Working on Sustainable Development of the Cuu Long Delta Region and Its Adaptation to Climate Change Website: CONTENTS

Working on sustainable development of the Cuu Long Delta Region and its adaptation to climate change Website: www.tapchimoitruong.vn CONTENTS

EDITORIAL COUNCIL Nguyễn Văn Tài (Chairman) Prof. Dr. Đặng Kim Chi Dr. Mai Thanh Dung Prof. DrSc. Phạm Ngọc Đăng EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Dr. Nguyễn Thế Đồng Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Văn Phước [2] l NGUYỄN HẰNG: Working on sustainable development of the Cuu Long Delta Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Sinh Region and its adaptation to climate change Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyễn Danh Sơn Assoc.Prof.Dr. Lê Kế Sơn LAW & POLICY Assoc.Prof.Dr. Lê Văn Thăng Prof. Dr. Trần Thục Dr. Hoàng Văn Thức Assoc.Prof.Dr. Trương Mạnh Tiến Prof. Dr. Lê Vân Trình Prof.Dr. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn Dr. Hoàng Dương Tùng Prof. Dr. Bùi Cách Tuyến

EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Đỗ Thanh Thủy Tel: (024) 61281438

OFFICE l Hà Nội: Floor 7, lot E2, Duong Dinh Nghe Str., [4] ĐINH HƯƠNG: Close monitoring of environmental protection commitments by Lee Cau Giay Dist. Hà Nội and Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd. in Hau Giang Managing board: (024) 66569135 [6] NGUYỄN THU HÀ: Draft Decree on revising and complementing Decrees on Editorial board: (024) 61281446 providing guidances on implementation of Law on Environmental Protection Fax: (024) 39412053 Email: [email protected] [8] PHẠM VĂN LỢI: Obstacles and shortcomings in dealing with environmental http://www.tapchimoitruong.vn compensation l Ho Chi Minh City: [10] LÊ THU HOA: Discussion on the Draft Law amending and supplementing some A 403, 4th floor - MONRE’s office complex, Articles of the Law on Environmental Protection Tax No. 200 - Ly Chinh Thang Street, [14] LÊ HOÀNG LAN: Comments on the draft Law on Forest Protection and 9 ward, 3 district, Ho Chi Minh city Development (amended): Consideration should be given to rehabilitation and Tel: (028) 66814471 - Fax: (028) 62676875 improvement of biodiversity when changing the purposes of forest use Email: [email protected] [16] NGUYỄN THƯỢNG HIỀN, ĐỖ TIẾN ĐOÀN: Assessment of current status of PUBLICATION PERMIT hazardous medical waste management and solutions o N 1347/GP-BTTTT - Date 23/8/2011 [19] NGUYỄN THƯỢNG HIỀN, NGUYỄN THÀNH LAM: Recommendations for improving effectiveness of management and usage of ash, slag and gypsum of Photo on the cover page: The Cuu Long thermal power plants Delta Region Photo by: VEA VIEW EXCHANGE Processed & printed by: [22] VŨ NGỌC LÂN: Environmental standards in development of new-style rural areas: Challenges and prospects Đa Sắc Printed Co., Ltd [24] NGUYÊN HẰNG: Historic meeting shows world is serious about mercury menace English edition III/2017 [25] PHẠM ĐÌNH: Top of the POPs: The world’s most dangerous pollutants Price: 30.000VND [27] CHÂU LONG: The rights of rivers GREEN SOLUTION & TECHNOLOGY

[28] PHẠM THỊ HUẾ: Impact of transport on the environment and proposed solutions for green house gas mitigation [29] TRẦN NGỌC HƯNG: Geotechnical materials - Effective solutions for landfill pollution [31] AN BÌNH: Greening Industrial Parks A Case Study on South Korea’s Eco Industrial Park Program [32] PHÙNG THỊ QUỲNH TRANG: Vietnam Textile and Garment Industry: Promoting the implementation of cleaner production solutions to enhance competitiveness

GREEN COOPERATION

[36] NGUYỄN QUANG VINH: Promoting sustainable business solutions in Việt Nam

GREEN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

[41] NGUYỄN THẾ CHINH: Economic growth in connection with environmental protection and improvement The experience of Việt Nam [44] ĐẶNG HUY HUỲNH: Local community is key for biodiversity conservation [45] NGUYỄN THẾ CHINH: Implementation of targets for climate change response and green growth NATURE & ENVIRONMENT OF VIETNAM

[46] HUY HOÀNG: China’s Green Special Economic Zone [51] PHƯƠNG LÊ: The potential for development of eco-tourism Policies - Development and Implementation in Chi Lăng Nam Stork Island [48] THU HÀ: In 10 years time trains could be solar powered [53] HOA VŨ: Thua Thien-Hue Park Ideal home to wild animals [49] NAM VIỆT: How Britain's ecosystems are cutting pollution, [55] NGUYỄN MẠNH HÙNG: The first Bản Giốc Waterfall creating energy and growing the economy Tourism Festival 2017: Sustainable tourism development [50] NGUYỆT MINH: Mangrove conservation in Kenya in association with solid national security and defense EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Working on sustainable development of the Cuu Long Delta Region and its adaptation to climate change

he conference on sustainable development of the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta Region and its adaption to Tclimate change was held on September 26-27 in Cần Thơ City. This was the largest conference ever, and it was billed as the “Dien Hong Meeting” that sought to develop significant ideas to help the Gov- ernment and local authorities in the Cuu Long Delta Region address strategic solutions on sustainable development in the delta region with a vision to 2100. The preliminary session of the conference was chaired by Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc. Among the participants were Deputy Prime Ministers Vương Đình Huệ and Trịnh Đình Dũng, Minister of Natural Regarding the over- discussed challenges, op- Resources and Environment Trần Hồng view of the region and the portunities and solutions Hà, Minister of Planning and Investment challenges, opportunities that could help develop sus- Nguyễn Chí Dũng, Minister of Agricul- and solutions to transform tainable agriculture for sub- ture and Rural Development Nguyễn its development model, regions in the Cuu Long Xuân Cường, local leaders of HCM City Minister of Natural Re- Delta Region; develop an authorities and 13 provinces and cities sources and Environment irrigation system that helps in the Cuu Long Delta Region, and more Trần Hồng Hà highlighted the region adapt to climate than 1,000 participants coming from cen- the unique features of the change and prevent land tral government agencies, the National southern delta region, ad- erosion; and study a master Assembly, local authorities, organisations, dressed its challenges and plan on infrastructure con- embassies, international organisations, opportunities, and suggest- struction for the region. along with domestic and foreign scien- ed breakthrough solutions Regarding the man- tists. for the region. agement of the region’s Minister Ha said that development, Minister of CHALLENGES AND REQUIRE- the development of the Cuu Planning and Investment MENTS FOR THE CUU LONG Long Delta Region must be Nguyễn Chí Dũng said lo- DELTA REGION viewed as a whole that con- cal governments would On September 26, under the chair of nects to other economic need to re-organise the re- deputy prime ministers Vương Đình Huệ zones, such as HCM City. gional economic structure, and Trịnh Đình Dũng, three discussions Further, water resources with the marine economy were held to (1) provide an overview of must become the core ele- becoming the centre of at- the region and address challenges, oppor- ment in the region’s devel- tention. tunities and solutions to transform the de- opment, thus, local authori- Minister Dung stressed velopment model of the Cuu Long Delta ties must have supportive, that the region must review Region; (2) provide a master plan on the breakthrough policies and the total area of rice plant- development of the delta region and on regimes that could lure the ing, limit local people from mobilising and distributing resources for private sector to develop unorganised exploration of the development; and (3) develop sustain- the infrastructure and in- underground water; re-ar- able agriculture and irrigation systems, dustrial zones. range thermal power plants and prevent natural disasters and erosions Following the report of in the region; and raise in the region. minister Ha, participants people’s awareness about

