Recognizing the contribution of JICA advisor to disaster prevention in Vietnam

In April 2024, in Pieng village, Nam Pam commune, Muong La district (Son La), a special project officially started: the first pilot Sabo dam in Vietnam. This is an engineering solution to help prevent flash floods, retain mud, rocks and driftwood commonly found in mountain streams, implemented by the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ) in coordination with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Simulation of Sabo dam pilot in Muong La district ( Son La ).

This project is expected to significantly reduce damage caused by flash floods in the highland provinces, which have suffered heavy losses after heavy rains, typically the flood in early August 2023 that affected 134 households in Muong La. Behind this groundbreaking project, we must mention the contribution of Mr. Suzuki Takashi - JICA's disaster risk management advisor in bringing the Sabo dam model from Japan to the Northwest mountainous region.

As an expert from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, Mr. Suzuki was sent to Vietnam to work from July 2022 as a technical advisor at the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention. During his tenure, he has continuously shared advanced Japanese disaster risk reduction models and techniques, adjusting them to suit Vietnam's terrain, climate and needs.

In addition to engineering projects such as the Sabo Dam, Mr. Suzuki was also deeply involved in field surveys, developing many reports and policy recommendation documents, contributing to the formation of a proactive disaster prevention mindset, early investment and inter-sectoral coordination.

Ceremony of awarding the medal “For the cause of agriculture and rural development in Vietnam” to Mr. Suzuki. (Photo: JICA)

For his contributions, Mr. Suzuki was awarded the medal “For the cause of agriculture and rural development in Vietnam” by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The award ceremony was held at the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention, where Mr. Suzuki has been attached, accompanied and actively contributed for nearly 3 years.

Mr. Pham Duc Luan, Director of the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, expressed his appreciation for the silent but effective contributions of Japanese experts in the fields of disaster risk reduction, technical assistance and policy development.

“Mr. Suzuki’s contributions not only demonstrate the friendship between Vietnam and Japan, but also contribute to building a more solid disaster risk management foundation for Vietnam in the future,” said Mr. Pham Duc Luan.

Mr. Pham Duc Luan (right) presented the medal "For the cause of agriculture and rural development in Vietnam" to Mr. Suzuki Takashi. (Photo: JICA)

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Suzuki Takashi affirmed that he will continue to accompany Vietnam in efforts to reduce natural disaster risks, through the transfer of advanced technology and practical experience from Japan.

The Medal “For the cause of agriculture and rural development in Vietnam” is a noble award of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, to recognize Vietnamese citizens and foreigners who have made practical contributions in the fields of agriculture and rural development - including disaster response and mitigation.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/ghi-nhan-dong-gop-cua-co-van-jica-cho-cong-tac-phong-chong-thien-tai-tai-viet-nam-211872.html