GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR URBAN AREAS: CURRENT STATUS AND SOLUTIONS - A CASE STUDY IN FOUR WARDS (NINH KIEU, CAI KHE, TAN AN AND AN BINH) OF CAN THO CITY

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assess land use change and urbanization rate in Can Tho city; thereby analyzing the benefits of green infrastructure according to four criteria: economic, social, environmental, and entertainment. The case study focuses on three typical locations: Bung Xang Lake, Xang Thoi Lake, and Luu Huu Phuoc Park in four wards (Ninh Kieu, Cai Khe, Tan An and An Bình) of Can Tho city. Primary data on remote sensing images were collected, analyzed, and checked for accuracy to serve as a basis for assessing the current status of land use change and urbanization rate. This result was verified by comparing data collected from community and field surveys in the study area. The results show that in four wards in the study area are facing challenges from rapid urbanization, leading to flooding, lack of green space and environmental pollution. The research findings indicate that the study area is facing significant challenges due to rapid urbanization, resulting in flooding, a shortage of green spaces, and environmental pollution. Specifically, the green space area decreased by 27.89% between 2000 and 2024, while the area of built-up infrastructure increased by 32.26%. In addition, a survey of 80 residents and interviews with 6 experts confirmed that green infrastructure solutions offer numerous benefits, including flood mitigation, improved air quality, temperature regulation, and the creation of a healthier living environment for local communities.