Hanoi, Feb. 12 -- UNESCO and the Japanese Government on February 12 signed an agreement to launch a project aimed at strengthening Vietnam's capabilities in early warning, disaster risk mitigation and ensuring safe learning environment.

The project, funded at 533,333 USD, will run from March 2026 to March 2027 and target the central province of Nghe An, which is prone to frequent natural disasters, home to the UNESCO-recognised Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve and former Vinh city, a member of UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

Its major aim is to improve near real-time early warning systems for flash floods and landslides in high-risk areas while enhancing school resilience. Key activities include participatory risk mapping, sc...