2 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES transforming the region’s production gion. In the near future, the lion to construct drainage model to adapt to climate changes. region must transform its systems for fields and riv- At the discussion, participants pro- production based on three ers in the region, such as posed that the Government increase principles, which are (1) to Cai Lon and Cai Be rivers the budget for the region to 20% of design sustainable develop- in Kien Giang Province to the country’s gross domestic product ment and prosperity for the prevent the inundation of (GDP) to assure sufficient resources region based on adapting saltmarsh, and Tra Su and for the region’s development; pri- and turning challenges into Tha La drains in An Giang oritise and speed up the progress of opportunities, assuring Province to control floods climate change adaptation projects; good living conditions for and strengthen some heav- and study particular regimens for the local people and preserving region to attract official development the region’s traditional val- ily-hit areas where erosion assistance (ODA) projects. ues; (2) to change people’s has posed negative impacts In order to develop sustainable thoughts from traditional on people’s living condi- agriculture, irrigation systems and agricultural production to tions. prevent natural disasters and land agricultural economics, in In addition, the region erosion, Minister of Agriculture and which chemical production must enhance its interna- Rural Development Nguyễn Xuân methods are replaced by or- tional co-operation; de- Cường said that climate changes ganic and hi-tech methods; velop a national database were unavoidable and adaptation to and (3) to join processing on the Cuu Long Delta those changes would need the co-op- and supporting industries Region’s sustainable de- eration of the authorities, the whole in agricultural economics. velopment and climate country and community, following The PM further said change adaptation; develop the theme “active, positive and flex- we need to respect the law a master plan on an adap- ible adaptation to climate changes”. of nature, and the devel- tive delta programme to “Therefore, we need to make the opment model should be keep the region safe, in the best use of our own advantages and consistent with nature and long term, and attractive the Fourth Industrial Revolution avoid unnecessary inter- to individuals and organ- (Revolution 4.0) to turn threats into vention in nature, and the isations who wish to settle opportunities. In addition, we need sustainable development to restructure the agricultural sector should enable people to live in the region. The Gov- so that it becomes more dependent in harmony with the natu- ernment would organise a on biodiversity and re-allocates the ral conditions. We must region-level meeting every resources to maximise the sale of the acknowledge that climate two years to discuss plans, region’s key products.” change and rising sea lev- review targets, policies and els are indispensable and solutions to better develop RESOLUTION ON CUU LONG we have to turn those dif- the region and guide it to a DELTA REGION’S CLIMATE ficulties into opportunities. brighter future. CHANGE ADAPTATION Also, seawater and brack- After the conference, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân ish water should be treated the PM also assigned the Phúc said, during the conference’s as natural resources. The Ministry of Natural Re- preliminary meeting on September Government and the Com- sources and Environment 27, that he appreciated the results of munist Party of Viet Nam to work with the Govern- the discussions and urged the Gov- targets to serve the people ernment and its agencies to acknowl- ment Office to collect ideas first to reduce the poverty from participants, in order edge the ideas, while calling for joint gap and leave no one be- to develop the Govern- opinions that could help the Cuu hind. ment’s draft resolution on Long Delta Region achieve sustain- Regarding financial as- the Cuu Long Delta Re- able development and adapt to cli- sistance for climate change mate changes. adaptation projects, the gion’s sustainable develop- To conclude the conference, PM PM called for the founding ment and climate change Phuc stressed that one of the key of the Cuu Long Delta Re- adaptation so that the Gov- factors was to protect the land, wa- gion Development Fund, ernment could bring the ter and people; and local authori- that would be funded by resolution for discussion at ties must be visionary in turning various sources. By 2020, its meeting in September the delta region from a traditional local authorities must dis- 2017■ granary to a hi-tech agriculture re- burse at least US$1 bil- Nguyễn Hằng

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 3 LAW & POLICY Close monitoring of environmental protection commitments by Lee and Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd. in Hau Giang

Project “Pulp and paper mill with a capacity of 420,000 tons per year” of Viet Nam Lee and Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd. with the investment from the Joint Creation Limited is implemented in an area of 419,957 m2 in the Phu Huu A industrial cluster, Mai Dam Town, Chau Thanh District, Hau Giang Province. Its operation duration is 70 years with a total investment of 280 million USD. After a 6 month pilot phase (3-/9/2017) it is expected that in October, 2017, Viet Nam Lee and Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd. will start its full operation after being issued the certificate of having completed environmental protection works by Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE).

FIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR HAU GIANG LEE AND MAN PAPER MANUFACTURING LTD After paying an inspecting visit to the Lee and Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd. for its completion of environmental protection works, on October 19, 2017, MONRE Min- ister Trần Hồng Hà met with leaders of Hau Giang Provincial People’s Committee and related local authorities on environmental protection of the factory in its operation phase. According to the inspection team’s report, the Lee and Man Paper Manufacturing VVMinister Trần Hồng Hà met with Hau Giang Province Ltd. has completed environmental protection works as required in its environmental leaders and related local authorities impact assessment (EIA) report approved by MONRE. In the meantime, the mill has fol- tal protection requirements. Fifth, publicizing and lowed closely additional requirements of the The Minister set five require- monitoring waste treatment inspection team to treat emission, wastewa- ments for the factories: contracting businesses, in ter and solid waste properly. All wastes are First, continuing full and particular flying ash and bot- treated to meet environmental technical effective operation of waste tom ash treatment to ensure regulations. Environmental conditions in- treatment systems; that these businesses are le- side the mill are good. No odor is detected. Second, issuing procedures gally competent and eligible. Environmental hygiene is well maintained. which specifies technical staff Minister Trần Hồng Hà Based on the inspection results and com- responsibilities in operating also requested that environmental protection commitments by scientists and experts, Vice Chair- waste treatment systems; ments are specified and as- man of Hau Giang Provincial People’s Com- Third, developing and ap- mittee Trung Canh Tuyen proposed that signed VEA to collaborate proving technical and eco- MONRE approve the mill’s full operation with Hau Giang government nomic cost norms for mate- and affirmed that the provincial authorities to regularly check, inspect would monitor closely. rials, chemicals, energy and and monitor the commit- To conclude at the meeting, Minister water, following ISO stan- ments by the factory. Trần Hồng Hà hailed the inspection team of dards and publicize for public For Hau Giang, Minister the Vietnam Environment Administration authority’s monitoring; Trần Hồng Hà assigned Hau (VEA) and technical team of Hau Giang Fourth, taking measures Giang Department of Natural Provincial People’s Committee, and noted for controlling odor which Resources and Environment efforts by Lee and Man Paper Manufacturing could potentially generated (DONRE) to provide regular Ltd. in investing and fulfilling environmen- during its production; supervision of automatic and

