Guiding the Nậm Rốm River towards a Sustainable Flow: Vinh Gấu's Journey in Điện Biên

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Beyond serving as a vital water source for daily life and agriculture, the Nậm Rốm River also reflects the increasingly unpredictable impacts of climate change. In recent years, extreme rainfall and shifting water flows have put riverside areas at risk of erosion, directly affecting homes, land, and livelihoods. In this context, managing water flow and reducing risks is no longer optional - it has become an urgent priority.

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This is why the Nậm Rốm River Basin Multi-Hazard Management Project was launched, with a total investment of over VND 981 billion, supported by the European Union and the French Development Agency (AFD). Rather than addressing issues in isolation, the project adopts an integrated risk management approach - combining resilient infrastructure with efforts to strengthen climate adaptation capacity.

After more than five years of implementation, tangible improvements have begun to take shape. Reinforced riverbanks now help prevent erosion and stabilise water flow. Previously degraded riverside areas have been revitalised into pedestrian pathways and green public spaces, creating new community hubs for residents.

At the same time, the project integrates infrastructure solutions such as regulating weirs and flood retention areas, alongside smart early warning systems. With real-time hydrological data, local authorities are better equipped to reduce disaster risks, sustain livelihoods, and respond proactively.

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From a broader perspective, the project not only addresses immediate challenges but also strengthens long-term climate resilience. It reflects the EU’s approach to partnering with Vietnam - not only reducing emissions, but ensuring that climate impacts do not disrupt the country’s sustainable development pathway.

Through Vinh Gấu's journey, the story of the Nậm Rốm River moves beyond technical figures, becoming more tangible through the image of a river being “guided.” From a once risk-prone flow, the Nậm Rốm is gradually transforming into a well-managed and protected resource - opening up positive changes in how people live in harmony with nature.

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Find out more about the “Plug in to Evolution” campaign at: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/plug-in-to-evolution_en