The GreenCityLabHuế is pleased to present the publication “Urban green-blue infrastructure as nature-based solutions for urban heat adaptation – A best practices handbook for tropical cities in Southeast Asia, the case study of Hue City, Central Vietnam”.
In the context of Southeast Asian tropical cities facing severe challenges from climate change and rapid urbanization – including extreme heat, flash floods, air pollution, urban sprawl, and ecosystem degradation – the need for a comprehensive guidance document has become increasingly urgent. This handbook was developed to provide a scientific foundation and practical tools for policymakers, professionals, and communities to design, implement, and govern nature-based solutions (NbS) and urban green-blue infrastructure (GBI).
The handbook is structured into clearly defined chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the background and objectives, emphasizing the critical role of NbS in sustainable urban development. Chapter 2 explains key concepts and foundations, highlighting the relationship between NbS, GBI, and ecosystem services, while also providing a classification of GBI components (Figure 3, p.19). Chapter 3 presents the NbS governance framework, built on five key pillars: local needs, cross-sectoral cooperation, GBI interventions, potential impacts and benefits, and institutional frameworks (Figure 2, p.12). International best practices are illustrated through Info Boxes, such as Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park in Singapore, the Thammasat University Rooftop Farm and the Chulalongkorn Centenary Park in Thailand, and the Nanjing Vertical Forest in China. Chapter 4 is the core of the handbook, focusing on the case study of Hue City. In addition to large-scale community surveys (Figures pp.30–47), legal-institutional analysis, and proposed local GBI models, the highlight is Figure 5 – a comprehensive mind map that links local needs, challenges, opportunities, and issues with NbS interventions and their potential benefits. This figure powerfully visualizes the holistic and integrated approach promoted by the handbook.
Chapter 5 provides decision-support tools. Here, Figure 6 illustrates how mind maps can be applied in practice using the example of “tree planting” as a NbS/GBI intervention. It demonstrates the multiple benefits of such an intervention: cooling and shading, air purification, stormwater infiltration, and improved community health. This figure makes clear how the handbook translates theory into practical tools for urban decision-making.
The greatest value of the handbook lies in bridging science and practice. For policymakers, it offers a reliable reference for integrating NbS into urban development strategies. For professionals, it provides detailed guidance, case-based lessons, and tools for application. For communities, it underscores the central role of citizens in shaping greener urban spaces while raising awareness and participation.
Hue was chosen as the case study not only for its unique cultural heritage, but also for its urgent need to adapt to climate change and its pioneering opportunities to implement NbS. Through GreenCityLabHuế, various GBI models have been piloted directly in the urban fabric – from green walls in primary schools and community cultural gardens to riverside green spaces. These interventions not only provide shade and improve the microclimate, but also create places for community connection and stewardship. The handbook synthesizes both international knowledge and Hue’s own experiences, affirming that a heritage city can become a pioneer in climate adaptation, inspiring tropical cities across the region.
The full handbook is available here.
The handbook was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany (BMBF, now the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space – BMFTR) within the FONA framework – Research for Sustainability.
