During a field visit from May 27-29, representatives of the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam observed a range of community-led initiatives aimed at improving resilience to floods, droughts, and extreme weather.
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At the field visit to Ba Tang Ethnic Boarding Primary and Secondary School (Photo courtesy of Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam) |
The “Resilience First” Program is funded by the Government of Ireland International Development Program through the Irish Embassy in Vietnam and implemented by Plan International Vietnam, CARE International in Vietnam, and the Research Center for Community Development Initiatives (RIC).
In Dakrong commune, local residents showcased behavior-change campaigns promoting climate-adaptive livelihoods and greater participation of women in household economic decisions. At Cupua village, a community-managed gravity-fed water supply system is providing safer and more stable access to clean water, especially during dry seasons.
At Ba Tang Ethnic Boarding Primary and Secondary School, the delegation observed how climate responsive education and infrastructure are helping students stay safe and prepared. From solar lighting and waste management systems to student led communication activities, children are not only learning about environmental challenges, but also becoming ambassadors of positive action within their families and communities.
The visit also highlighted the role of women in driving sustainable livelihoods. At the VANPA cooperative group, women are producing environmentally friendly agricultural outputs while building business skills and financial independence. The initiative demonstrates the potential of women led enterprises to create both economic opportunities and environmentally responsible practices.
Speaking during the visit, Ms. Edel Cribbin, Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Ireland, emphasized the importance of local partnerships in addressing climate risks. She noted that the positive results in Quang Tri reflected the strength of community leadership and collaboration.
According to Nguyen Hong Phuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Tri province, support from the Irish Government and international organizations plays a significant role in helping the province pursue sustainable development goals despite limited local resources.
Le Quynh Lan, Country Director of Plan International Vietnam, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting communities, especially women and young people, developing practical solutions suited to local conditions.
The visit concluded with discussions on lessons learned and opportunities to scale up successful models, particularly in strengthening local capacity, promoting women led livelihoods, and expanding climate responsive education.
Reported by Chung Anh