Norway will continue to help Vietnam build up its capacity for mitigating and adapting to geo-disasters in the 2012-2015 period following the success of a programme conducted between 2008-2011.

An agreement on phase 2 of the programme “Capacity building for mitigation and adaptation of geo-disasters related to the environment and energy development in Vietnam”, was signed in Hanoi on July 26 between the Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) and the Norwegian Embassy in Vietnam.

In the first phase, more than 100 Vietnamese working in the field have received training in the investigation, assessment, mitigation of geo-hazards using modern technological equipment and procedures.

Research conducted under the programme has also contributed to building geo-disaster maps in several areas, including Hanoi, providing a reliable basis to put forward appropriate strategies for mitigating consequences of geo-hazards, serving sustainable socio- economic development in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, phase 2 is expected to focus on technological transfer in field investigation, instrumentation, numerical modeling, and assessment of vulnerability and risks of geo-hazards.

VNA