4 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 LAW & POLICY continuous monitoring data of the factory, when necessary, conduct regular or sudden inspections, and develop a joint program with the factory to publicize information, disseminate information and raise awareness. In addition, the DONRE shall cooperate with other provincial departments to develop and implement a water quality monitoring program for Hau River, especially the adjacent area of the factory, develop contingent plans for responding to environmental incidents and ensuring environmental security, strengthening environmental inspections at industrial parks and highly polluting facilities, in particular VVDirector General of Hau Giang Lee and Man Paper Mill for those discharging directly to Hau River, reported to Minister Trần Hồng Hà and the inspection team on strictly punish environmental violators, co- the treated wastewater quality operate with upstream provinces to develop a joint monitoring programs and environmental management for the whole river, to ensure sustainable development of the region. VIET NAM LEE AND MAN PA- PER MANUFACTURING LTD. IS READY FOR FULL OPERATION At present, the mill is operating at 100% of its designed capacity. Its works have finished and started operation, including: Of- fice buildings, an international port and associated warehouses, a high quality hard cover box manufacturer with a capacity of 420,000 tonnes per year, machine group 1 VVOverview of Hau Giang Lee and Man Paper Mill with a capacity of 50 Mw of the coal fired For emission treatment, area, the company has used thermal power plant, water supply factory the company has installed the canvas covers to prevent odor using water from Hau River/1st period of emission treatment system 40,000 m3/day, and a centralized wastewater nuisance to surrounding ar- with a 150m chimney and treatment facility’s 1st period with a capac- eas. an emission automatic moni- ity of 20,000 m3/day. The company has col- toring station to regularly lected and transfer wastes to During the testing operation phase, monitor pollutant levels and MONRE established an inspection team competent agencies. During deal with problems instantly. its operation, the company to supervise waste treatment works at the So far, the company has in- mill (Decision 369/QD-BTNMT dated has reported all issues to local stalled dust preventing nets authorities and community. 10/3/2017) and Hau Giang Provincial in coal warehouses, planted One of the biggest paper People’s Committee established a techni- trees in open space areas af- manufacturers in the Mekong cal team to supervise (Decision 380/QD- ter coal warehouses, installed UBND dated 14/3/2017). odor treatment system using Delta, the company’s waste For wastewater treatment, the company water spraying, ozone treat- volume has received much has met requirements in the approved EIA ment and active carbons at attention from the public re- such as: installing a wastewater treatment A/O tanks and sludge tanks, cently. Therefore, the inspect- facility with a capacity of 20,000 m3/day, installed two additional odor ing visit by MONRE is an building a lagoon for treated wastewater, treatment towers, and in- important step before approv- installing automatic monitoring stations stalled noise reduction panels ing the company’s full opera- before and after the lagoon and continu- on the 3rd level of the cooling tion after the 6 month testing ously transmitting monitoring data to Hau system at the thermal power phase■ Giang DONRE. plant. In paper waste storage Đinh Hương

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 5 LAW & POLICY Draft Decree on revising and complementing Decrees on providing guidances on implementation of Law on Environmental Protection

Nguyễn Thu Hà, Deputy Director Department of Policy and Legislation, Vietnam Environment Administration

o implement Law on Environmen- A review of current legal for asking for extensions of tal Protection 2014, the Govern- system shows that the major- piloting environmental pro- ment issued Decree 18/2015/ND-CP ity of necessary regulations tection works is not yet regu- Tdated 14/2/2015 on environmental plan- have been issued. However, lated. ning, strategic environmental assessment, due to a wide range of scope, Environmental protection environmental impact assessment; Decree some regulations are infea- programs and environmental 19/2015/ND-CP dated 14/2/2015 on detail- sible, contain overlaps and protection options: With cur- ing some contents of the LEP 2014; Decree conflicts among regulations rent regulations, it is impos- 38/2015/ND-CP dated 24/4/2015 on waste while have gaps in regulating sible to completely deal with and scarp management; Decree 03/2015/ social relations arisen from cases of noncompliance with ND-CP dated 6/1/2015 on determining sustainable use of natural re- requirements for EIA and en- environmental damage compensation, and sources and environmental vironmental protection plans. Decree 127/2014/ND-CP dated 31/12/2015 protection. Therefore, it is necessary to on requirements of environmental monitor- For regulations on EIA, take measures to address ing service providing organizations. These environmental protection these violations. In the mean- are important regulations to enhance state plan and environmental time, according to Article management in environmental protection. protection program 68 LEP 2014, facilities shall In the Government and Prime Minister’s For initial EIA: overlaps develop and comply with work plan in 2017, Ministry of Natural Re- remain between the LEP 2014 environmental protection sources and Environment (MONRE) was (Point a, Clause 2, Article 25) options. However, positions assigned to develop a draft Decree of revis- and Investment Law (Article and contents of environmen- ing and complementing the Decrees provid- 33, 34) causing difficulties for tal protection options are not ing guidance on implementing the LEP 2014 local authorities in develop- specified yet. (draft). ing procedures for invest- Waste management regu- ment projects lations 1. RATIONALE FOR ISSUING THE For subjects responsible for Normal solid waste man- DECREE carrying out EIA: Project type agement: Verification of In the past years, environmental protec- and scale requirements for meeting environmental pro- tion has been paid due attention by the Party developing EIA are inappro- tection requirements for nor- and State and considered as one of the three priate, hence it is necessary to mal industrial solid waste pillars for sustainable development. In this review this list. is not yet regulated. Other vein, state management of environmental For time required for revis- necessary but unregulated protection from central to local levels have ing and complementing EIA points include siting and re- made progress and achieved some first im- reports: The time for revising habilitation and upgrading of portant results. However, pollution contin- and resubmitting EAI reports normal industrial solid waste ues to rise. Some serious pollution cases have to appraisal councils is not yet treatment facilities, responsi- affected people’s livelihoods and production. regulated. bilities of owners of facilities The main cause is limited awareness and re- For compliance with revi- using industrial solid waste sponsibilities of sectors, management levels, sions in approved EIA reports: as their production input, re- businesses and community. Many localities It is necessary to regulate the search and development for have pursued upfront economic benefits cases in which revisions need industrial solid waste treat- and paid undue attention to environmen- approvals and detailed ap- ment in laboratories and re- tal protection. Roles and responsibilities of proval procedures for such viewing and appraising solid community and social organization have revisions. waste technologies. Regula- not highlighted. Environmental regulations For piloting environmental tions on domestic scraps are remain shortcomings and infeasibility. protection works: Procedures yet to be issued.

6 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 LAW & POLICY

VVGeneral Director of Vietnam Environment Administration, Nguyễn Văn Tài delivered speech at the Consultation Workshop on Decree to revise and complement Decrees on implementing LEP 2014 in Ho Chi Minh City on September 8, 2017

