actual urban environment through exposure to flood risk is not effective for long-term, sustainable development. This research evaluates landscape structure, changes in land use, and changes in economic, social, and cultural structure, thereby proposing rules for sustainable urban development planning. In addition, this research also suggests a comprehensive functional space plan for Cao Lanh City. This city plays a role as a case study that helps clarify the proposed rules for sustainable urban development planning for Mekong Delta cities in Vietnam.

Keywords

• urbanization
• flood resilience
• landscape ecology
• mekong delta vietnam
• urban sustainability