Enhancing coastal flood risk management awareness

A case study in the Vietnamese Mekong delta

Abstract

This research aims to enhance awareness among local authorities regarding the management of coastal flood risks in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta amidst climate change. A multi-agent simulation approach, implemented as a serious game, was employed to conduct a study in-volving the participation of local actors. The outcomes of our investigation underscore the adaptability of the participatory simulation model, LittoKONG, for the purpose of mitigating coastal flood risks in conjunction with local stakeholders in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. This model was adapted from the generic LittoSIM model in the French context to the Viet-namese context. We based our scenarios on historical storm data in the delta to predict future coastal flooding events. Additionally, our simulations considered planning data, both histor-ical and prospective, factoring in scenarios with and without levees or mangrove forests to prevent and lessen coastal flooding impacts. Moreover, the analysis of participants’ actions and reactions during the workshops accentuated LittoKONG’s role in balancing the involve-ment of risk management specialists and non-specialists in participatory simulation, thereby mitigating role asymmetry. The assessment of learning facilitated by LittoKONG revealed that cognitive learning, encompassing understanding the complex risk system and risk manage-ment strategies, received the most positive evaluations among the four categories, namely cognitive, relational, collaborative, and political learning. Local authorities underscored the imperative of coordinating diverse risk management strategies, with LittoKONG serving as a platform for a more profound comprehension of each stakeholder’s role and the significance of collaboration. Nevertheless, optimal inter-district cooperation in LittoKONG has not been realized due to territorial specificities.