Wastewater management: Typical fea- results and certifying the ac- democratic to heighten com- tures of aquaculture sector of producing a complishment of measures munity roles; strengthening large volume of recycling water are yet to for radically dealing with se- socialization and attract- be considered. Regulations on thresholds of rious polluting facilities have ing social resources for en- receiving wastewater from facilities within not been available yet. vironmental protection and industrial zones for centralized treatment focusing on measures for also are not issued yet. 2. POINT VIEWS AND enhancing environmental Emission management: Procedures for OUTLINE OF THE compliance. registration, inventories and licensing in- DRAFT This draft decree has 5 dustrial emission are not yet issued. The draft was developed chapters, 103 Articles and 3 Scrap import: Regulations at Clause 1, to address current shortcom- annexes with the following Article 59 of Decree 38/2015/ND-CP are ings, in particular those remain contents inappropriate because in some cases, im- lated to state management Chapter 1. Regulations on port procedures are complete but due to in- tools and measures for tech- SEA, EIA and environmental sufficient time for deposit, the import can- nical control and supervision protection plans (from Arti- cles 1-14): Revising and com- not be cleared. of enterprises’ emission. The plementing Decree 18/2015/ For qualifications of organization draft was developed with the ND-CP dated 14/2/2015 on requesting being certified as meeting with principles of: legalizing view requirements of environmental monitoring environmental planning, points and directions of the service providers SEA, EIA, in which require- Stipulations at Form No.2 of Decree Party, in particular Prime ments for implementing SEA 127/2014/ND-CP is incompatible with Minister’s Directive 25/CT- are specified; appraising SEA Prime Minister’s Directive 17/CT-TTg dat- TTg dated 31/8/2016 on some reports; objects, timing and ed 20/6/2014 on some measures for address- urgent tasks and solutions for forms of reporting, appraisal ing an abuse of requesting certified copies environmental protection; contents of initial EIA; EIA of documents and reducing administrative considering pollution and consultation; requirements costs for individuals and organizations. environmental degradation for EIA report service provid- For environmental rehabilitation and prevention as the main task; ers; EIA appraisals, EIA redo- restoration requirements: It is necessary to ensuring systematic, compre- ing; piloting environmental clarify regulations on restoration, rehabili- hensive, scientific and feasible protection works; and check- tation and deposit for environmental resto- features of environmental ing and certifying environ- ration in mining operations. Regulations on regulations; enhancing pro- mental protection works. environmental restoration of mineral pro- active responsibilities of state Chapter 2. Environmental cessing and industrial facilities after their authorities in environmental restoration and rehabilitation closing or dissolution. protection; make state man- of production, trade and ser- For dealing with serious polluting facili- agement on environmental vice facilities (from Articles ties: regulations on checking and assessing protection transparent and 15-39): Revising and comple-

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 7 LAW & POLICY

menting Decree 19/2015/ND-CP dated 14/2/2015 on detailing some contents Obstacles and of the LEP 2014 which specifies facilities not subject to requirements of mak- shortcomings in dealing ing environmental protection options with environmental as regulated by Mineral Law; environmental deposits in mining operations; compensation general requirements for environmental quality improvement and man- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Văn Lợi agement; requirements of used ship Environmental Science Institute dismantling facilities; environmental protection options; dealing with serious polluters; preferential in environmental iệt Nam is developing a multi component market protection; and environmental quality economy toward industrialization and moderniza- improvement and management. tion. In this process, economic activities such as Chapter 3. Regulations on waste Vinvestment, industrial zone, export processing zone and in- and scrap management (Articles 40- dustrial cluster development have been boosted. Enterpris- 49): Revising and complementing De- es under different economic sectors have been established. cree 38/2015/ND-CP dated 24/2/2015 However, associated with economic development is envi- on waste and scrap management. This ronmental pollution and degradation. In practice, some specifies waste management planning enterprises only focus on economic development without in environmental protection planning; proper attention to environmental protection and waste investment in hazardous waste manage- treatment. As a result, pollution is getting worse, impacting ment, domestic solid waste, normal sol- on people’s heath and livelihood. id waste, domestic waste management, domestic scrap management; normal To prevent this situation, the State has issued regulations industrial waste; waste treatment tech- for compensation for environmental pollution and degra- nology assessment; industrial emission dation. However, these regulations provide only general licensing; mining waste management; principles and hence cannot be easily applied. The practice scrap management and disposal of pref- of dealing with suing cases on environmental compensa- erential cars. tion shows the following shortcomings and obstacles: Chapter 4. Regulations on require- COMPENSATION FOR LIFE, HEALTH AND ments for environmental monitoring PROPERTY DAMAGE CAUSED BY ENVIRON- service providers (Articles 100-102): MENTAL VIOLATIONS Revising and complementing Decree 127/2014/ND-CP dated 31/12/2015 on First, according to current regulations, bases for re- requirements for environmental moni- sponsibilities for compensating for live, health and prop- toring service providers. This revises Section IV, Part A, Form 2 and point 2, Section I, Part B, and Form 2. Chapter 5. Implementation arrange- ments: the draft revises and comple- ments Annexes of Decree 18/2015/ND- CP, complementing Annex of Decree 19/2015/ND-CP (serious polluting facilities); and revising and complementing Anex of Decree 38/2015/ND-CP. At present, the draft is available on Government, MONRE and VEA web- pages to seek comments from Min- istries, sectors, Provincial People’s Committees, political and social organizations and citizens. The MONRE VVIt is difficult to request compensation for damage caused will submit the draft to Prime Minister by river pollution because it involves multiple subjects and in November, 2017■ widespread impact

8 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 LAW & POLICY erty damage include four factors: damage, to inconsistent decisions. collect and analyze samples violations causing damage, people causing Therefore rights and ben- to ensure typical require- damage intentionally or unintentionally, and efits of the affected people ments of the environmen- a cause-effect relationship between damage are not protected. In many tal sector. This is not yet and the violations. However, legally it is very cases, compensations are guided by regulations. difficult to prove the cause-effect relation- improper. Fourth, according to ship. Sixth, environmental current regulations, state Second, to protect legal rights and ben- courts are yet available. authorities can hire busi- efits of the people, according to regulations, Judges’ environmental nesses to collect data the people have to collect evidence of viola- knowledge is at different and evidence for damage tions of polluters and determine the level of levels, leading to difficul- compensation. However, damage by themselves to put a case. Howev- ties in handling the cases. criteria for selecting the er, in practice, it is difficult for people to col- businesses have not been lect evidence due to a lack of time, finance, COMPENSATIONS FOR DAMAGE TO regulated. This requires equipment and knowledge. This affects their concrete guidance. It is reg- rights to sue. THE NATURAL ENVI- RONMENT ulated that provincial and Third, it is very difficult to determine and district’s people’s commit- quantify compensation for live and proper- First, regulations on tees are responsible for col- compensation for the natu- ty, in particular compensation for damaged lecting and appraising data ral environment (degraded spirit and lives. According to Judging Coun- and evidence. However, it functions and benefits of cil of People’s Supreme Court’s Resolution is unclear which authori- the environment) are scat- 03/2006/NQ-HDTP dated 8/7/2006 provid- ties under the committees tered with different legal ing the implementation of Civil Code on non- are responsible for under- contract compensation for damage, clause b, entities, causing difficul- taking this task. point 1.1, section 1, part 1 provides guidance ties for organizations and Fifth, current regula- on determining spiritual damage. This regu- individuals in grasping and tions have not specified lation promulgates that the maximum for complying. Many of the cost norms for treating a health damage is not exceeding minimum 30 regulations are yet concrete unit of polluted water or month wages and compensation for spiritual and need guidance for im- soil, restoring a unit of damage of their family members is not ex- plementation. degraded ecosystem, re- ceeding minimum 60 month wages. Deter- Second, environmen- placing a dead endangered mining damage compensation needs to refer tal pollution, degradation to consequences of violations to the affected and damage are caused species individual and sav- people. That means the affected people not by many environmental ing and caring for injured only suffer from health damage and wounds violators and the scope of endangered species indi- (physical damage) but also incur spiritual pollution and damage is vidual. damage (in terms of social relationships and widespread (rivers, river Sixth, in case busi- occupations). Spiritual damage also depends basins, lakes, ponds, seas, nesses do not agree with on economic status, age, occupational posi- field…) Therefore, it is the damage compensation tion, and appearance. This is complex spiri- very difficult to identify di- requested by competent tual damage. rect subjects causing dam- authorities, the businesses Fourth, damage caused by environmen- age. Hence, it is complex have to prove that they tal violation is widespread and affect a large to prove the subject di- do not cause pollution or number of people. However, according to rectly causing damage who the level of caused pollu- current regulations, people are not allowed should be responsible for tion. Therefore, it is neces- to sue collectively to protect their legal rights compensation. sary to have regulations on and benefits. Third, environmental procedures to prove that Fifth, life, health and property damage violations are diverse and business do not cause pol- caused by environmental violations is di- their consequences are at lution. In addition, Viet verse and complex. Therefore, it is difficult different levels. Therefore, Nam has not had data on to determine damage values. In addition, it is difficult to determine the background environ- regulations on determining damage and damage levels and to collect ment; hence it is difficult to compensations in the Civil Code are yet evidence while it requires determine damage by com- concrete and too general. As a result, judges highly qualified staff and paring against the initial interpret the regulations differently, leading sophisticated equipment to environmental state■

