An eco-city is a human settlement modeled on the self sustaining resilient structure and function of natural ecosystems. The eco-city provides healthy abundance to its inhabitants without consuming more (renewable) resources than it produces, without producing more waste than it can assimilate, and without being toxic to itself or neighbouring ecosystems. Its inhabitants’ ecological impact reflect planetary supportive lifestyles; its social order reflects fundamental principles of fairness, justice and reasonable equity. Simply put, an eco-city is an ecologically healthy city.

A beautiful corner of Da Nang viewed from above

As for Da Nang, its ambitious target turn itself into an Eco-city by 2030 is a right choice in its new development process and an important policy to ensure its sustainable development in the future. This orientation has been clearly confirmed in the Politburo-adopted Resolution No 43-NQ/TW regarding Da Nang’s major developments to 2030 with a vision to 2045 dated 24 January, 2019.

In active response to the Resolution, Da Nang will, by leaps and bounds, head towards an ecological, modern, smart, international-class city with its own unique identity, with rapid and sustainable economic development and the considerably enhanced quality of life of local inhabitants.

To achieve the above goal, it is high time for Da Nang to take ‘green’ solutions and actions.

It is an urban area that needs to be planned in the direction of integration and harmony with the natural environment, and preservation and development of biodiversity.

The My Khe Beach was voted one of the six most beautiful beaches in the world by the US Forbes Magazine in 2005

In the spatial organisation, it is necessary to ensure the arrangement of open spaces such as riverside green-covered parks with trees which can be resistant against stormy winds along the coast.

In particular, a public electric bicycle promotion project should be carried out as soon as possible, thereby enhancing urban utilities, and contributing to reducing traffic congestion, and above all, effectively protecting the environment.

Over 2021-2025 period, Da Nang should concentrate on building ‘low-carbon urban areas’ in such downtown districts as Hai Chau, Thanh Khe and Son Tra.

It is a need to realise detailed development solutions such as the development of the ecological industrial park model, and ‘green’ transport, space, businesses.

Besides macro and long-term strategic solutions, it is necessary for the whole community, with the active engagement by local residents and businesses, to take “green” daily life actions.

First of all, it is highly recommended to preserve natural ecosystems and protect urban green areas. The natural ecosystems, lakes, lagoons or green trees in the city are the indispensable value of an eco-city contributing to the creation of cultural values and unique features for Da Nang. In particular, this is an important factor in assessing the quality of urban life. Therefore, Da Nang should pay a special heed to enhance the index of the per capita green space.

Also importantly, the circular economy, a modern economic model thought to be very suitable for Da Nang’s characteristics, must be given a lift to thrive further in the coming time.

Peaceful moments captured at the East Sea Park

The circular economy aims to keep products, equipment and infrastructure in use for longer, thus improving the productivity of these resources. Waste materials and energy should become inputs for other processes: either a component or recovered resource for another industrial process or as regenerative resources for nature. This regenerative approach is in contrast to the traditional linear economy, which has a “take, make, dispose” model of production.

Da Nang businesses cannot stand outside the global circular economy, especially in the context of global economic integration with commitments on ecological and environmental safety standards through free trade agreements.

Promoting the circular economy for enterprises requires active innovation, investment in modern technology, limiting energy consumption, and using raw materials to produce output products capable of being recycled.

If we do not act together, the environment around us will deteriorate. Let’s go ‘green’ with highly practical actions to build Da Nang into an eco-city in the coming time.

By TO HUNG- Translated by A.T