In late of 2021, enCity’s proposal for Strategic Vision Plan 2045 of Ben Tre Province (located in Mekong Delta Vietnam) got officially approved. Since mid 2019, the consulting team of Roland Berger and enCity have worked closely with the provincial government to conduct development strategies for the short term (to 2025), medium term (to 2030) and long term (through 2045) of Ben Tre province (area: 2.630 km2, 1,2 million people). The plan aims to transform Ben Tre into a green and livable province that has a smart and integrated infrastructure to mitigate Climate Change challenges, a vibrant economy that is built on the province’s agricultural strengths and richness in landscape. In addition, the project also aims to make Ben Tre an attractive tourist destination – a miniature version of the Mekong Delta for domestic and international visitors.
llustrative plan of Ben Tre province in 2045 (Source: enCity)
Development context
Ben Tre province, located only 50km to the south of Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), has a rich cultural heritage and a progressive government. The main challenge facing Ben Tre is topography: the province comprises four low-lying coastal islands separated by branches of the Mekong River. This limits intra- and inter-provincial connections, while agricultural production and livability are threatened by flooding and saltwater intrusion, caused by sea level rise and upstream hydro-dam build-ups.
Land use plans for Ben Tre in different milestones (Source: enCity)
Spatial planning strategies
enCity is in charge of formulating strategies in spatial development, land use, infrastructure development and climate change adaptation. Our strategies aim to transform urban areas into livable communities, promote Ben Tre’s diverse and unique settlement morphologies, reserve land for new economic initiatives and integrate transportation system with water management to optimise the local resources, create new growth opportunities and help the city adapt to climate change. Our strategic solutions are:
- Enhance intra- and inter-provincial links through two North-South highways with the coastal highway acting as a sea dyke. These 2 highways will connect Ben Tre internally and regionally, form key growth corridors and incorporate coastal defense functions.
- Invent a water resource-based land use system to enable farming adaptation to climate and market change. This includes developing eco-residential areas and river-front tourist/resort areas to meet the changing needs of accommodation and living.
- Redesign irrigation and water supply system to adapt to climate change and secure water resources: In addition to urban areas that need to be densely populated for economic development, the province also needs to preserve and promote the characteristics of rural residence in order to preserve local identity and adapt to climate change. 5 typical residence forms of the province are: Coastal place, Orchard place, River place, Market place, Paddy place.
- Promote local water-sensitive urban morphologies to maintain local identity, tackle climate threats and attract tourists. This includes coastal defense with transport infrastructure to optimize investment. The coastal axis acts as a highway to help develop the Eastern economy of the province and a sea dyke to protect Ben Tre from harmful effects caused by sea level rise.
In September 2021, Ben Tre Province Strategic Vision Plan received Special Mention from Singapore Institute of Planners (SIP) for addressing a significant number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), being sensitive to the local diverse and unique settlement morphologies while creating new opportunities and a robust climate resilient and water management strategy.
enCity CEO received SIP Special Mention Awards from Hwang Yu-Ning, Chief Planner of Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), for Ben Tre Province Strategic Vision Plan 2045