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 9 LAW & POLICY Discussion on the Draft Law amending and supplementing some Articles of the Law on Environmental Protection Tax

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lê Thu Hoa Faculty of Environment and Urban, National Economics University The Law on Environmental Protection Tax was passed by the 12th National Assembly on Novem- ber 15, 2010 at the 8th session, and has taken effect since 1/1/2012. After over 5 years of implementation, many contents of the Law on Environmental Protection Tax 2010 have shown many shortcomings. The amendment and supplementation of the Law on Environmental Protection Tax are necessary to meet the requirements of tax reforms and effectively meet the requirements of environmental protection and socio-economic development in the new context of international integration.

n April 22, 2017, at the 9th meeting the amendment and finaliza- for two main purposes: To session, the Standing Committee tion of the draft Law. regulate the behavior of eco- of the National Assembly agreed to nomic actors (producers and Osubmit to the National Assembly to add the VIEWPOINTS AND consumers) towards environ- Draft Law on amending and supplementing APPROACHES TO mental friendliness; and to some Articles of the Law on Environmental THE DEVELOPMENT/ create financial resources for Protection Tax into the National Assembly's AMENDMENT OF THE the provision of environmen- Program of law and ordinance development LAW ON ENVIRON- tal protection goods/ services. 2017 for comments at the session in Octo- MENTAL PROTECTION For many countries, taxes ber 2017. At present, the draft Law is being TAX are only regarded as envi- submitted to Ministries, sectors, localities, Many countries in the ronmental tax/environmen- organizations and individuals concerned for world use Environmental tal protection tax when they comments. This paper puts forward some Protection Tax as one of the meet 3 criteria: Tax relates to proposals and discussion to contribute to important economic tools the Government‘s environ-

VVThe proposal to increase environmental protection tax on gasoline, oil is particularly drawing a lot of public concern

10 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 LAW & POLICY

Environmental protection taxable objects and absolute tax rates are specified in the following tariff schedule. No. Goods Unit Tax rate (VND/unit of goods) Law 2010 Proposals in 2017 I Gasoline, oil, grease 1 Gasoline (except ethanol) liter 1,000 - 4,000 3,000 - 8,000 2 Aeronautical fuel liter 1,000 - 3,000 3,000 - 6,000 3 Diesel liter 500 - 2,000 1500 - 4000 4 Petroleum liter 300 - 2,000 No change 5 Mazut oil liter (kg) 300 - 2,000 900 - 4,000 6 Lubricants liter 300 - 2,000 900 - 4,000 7 Grease kg 300 - 2,000 900 - 4,000 II Coal 1 Brown coal ton 10,000 - 30,000 No change 2 Anthracite ton 20,000 - 50,000 No change 3 Grease ton 10,000 - 30,000 No change 4 Other coals ton 10,000 - 30,000 No change III Hydro Chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Liquid kg 1,000 - 5,000 4,000 - 20,000 IV Taxable plastic bags kg 30,000 - 50,000 40,000 - 200,000 V Herbicides of restricted use kg 500 - 2,000 No change VI Termiticides of restricted use kg 1,000 - 3,000 No change VII Forest product preservatives of restricted use kg 1,000 - 3,000 No change VIII Warehouse disinfectants of restricted use kg 1,000 - 3,000 No change mental targets; the main target of the tax is and the use of environmen- the tax; and “negative impacts to encourage positive behavior in terms of tally friendly products, reduce on the environment” is an im- environment; tax is structured in line with pollution at source, raise envi- portant basis for identifying the “polluter pays” principle and environ- ronmental protection aware- taxable objects, a measure for mental targets, whereby the more pollution ness of the whole society”. tax calculation, and the foun- and harm to the environment, the higher the In order to create trust for dation for determining high tax becomes. people and businesses that "are or low tax rate for each type As such, for the so-called environmen- willing to pay the tax", the draft of product/goods. In relation tal tax/environmental protection tax, the Law on Environmental Protec- to that provision, some issues primary target which must be achieved is tion Tax (amended) needs to need to be clarified / supple- to create positive environmental impacts. If be studied in the direction of mented as follows: a tax does not reflect this target or is aimed extending the tax basis, modi- Regarding taxable objects: primarily to increase revenues, it will not be fying the taxable scope and According to the experience regarded as an environmental tax/ environ- objects, the tariff... and at the of many countries in the world mental protection tax. same time, providing clearer and the reality in Việt Nam, In Việt Nam, from the Law on Envi- evidence and interpretations it is now time to research and ronmental Protection Tax 2010 to the draft of the environmental targets put products with negative im- Amended Law of 2017, in the report of the that have been and will be pacts on the environment such Ministry of Finance, the environmental tar- achieved in the implementa- as electronic products, house- gets have been quite lightly- presented com- tion of the Law. hold electricity appliances, pared to the target of increasing revenue. batteries, tires or synthetic de- Report on the draft Law in 2017 also does TAXABLE OBJECTS tergents into the list of taxable not include environmental impact/ efficien- AND TAX RATES objects. cy assessment of the implementation of the Under the provisions of the Currently, in Việt Nam, Law in the past 5 years and the forecast for Law on Environmental Pro- electronic products, electric the next period. There is a lack of practical tection Tax 2010 (Draft Law appliances, batteries, tires, evidence to support the Ministry of Finance’s on environmental protection detergents... are the products assessment that "the policy of environmen- tax 2017 not proposing adjust- with the volume of usage and tal protection tax has recently contributed ments), products/goods which disposal increasing rapidly to reduce the production and consumption have “negative impacts on the over the years (the disposal of of polluting goods, stimulate the production environment” are subject to only electronic waste is about

