Community based adaptation to urban floods and other environmental hazards: a case study of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Rapid urbanization and increasing population have created environment risks to the urban residents, especially urban poor in developing countries. Community based adaptation is mentioned in national programs but little attention is paid in planning and implementation, particularly at local levels. The degree of community participation in government adaptation programs and their own coping strategy have been examined in Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam. Inadequate support and lack of resources have discouraged participation. Natural hazards have damaged the quality of life and living environment, increasing vulnerability of the urban poor and disempowering poor communities. On the other hand, community resilience was not strengthened as livelihood assets are not strong enough to help withstand natural risks and shocks. In order to bridge these gaps, integration of policy, government and community are brought into focus as key aspects of community adaptation.