Urban ecologies - Humans, Environment and Spirits in the City

The research project focuses on urban redevelopment and environmental problems (air pollution, wastewater, waste) as well as the associated policy of striving for “clean and green” cities in Vietnam. Urban planners, local authorities, architects, investors and contractors, environmental activists, city dwellers and rural-urban migrants are all involved in these processes. However, spirits and deities are also believed to have the power to influence events, as according to popular religious beliefs widespread in Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia, they are considered the true owners of the earth and the territory.