A number of seminars on how to ensure the sustainable development of urban areas will be held by theembassy in Hanoi. The specialists come from the Italian city of Genoa, which is famous throughout the world for its restored ancient streets, will give a presentation on how to involve the public in the restoration.

When addressing the press, Giorgio Parodi, the Chairman of the Genoa Association of Architects, said that Hanoi had better review its plans for the old quarter of Hanoi and map out the necessary steps and priorities for the restoration work to begin.

Dr. Dao Ngoc Nghiem, the former chief architect of Hanoi and Vice Chairman of the Urban Planning Association, said that the 1995 Ancient Quarter Plan is now out of date.

It is vital to re-identify Hanoi’s premium assets before taking the necessary steps to restore them, added Nghiem. According to him, a lack of effective management from the local authorities is hindering the restoration work. The old quarter covers an area of 100ha in the central district of Hoan Kiem and houses 85,000 people. The areas rising population is putting the ancient houses there at serious risk of falling into disrepair.