Ho Chi Minh City Seeks Feedback on Draft Resolution to Develop Urban Green Spaces

Ho Chi Minh City is seeking feedback from organizations and individuals on a draft resolution on the management and development of urban green spaces. The draft aims to make more effective use of public land, improve living conditions and promote sustainable urban development. Priority would go to areas lacking parks, greenery and public spaces, particularly densely populated areas and those prone to waterlogging or affected by the urban heat island effect.

Under the draft, land uses could be arranged flexibly according to the expected period of temporary use, size, location and planned function. Plots available for a short period could be planted with grass, flowers and movable trees, and equipped with play areas, outdoor sports facilities and spaces for community activities. Plots available for a medium period could become parks, walking paths and green squares. For plots available temporarily for a longer period, the draft encourages parks incorporating water features, with supporting facilities that can be easily dismantled and moved.

The draft also proposes green spaces along rivers, canals and other water bodies to help cool the city, retain water and reduce waterlogging. Waterfront plots could be given priority for walking paths and open spaces. Unauthorized filling or encroachment on water bodies, or activities that impair drainage, would be prohibited. Measures such as rain gardens, permeable paving and retention ponds are also encouraged. Green space development would be linked with public transport stations and transit-oriented development areas.

On land management, the draft requires the municipal People's Committee to review and update a list of plots suitable for green space development. Information including their location, area, current use, managing agency, planned function and expected period of temporary use must be made public in accordance with the law. The resolution is intended to provide a legal basis for turning unused public land into parks, gardens and spaces for community activities.

Source: VietVance