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 11 LAW & POLICY

90,000 tons/year), thereby creating a ma- from combusted coal is also a VAT are included, the contri- jor impact on the environment and human source of environmental pol- bution of the petroleum sector health, both in the short and long terms. lution and occupies a lot of is about 9.8% of total budget Although many of these products are haz- land. revenue. If the maximum new ardous wastes, they still are discarded arbi- Although coal exploited environmental protection tax trarily with domestic solid wastes while the domestically is subject to rate is applied and the import cost of domestic solid waste collection and natural resources tax and fees tax is eliminated according to treatment services remains low. The taxa- such as environmental protec- the road map, the contribution of these products is necessary to reduce tion fees for wastewater, min- tion of petroleum will increase the consumption level and simultaneously ing fees... but it is only in the to 14 - 15% of total budget provides funds for the special collection and stage of exploitation. There- revenue. If the environmen- treatment system with higher cost. fore, it is necessary to consid- tal protection tax increase to Regarding the low tariff of coal products as er raising the tax rate/ tariff of compensate for the decrease compared to petroleum: The correlated com- environmental protection for of import tax, it is necessary parison between the environmental impacts coal consumption, including to consider that: environmen- of petroleum and coal with the environmen- both domestically exploited tal protection tax rate of 3,000 tal protection tariff for these fuels showed the and imported coals. VND/l was higher than the big and irrational difference. This may have Regarding the high tariff maximum import tax rate of been the reason for the high increase in the for and the large tax revenues 35% of the base price (now investment in the development of coal-in- from petroleum: The current it is reduced to 12%). Is this tensive heavy industries with high pollution tax rate for gasoline is 3,000 “over-compensation” neces- risks including coal-fired thermal power, VND/l. If converted separate- sary if the impacts on the en-

steel-making, cement and chemicals indus- ly for the CO2 emissions from vironment-economy-society tries in the past time. In addition, that petro- gasoline combustion, which are considered? leum and coal are substitutes for each other is 2.341 kg/l, the equivalent From a different perspec- could have an unwanted effect, which is the tax rate is 1,281,500 dongs/ tive, it is unreasonable for

switch from the use of coal to petroleum. ton of CO2 or 56.45 USD/ton petroleum to play a key role Tax rates for petroleum and diesel are, re- CO2. If it is implemented in in the revenue source of en- spectively, 80 - 100 times and 40 - 50 times accordance with the draft Law vironmental protection tax in higher than the tax rate for coal. According on amendment, the tax rate the past time and expectedly to the draft Law in 2017, this gap will con- would be 56 - 150 USD/ ton, in the coming years. In 2016, tinue to increase. Meanwhile, the contami- which is much higher than the environmental protection nation and detrimental impacts of coal on the highest rate of 130 USD/ tax on petroleum has reached

the environment is much higher than those ton of CO2 applied in Swe- VND 41,062 billion, account- of petroleum. In terms of chemical compo- den and the average rate of 10 ing for over 93% of the total sitions, according to Petrolimex standards USD/ton which many coun- environmental protection tax (TCCS01: 2015/PLX and TCCS 03: 2015/ tries are applying. revenue, of which VND 21,200 PLX) and national standards (TCVN8910: The Ministry of Finance billion is collected from gaso- 2015), the sulfur and ash contents in coal argues that because the tax line. According to the level of are, respectively, 35 - 257 times and 300 - rate (import tax, special con- negative impact to environ- 4,500 times higher than those in petroleum. sumption tax, environmental ment, financial responsibility According to the US Energy Information protection tax, value added for the environment must be Administration (USEIA), to generate the tax) on the base price of Việt shared by many other sectors, same energy unit, the air pollutant emissions Nam is low (37.49% for gaso- and the gasoline can not be from combusted coal is higher than that of line, 20.76% for diesel; 11.59% "forced" to be responsible for

combusted petroleum: SO2 is 2.3 times; dust for fuel, 19.13% for mazut) almost all others. The think- is 32.7 times; CO2 is 6.3 times and mercury and the gasoline price is also ing of "choosing easy-to-tax is 2.3 times higher (average emission level low compared to many coun- and easy-to-collect areas” to can fluctuate depending on type of coal, pe- tries such as South Korea, propose the increase of envi- troleum as well as combustion technology, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, ronmental protection tax also operating conditions, longevity of equip- Hong Kong or Thailand, it is needs to be changed. ments...) According to the International necessary to raise the tax rates. THE IMPACT OF THE Energy Agency (IEA), total CO2 emission This seems not to be convinc- causing greenhouse effect originated from ing. Meanwhile, in some ENVIRONMENTAL all fuel combustion activities of Việt Nam is countries such as Malaysia, PROTECTION TAX 143.3 million tonnes in 2014, of which the Indonesia, the US, or Austra- INCREASE FOR PETRO- combustion of coal accounted for 55%, pe- lia, the gasoline price is not LEUM troleum 30% and gas 15%. As such, coal is as high as that in Việt Nam. Many international and the largest and dominant source of air pol- If import tax, special con- domestic studies have shown lution in Việt Nam. Not to mention, ash sumption tax (excise tax), and the negative impacts of in-

12 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 LAW & POLICY creasing petroleum price on industries such in 2016 (only over a quarter First, to consider other as agriculture, fisheries, transportation; of the revenue). In the period types of plastic products be- small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), of 2011 - 2015, expenditures sides bags but also have envi- middle-income and low-income groups are on environmental protec- ronmental impacts as plastic also the most negatively affected by petro- tion reached VND 47,452 bil- bags; to regulate the equiva- leum price increase. lion, only slightly higher than lent tax rate at 10 - 12 Euros/kg As proposed in the draft Environmen- the total tax revenue in 2016. or in bags, 0.7 - 1Euro/bag as tal Protection Law (amended), the current Among them, there are expen- many European countries do. double tax rate increase, according to the ditures for economic activities Second, to research on the Ministry of Finance's argument, would not of the Central budget, such tax calculation measure ac- affect the price of petrolium and businesses; as investigation and evalua- cording to the environmental but clearly, when introduced into the Law tion projects on land, geology impact level of a product unit and passed, this tariff will be the legal basis minerals, water resources, sea on pollutants such as SO2, for increasing taxes in the upcoming time. and islands, etc. are the areas CO2, mercury, phosphate. For Tax increase will result in higher petroleum of natural resources sector and example, if the tax on CO2 is price. Because petroleum is still an essential related economic activities. calculated at about $10 - 16/ input for many economic sectors as well as Thus, the actual expenditure ton, the revenue from envi- for people’s livelihoods (demand is inelastic for environmental protection ronmental protection tax from to prices), consumption will not decrease is much less. coal can be up to VND 45 tril- significantly, so the level of negative impacts The Law on Environmental lion, petroleum is about VND on the environment does not drop. However, Protection Tax in 2010 and the 10 trillion, an increase of more the increase in gasoline price will result in draft Law on Environmental than VND 13 trillion in total higher cost in production, transportation, Protection Tax (amended) in compared to the present. circulation and distribution... The price rate 2017 only regulate the tax col- Third, to propose to re- increase will lead to inflation, reduction in lection but do not cover any search and develop laws on domestic consumption, the competitiveness provisions regulating the man- other taxes than environmen- of enterprises and the attraction of invest- agement and use of environ- tal protection tax to compen- ment environment, increase in inequality mental protection tax. It can sate for import tax; for ex- among population groups. be seen as a significant short- ample: The amended special In order to receive the support of citizens coming that could degrade the consumption tax (excise tax), and businesses to ensure the feasibility of the trust of people and businesses property tax... have been ad- Law, a more cautionary (socio-economic) about the transparency in the opted by many countries, cre- impact assessment should be made on pro- revenues and expenditure of ating a large revenue but no posals in the draft amended Law, in particu- environmental protection tax draft law or proposal from the lar, the adjustment of the double tariff for gas- in the past time. Although it Ministry of Finance is includ- oline, oil and grease, to forecast the impacts is possible to increase the ened in the legislative program in and measures to prevent negative impacts; the next 1 - 2 years. evaluation can be conducted before prom- vironmental protection tax to compensate for the the import Fourth, the amendment ulgation of tax rate without having to wait- of the Law on Environmental ing until after the issuance of new tax rates. tax reduction according to the trend of revenue restruc- Protection Tax will directly, THE USE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ture, the draft Law still needs deeply and extensively affect PROTECTION TAX REVENUE to supplement the provisions the people, businesses and environmental and socio-eco- According to the report by the Ministry on management and use of nomic targets of the country. of Finance, the environmental protection revenues, ensuring sufficient Therefore, it is not necessary tax revenue has steadily increased over the expenditures for environ- to “race” in terms of time but years. In 2016, after adjusting the environmental targets, incentives for need to continue to review and mental protection tax rate from VND 1,000/l research, development and evaluate it comprehensively to VND 3,000/l, the total environmental application of energy savings, protection tax revenue has reached VND carbon emission reduction and thoroughly before prom- 42,393 billion, accounting for 4.08% of the technologies; switching to en- ulgation. Ministry of Natural total budget revenue. However, spending on vironmentally-friendly forms Resources and Environment environmental protection is still lower than of energy and also regulating should get opinions from sci- the revenue - although the specified level is the transparency of revenues entists to contribute to the not less than 1% of total state budget expen- and expenditures from envi- identification and expansion diture and gradually increases with econom- ronmental protection tax so of taxable objects; the clarifi- ic growth. Specifically, total expenditures that people and businesses can cation of the scientific basis as for environmental protection in 2015 were easily follow. well as the reality of the tar- VND 11,400 billion (less than half of the rev- iff and other proposals in the enue of VND 27,020); VND 12,290 billion SOME OTHER RECOM- draft Law on Environmental MENDATIONS Protection Tax (amended)■

