Methodologies and approaches

A multisector approach, backed by an implementation arrangement that addresses the logistical challenge of working in remote areas, is suitable for improving livelihoods in the protected areas. The project location within a protected area required a design that considered the links between communities, tourism, ecological values, park management objectives, and compliance with national and ADB safeguard requirements for protected areas.

Climate change risks need to be carefully considered in the design of rural infrastructure. There was inadequate integration of disaster and climate change risks into the design of subprojects in the highly vulnerable project provinces. This was highlighted by the collapse of a 450-meter section of the Trieu Dai–Trieu Do commune road (Quang Tri) during severe storms and flooding in 2011.

With climate change exerting new and increasing demands on road and bridge networks, future economic analyses for transport projects should take a broader perspective in calculating economic benefits. The economic analysis for this project compared with-project and without-project scenarios to derive its economic benefits. The definition of the with-project scenario assumed time and vehicle operating cost savings from less traffic congestion and improved traffic flow. The benefits from less congestion accounted for 93% of the total net benefits.