A greener Điện Biên is not merely a slogan, but a long term journey built through concrete actions, from government policies and development strategies to the everyday efforts of residents, businesses, and communities.

That journey is grounded in the province’s unique natural advantages. From the vast Mường Thanh basin, surrounded by mountains and forests, a rich and diverse ecological system has taken shape. The Mường Thanh valley, with its endless stretches of green rice fields and the winding Nậm Rốm river flowing through the basin, creates a harmonious living space between people and nature. Alongside this, rivers, streams, and five major lakes - Pa Khoang, Huổi Phạ, Hồng Sạt, Pe Luông, and Hồng Khếnh - not only regulate the climate but also form the province’s natural “green lungs.”

Building on these existing strengths while pursuing a green, smart, and sustainable economic model, Điện Biên is gradually translating its vision into action through a synchronized policy framework. Government Decree No.35/2026/ND-CP on urban classification sets out clear requirements for climate resilient urban development in line with the national green growth strategy and local realities. Based on this framework, Điện Biên has proactively integrated green criteria into planning and development strategies, laying the legal and long term foundation for “greening” living spaces.

Resolution No.20-NQ/TU, issued on February 27, 2026 by the Điện Biên provincial Party Committee, on infrastructure development linked with modern, green, and smart urban growth for the 2026-2030 period, with a vision to 2035, clearly states that infrastructure and urban systems must align closely with the goals of sustainability and smart growth, in line with the provincial master plan for 2021-2030 and vision to 2050.

Under the plan, the interconnected urban area of Điện Biên Phủ and Mường Thanh wards is envisioned as the province’s central hub for innovation and tourism services. Green buildings, energy saving solutions, and the preservation and promotion of ethnic cultural identity are being prioritized to shape a modern yet culturally distinctive urban landscape.

Green spaces are being expanded from the urban core to surrounding areas. Parks are being renovated and upgraded, while public spaces and amenities are being integrated into urban planning. Additional greenery has been planted around historical hill sites and central areas of Điện Biên Phủ and Mường Thanh wards to create a more harmonious environment. Signature natural features such as ban flowers, cherry blossoms, and the Nậm Rốm River are also being preserved as highlights for tourism development, helping define Điện Biên’s “green identity.”

The principle of “not sacrificing the environment for economic growth” has become a guiding philosophy throughout the implementation of development programs and projects. More than a slogan, it now serves as an investment criterion: prioritizing projects with advanced technology and environmental sustainability. Investment attraction remains selective, focusing on modern, environmentally friendly projects that encourage business participation in value chains while promoting balanced regional development suited to local conditions. New development spaces place “green” values at the center, emphasizing green coverage, sports and recreation areas, and energy efficient infrastructure.

One notable example is the Northern Hoàng Văn Thái - Khe Chít new urban residential area project, one of the province’s largest recent urban infrastructure developments. Covering 9.26 hectares, the project reserved nearly one hectare for parks, including seven mini parks, green spaces, and outdoor sports facilities from the design stage.

Lưu Văn Bốn, Director of the Project Management Board, said technical infrastructure has now been largely completed, with construction underway on 32 townhouse model homes and six villas. In line with the province’s green urban development strategy, the project prioritizes ecological space, synchronized smart transportation infrastructure, and diverse internal amenities integrated with technology and smart management systems, aiming to improve quality of life and create a sustainable living environment.

The Provincial Green Index (PGI), which evaluates environmentally friendly local governance from a business perspective, is also becoming an important benchmark. Through the index, local authorities and businesses can better adjust their practices, increase the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies, and move toward sustainable development standards. For Điện Biên, the PGI is not simply a ranking metric, but a driving force for improving the investment climate and positioning the province as a destination for green investment projects.

At present, Điện Biên is stepping up efforts to attract investment selectively. The province’s list of more than 100 key investment projects for the 2026-2030 period, including 12 urban and real estate projects, clearly reflects a focus on ecological urban areas, wellness tourism, and integrated entertainment developments.

Projects such as the Pá Khoang Lake urban-tourism complex, the Uva hot spring wellness resort, and the ecological urban area along the Nậm Rốm River are opening new development spaces while reinforcing the province’s commitment to “green-oriented” investment attraction. In particular, the Northwest Điện Biên Phủ new urban area, resort tourism, and sports services project is scheduled to break ground during the 2026 Investment Promotion Conference on May 11, promising to create new momentum for green urban development in the province.

In the energy and infrastructure sectors, Điện Biên is also prioritizing green logistics and renewable energy projects, including wind and solar power. In tourism, the “green tourism” strategy is being implemented through support for eco-resorts, wellness tourism, and community-based tourism linked to cultural preservation and environmental protection.

Behind these visible changes lies a consistent development philosophy: growth must go hand in hand with preservation, and long term sustainability must never be traded for short term gains. That vision is shaping every stage of the province’s development process, from planning and investment attraction to implementation. As “green” becomes a mandatory standard and a measure of development quality, every project and every living space contributes to improving the quality of life for local residents.