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 13 LAW & POLICY

COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT LAW ON FOREST PROTECTION AND DEVELOPMENT (AMENDED): Consideration should be given to rehabilitation and improvement of biodiversity when changing the purposes of forest use

Dr. Lê Hoàng Lan Vietnam Association for the Conservation of Nature and Enviroment

iệt Nam is recognized as one of the countries that have high biodiversity in the world, with many types ofV natural ecosystems, organisms, rich and endemic genetic resources. The biodiversity in Việt Nam brings direct benefits to people and makes a great contribution to the economy, especially in agriculture, forestry and VVProject owners who are allocated with land or leased land for fisheries; it is the basis for ensuring national conversion of forest use purposes shall have to pay money to the food security, maintaining genetic sources Forest Protection and Development Fund to conduct the return for breeding animals and plants… especially and reimbursement of biodiversity. creating beautiful natural landscapes for the development of tourism. However, Việt Nam is facing the condition of environmental deg- forest land must comply with of forest purposes to other radation and the decline of the ecosystems regulations on EIA, including purposes must ensure the in- that influence the attractiveness of the tour- the proposed mitigation mea- vestment in new plantations ism industry. In fact, there are many poten- sures; firstly, to avoid impacts to replace the area of for- tial developmental activities that can cause on biodiversity by selecting est that will be converted to pollution and environment degradation, the and adjusting the design and other uses" (Clause 5, Article destruction of natural ecosystems and seri- increasing opportunities for 29). This is the regulation on ous damage to biodiversity. Environmental biodiversity conservation the application of measures Impact Assessment (EIA) is commonly used when possible. If the impact to minimize the impacts on as an effective tool to prevent and mitigate cannot be avoided, it is nec- biodiversity through recov- these adverse impacts right from the stages essary to determine the best ery of converted forest land of development project proposal and de- feasible option to minimize area. However, attention has sign. The proposed mitigation measures in the damage on biodiversity, only been paid to the quantity the EIA are those that both aim at achieving to restore and improve the (forest area) but not much to project objectives and ensure the prevention biodiversity at the affected the quality which is the biodi- or mitigation of negative impacts to an ac- sites. versity value of the lost forest, ceptable level, and to enhance environmen- Comply with the provi- thus not ensuring proper and tal benefits. The purpose of mitigation in the sions of the Law on Environ- adequate implementation assessment of impacts on biodiversity is to mental Protection in 2014 on of the principle of biodiver- identify measures and options for the pro- the implementation of EIA sity conservation, especially tection of biodiversity and associated eco- for development projects, not ensuring the principle of system services, in which prevention is the Decree No. 23/2006/ND-CP "no loss of real value" on the priority, and (monetary) compensation is dated 3/3/2006 on the imple- species composition, habitat used as the last resort. mentation of the Law on For- structure, ecosystem func- The conversion of forest use purposes, est Protection and Develop- tions, the use value, and cul- including natural forests, protection forests ment of 2004 has a regulation tural values related to biodi- and production forests, for development ac- on converting forest use pur- versity. tivities in many cases is unavoidable to meet poses to non-forestry pur- Biodiversity reimburse- the needs of socio-economic development. poses as follows: “The agency ment has been applied in Projects implemented at the site of converted that permits the conversion many countries in the world

14 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 LAW & POLICY to compensate for the negative impacts on biodiversity after appropriate preventive and mitigation measures have been taken. Biodiversity reimbursement is a special form of loss compensation for ecosystems, species National plan for and habitats in one site by increasing biodiversity at the other site with similar ecological characteristics, Stockholm Convention providing the opportunity to achieve better conservation results and no loss of real value of biodiversity. implementation issued Law on Environmental Protection in 2014, Article 35 stipulates that biodiversity reimbursement is one he Prime Minister has issued a na- of measures to protect natural resources and environ- Ttional plan for the implementation of ment when exploiting and using natural resources and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent biodiversity. As expected, biodiversity reimbursement Organic Pollutants (POP) by 2025 with a will be stipulated more specifically when amending vision to 2030. the Law on Biodiversity 2008. The Stockholm Convention on POP is a As a result, the Law on Forest Protection and Devel- global treaty, effective from 2004, to protect opment (amended) needs considering, supplementing human health, biodiversity and the envi- and adjusting some relevant provisions to comply with ronment from chemicals that remain intact the provisions of the Law on Environment Protection in the environment for long periods. in 2014, while meeting the current reality of the Law Parties to the convention are required on Forest Protection and Development in Vietnam. to prohibit and/or eliminate the produc- Some supplementary and revised proposals in the tion and use of the intentionally produced Law on Forest Protection and Development (amend- POPs, and reduce or eliminate releases ed) from unintentionally produced POPs. Additional explanation on the concept of biodi- In compliance with the convention’s Ar- versity reimbursement is considered the following ticle 7, Việt Nam shall develop a plan for definitions: Biodiversity reimbursement is a measure the implementation of its obligations under designed to compensate for the negative impacts on the convention, review and update the plan biodiversity due to the implementation of develop- on a periodic basis and transmit it to the ment projects after appropriate preventive and mitiga- Conference of the Parties. Its overall ob- tion measures have been implemented, with the aim jectives are to ensure strict safety lifecycle of achieving better conservation results and no loss in management and proper treatment of the real value of biodiversity. POPs and to reduce disposal and eliminate To amend and supplement the regulations on the conditions for converting the forest use purposes to the production and use of the POPs in Việt other purposes, in which there is the condition of Nam for the benefit of human health and "Having an alternative forest plantation plan approved the environment and towards the sustain- by the competent state agency" should be changed to able development. "Having plan on return and reimbursement of forest According to the implementation plan, biodiversity according to the law on environmental the government will work to improve insti- protection in the exploitation and use of natural re- tutional capacity and legal framework for sources and the relevant regulations on biodiversity”. the management and elimination of POPs. To supplement the provision on "Return and reim- It will reinforce its expertise in monitoring, bursement of biodiversity upon the conversion of for- detecting and managing POPs and enhance est use purposes" with the stipulations that organiza- awareness of the POPs and their harmful tions, individuals or project owners that are allocated effects to the environment among involved land or leased land for conversion of forest use purpos- parties. es shall have to pay money to the equivalent provincial The convention will also be integrated Forest Protection and Development Fund (PPFF) to into relevant environmental agreements in conduct the return and reimbursement of biodiver- response to the UN Millennium Develop- sity. Provincial People's Committee shall decide on the ment Goals and the country’s management plan for return and reimbursement of biodiversity in of waste and chemical as well as sustainable the province. In the case where the province can not development strategy■ allocate the appropriate return and reimbursement of Trần Tân (VNA source) biodiversity in the province, they must transfer funds to the national Forest Protection and Development Fund (PPFF) for the implementation in other areas■

