Japan introduces underground plastic rainwater tank for urban flood control
Designed to temporarily store rainwater underground, the plastic rainwater storage system boasts high durability, a porosity exceeding 95%, and easy installation.
Trieu Duc Huy, Deputy General Director of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s National Centre for Water Resources Planning and Investigation (NAWAPI), speaks at the workshop in Hanoi on February 10. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)💯 – A workshop introducing an underground plastic rainwater tank as a solution for urban flood control, groundwater recharge and water reuse took place in Hanoi on February 10.
Co-hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s National Centre for Water Resources Planning and Investigation (NAWAPI), Japan’s Chichibu Chemical Co., Ltd, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the event served as a platform for Vietnamese and Japanese experts, researchers, businesses and policymakers to share practical experiences, update the latest technological advancements, and shape policy directions tailored to conditions in Vietnam.
NAWAPI Deputy General Director Trieu Duc Huy said Vietnam is increasingly grappling with severe urban flooding, groundwater depletion, and water scarcity. These challenges have made it imperative to adopt sustainable, eco-friendly solutions that optimise water use, recycle rainwater, and leverage advanced technologies to enhance water resource management.
Hideyuki Muofushi from Chichibu Chemical Co., Ltd. presented the plastic rainwater storage system (PRSS) as a novel and versatile solution for urban flood prevention. Designed to temporarily store rainwater underground, the system boasts high durability, a porosity exceeding 95%, and easy installation.
Its lightweight design, with the largest component weighing just 3kg, allows for quick and manual installation without heavy construction equipment. The surface above the tank can be adaptable for various uses, including parking lots, playgrounds and other urban spaces. Available in both permeable and non-permeable variants, the system caters to a wide range of applications.
Delegates also shared valuable insights into practical models and technological advancements, leading to useful policy recommendations to guide Vietnam toward more sustainable water resource management.
Former Secretary General of the Vietnam Association of Cities of Vietnam, Associate Professor Vu Thi Vinh, urged local authorities to refine the legal framework and improve coordination with management agencies to facilitate the widespread adoption of successful projects./.
The Department of Water Resources Management under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Finnish Embassy in Vietnam organised a workshop to exchange experiences in groundwater management in Hanoi on December 11.
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Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
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The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
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Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
