From November 4-7, 2024, at LMU Munich University, Federal Republic of Germany, the International Workshop on "Urbanization and sustainable water management in the Global South" was held. This was an important event in the global scientific activities series of the Human-Environment Relations Teaching and Research Group, Faculty of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU); IAHS Helping Group Urban Water and Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, (Funded by the LMU Excellence Initiative; LMU Munich Postdoc Support funding and Carl Friedrich von Siemens Stiftung). The workshop was attended by many experts and scientists from European, African, and Asian universities including: Germany, Italy, Canada, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Senegal, India, Vietnam, China...

European, African and Asian scientists attend workshop at LMU University, Munich

At the workshop, scientists discussed many important topics, including: infrastructure development aligned with urbanization strategies, improving flood prevention in urban development, urban ecosystems and biodiversity, water management modeling with flooding and land use changes, current challenges in water management, urban development issues, promoting urban climate change adaptation... Scientists presented advanced methods with high practical applicability to minimize the impacts of urbanization, climate change, and infrastructure development on water management, urban flooding, and land resources in the coming time.

Scientists also had in-depth discussions about solutions, adaptations and technologies in minimizing urban morphology issues, water management strategies, flooding problems and natural disaster risks associated with urbanization in developed and developing countries, focusing on the Southern Hemisphere through presentations at the Conference. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Phuong (VNUA) presents his discussion at the Workshop

From Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Phuong, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment participated in the Workshop and presented "Improving Infrastructure for Urban Flood Prevention in Hanoi City".

The presentation has evaluated and analyzed that Vietnam is currently undergoing one of its most intense urban transformation processes. In the capital city of Hanoi, spatial expansion through urbanization is one of the main challenges urban planners face today. Issues regarding transportation infrastructure development, urban development in core and peripheral zones, as well as multiple simultaneous projects creating pressure on urban land use and district-level government management capacity, urban transportation infrastructure, and urban drainage systems that have not kept pace with approved projects have affected the capital's development process. The presentation also raised key issues for scientists to discuss such as: (1) Hanoi's flooding situation is observed at various levels due to land use planning and urbanization; (2) Raising public awareness about environmental protection combined with implementing environmental protection measures for waste discharge; (3) Ongoing projects should utilize drainage systems in terms of water flow blocking materials; (4) Building a unified water facility and drainage system is most effective for preventing flooding in Hanoi; (5) The integration of land use planning, urban planning, and general construction planning is crucial.

Besides, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Phuong and the FONRE's delegation also discussed with Prof. Dr. Mathias, Dean of the Faculty of Geography, LMU Munich University regarding the memorandum of cooperation signed between the two parties in 2022 to jointly organize an International Workshop at Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) in early 2025 through the LIRLAP project "Urban risk governance and land use planning for communities affected by urbanization as well as natural disasters and climate change in Hanoi (Vietnam), Manila (Philippines) and Bangkok (Thailand)" led by the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment on the Vietnam side.

Prof. Mathias from LMU Munich University presents on promoting urban climate change adaptation

The workshop was organized with the participation of experts, scientists, and stakeholders from various fields across different countries, contributing to the advancement of knowledge, technology, and practices in environmental resources, urban planning, water quality management, and urban flood risk management to promote sustainable development. At the workshop, scientists and managers from European, African, and Asian universities discussed improving the effectiveness of research and training for undergraduate students, graduate students, and doctoral candidates, aiming to establish a community that is resilient to natural disaster risks and climate change in the future within the context of global urban development. 

SOME IMAGES OF DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION AT THE WORKSHOP

 

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Trong Phuong

Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment (FONRE), VNUA, LIRLAP Project