Vacant-land strategies for sustainable development: The case of Ho Chi Minh city

Abstract

This paper presents strategies to enhance the effective use of vacant land within residential neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City. The research aims to transform idle urban lots into community-serving spaces that deliver social and ecological benefits while helping to mitigate adverse impacts of urban climate change. Using a qualitative design with thematic analysis, data from 20 semi-structured interviews were coded and synthesized into two overarching themes and four subthemes. The findings underscore the strategic importance of utilizing residential vacant land efficiently, specifically: (i) expanding green spaces and public amenities; and (ii) strengthening mechanisms, policies, and administrative management. These factors are shown to have significant effects in preventing land abandonment and encouraging efficient land use in pursuit of community welfare and sustainable urban development. The study also identifies persistent shortcomings, including an incomplete legal framework for sanctioning wasteful land use by owners who have fulfilled their financial obligations, and delays and procedural complexity in reviewing and rectifying the stock of vacant properties. These gaps call for concrete, effective solutions to remediate the current situation.