by Nguyen Khanh Chi
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Thong Nhat is popular with Hanoians who enjoy the park's greenery and fresh air. However, Ha Noi's rapid urbanisation has raised fears about pollution, traffic chaos and over-development. — VNA/VNS Photo Trong Duc |
"As a result of its achievements, Ha Noi is confronting a number of novel challenges such as rapid growth of its urban population, traffic jams, and environmental pollution," Nghi told participants at an international conference in Ha Noi.
The conference "Sustainable development of Ha Noi: civilised and heroic city for peace," has attracted more than 500 participants, both local and international.
Over the past decades Ha Noi has recorded significant socio-economic development, Nghi said.
The city has seen average annual GDP growth of almost 11.5 per cent since 2000, while annual GDP per capita is now US$1,760 – up from $990 in 2000. The capital has contributed 18 per cent to the national GDP and 20 per cent to the national budget.
A recent study by PriceWaterHouseCoopers projected that Ha Noi would be one of the top two cities in the world in terms of average real GDP growth between 2008-25.
Nghi added that Ha Noi would take the lead in luring foreign investment and that there had been more than 8,000 projects worth a total committed capital of $18 billion in the last few years. The city has also expanded rapidly, he said. The number of urban areas has risen from just 1 in 1999 to more than 50 this year.
"Under these circumstances, we are clearly aware of the ample opportunities presented, as well as fierce challenges," he said. "Viet Nam in general and Ha Noi in particularly are looking for ways to achieve sustainable development."
Vu Minh Giang, head of the conference's organising committee, said a comprehensive and thorough study of Ha Noi's construction and development needs was required.
Giang said the conference was an opportunity to obtain valuable ideas from development experts.
The three-day conference focused on a wide range of areas including cultural and historic values, socio-economic issues, natural resources and environment, and urban planning and management.
"These studies provide a deeper understanding of the city and will be a scientific foundation for local authorities when they make policies," Giang said.
Giang said further studies would be conducted on city planning, the efficient settlement of social problems such as traffic jams and waste treatment, and harmonious economic development.
Cultural preservation
"Sustainable development is not just about socio-economic development and urban planning but also cultural and historical values," said Giang, who is also vice president of Ha Noi National University.
Most people think preservation of cultural values is antithetical to urban development, but that is not the case.
"Economic development and management planning can be integrated to evolve into a new model wherein heritage becomes the core of the city's development process," said Katherine Muller-Marin from UNESCO Viet Nam.
She said that community-led activities such as the Giong Festivals in Phu Dong and the Soc Temples are good examples of how local populations can contribute to their economy and social cohesion.
Addressing the event, the UNESCO representative said the development process had four components – awareness, appreciation, protection and utilisation.
"It is important to develop cities and heritage sites by reinvesting part of the revenue produced from tourism into conservation."
Muller-Marin stressed that encouraging stakeholder participation, especially in the private sector, was crucial to preserving cultural heritage.
"Increasing more effective opportunities for public-private investment in urban heritage areas is another essential aspect of upgrading long-term preservation."
Ha Noi should be aware of the challenges that fast-paced urbanisation poses, especially when it is about preserving cultural heritage, Muller-Marin said.
Experts said Ha Noi must pay due attention to monitoring tourism growth, which is expected to be both significant and rapid.
Proper conservation measures and a strict management system are needed to prevent the royal citadel from being removed from the World Heritage List, warned William Logan, a professor at Deakin University, Australia. — VNS
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