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 15 LAW & POLICY Assessment of current status of hazardous medical waste management and solutions

MSc. Nguyễn Thượng Hiền, MSc. Đỗ Tiến Đoàn Department of Waste Management and Environment Promotion Vietnam Environment Administration

long with industrialization and mod- Centralized treatment: In cal facilities which are close ernization of the country, medical cities, big residential areas or to each other. Therefore, it is environment management has made where hazardous waste treat- not subject to complying with Asignificant progress. However, the amount ment facilties are available, hazardous waste treatment of medical waste generated from medical medical hazardous waste is procedures. However, it must facilities is increasing that requires strength- collected and treated central- be approved by Provincial ened management. According to the World izedly at treatment facilities People’s Committees in their Health Organization, about 80% of the waste which meet regulation re- plans for hazardous medical generated from medical facilities is normal quirements to ensure that the waste collection, transport waste and the remaining 20% is hazardous. waste is completely treated and treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the gen- causing no pollution. This is a Localized treatment: This eration, collection and disposal of medical common and effective model is applied in the areas with- waste to strengthen medical waste manage- in many places. Following out centralized or clustered ment and increase environmental protec- this model, hazadous waste treatment facilities or remote, tion. treatment facilities shall com- isolated and mountainous ar- REGULATIONS ON MEDICAL ply with Circular 36/2015/ eas. Legally, this must be ap- HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGE- TT-BTNMT to be eligible proved by provincial Depart- MENT for being considered to re- ments of Natural Resources ceive hazardous waste treat- and Environment (DONREs) After the National Assembly enacted the ment permits from MONRE in hazardous waste owner Law on Environmental Protection in 1994, before their operation. permits. the Government issued Decree 38/2015/ Clustered treatment: A To address local short- ND-CP dated 24/4/2015 on waste and scrap medical facilitie in the cen- comings and obstacles, management, in which medical waste is categorized as special waste with seperate tre provides waste treatment Circular 36/2015/BTNMT and practical regulations. Then the Minis- services for other surround- (Article 23) and Joint-min- try of Natural Resources and Environment ing medical facilities. This is isterial Circular 58/2015/ (MONRE) issued Circular 36/2015/TT-BT- being applied in many places TTLT-BYT-BTNMT (Article NMT dated 30/6/2015 on hazardous waste and suitable for small medi- 22) assigned DONREs to take management. In the meantime, MONRE worked with Ministry of Health (MOH) to issue a joint-ministerial circular 58/2015/ TTLT-BYT-BTNMT dated 31/12/2015 on medical waste management which provides detailed regulations on classification, collection and transport means of medical waste as well as legal guidance for medical facilities to perform self-treatment of hazardous medical waste treatment, hazardous waste logbooks and environmental records of medical facilities. According to Clause 4, Article 49 of the Government Decree 38/2015/ND-CP dated 24/4/2015 on waste and scarp management, there are three types of current medical VVHazardous medical waste shall be stored separatey before waste treatment. being transported to treatment facilities

16 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 LAW & POLICY a leading role and cooperate with Depart- ments of Health to submit to People’s Pro- vincial Committees for appoval of plans for hazardous medical waste collection, transport and treatment to tailor local situations and ensure legal compliance. So far, 14 out of 63 provinces and cities have issued plans for hazardous medical waste collection, transport and treatment, contributing to addressing shortcomings and obstacles in hazardous medical waste management at local levels. Apart from these regulations, waste self-treatment medical facilities shall meet environmental technical standards such as QCVN 02:2012/BTNMT- National Tech- VVTreating medical waste using microwaves to ensure meeting nical Standards on medical waste incin- environmental standards by the General Hopsital of Cao Bằng erators, QCVN 55:2012/BTNMT- National Province Technical Standards on infectious medical waste autoclaving; and QCVN 28:BTNMT- o National Technical Standards on medical 650-1,050 C. The emission to be treated as normal waste. wastewater. is cooled down, transferred At present, one centralized through dust filtering cy- medical waste treatment fa- STATUS OF HAZARDOUS MEDI- clone and pollutant absorb- cility applies this method and CAL WASTE TREATMENT OUT- ing towers. Some equipment has received MONRE’s per- SIDE MEDICAL FACILITIES has additional active carbon mits of hazardous waste treat- As of 10/2017, MONRE has issued absorption towers. These in- ment. hazardous waste treatment permits for cinerators must meet require- Although medical waste 107 hazardous waste treatment facilities, ments of National Technical management has been proof which seven facilities have centralized Standards QCVN 02:2012/ moted and achieved some hazardous medical waste treatment (only BTNMT on medical waste in- good results, some shortcom- treat hazardous medical waste) in Hà Nội, cinerators. ings remain Hải Phòng, Nghệ An, Quảng Nam, Bình In addition, some medical - It remains difficult for Định, Hồ Chí Minh City and An Giang. facilities or waste treatment medical facilities to clarify These facilities mostly collect and treat facilities use non-incineration and comply with regulations medical waste generated within their prov- technologies to treat medi- on normal medical waste inces with common treatment capacities of cal waste, include autoclave management, in particular on 600-2,000 tons per year. In addition, some or microwave. These tech- recyclable materials after be- hazardous waste treatment facilities pro- nologies are environmen- ing autoclaved. In addition, viding hazardous medical waste collection tally friendly and promoted it is unclear whether envi- and incineration have been issued permits to minimize toxic emissions ronmental impact assessment in Hải Dương, Quảng Ngãi and Nam Định such as dioxin and furan due is needed for clustered waste with the incinerator capacity ranging from to incineration. Furthermore, treatment facilities. So is the 100 kg/h to 2,000 kg/h. In 2016, licensed fa- these methods reduce invest- requirement for additional cilities treated over 11,600 tons of hazard- ment and operation costs environmental impact assess- ous medical waste. The rest of hazardous compared to incineration. Af- ment for installing environ- medical waste is treated locally or clustered. ter being disinfected, the med- mental protection works for The advantage of local and clustered treat- ical waste is treated as normal medical waste treatment of ment is that the waste can be treated right at waste. As big hospitals have the medical facilities. source. However, the disadvantage is that if microbiology departments, - Budgets for construct- poorly managed, this can lead to pollution autoclaving method can be ing medical waste treatment and negative impact on human health. easily controlled and applied facilities are limited while de- To treat hazardous medical waste, the compared with incineration. mand for this investment is facilities often apply two tier incinera- However, the disadvantage of high. In addition, budgets for tors (primary and secondary). Using this this method is that the medi- regular operation and mainte- method, hazardous medical waste is treat- cal waste is not completely nance for medical waste treated completely at the high temperature of treated. The solid waste needs ment are in shortage. Specific

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 17 LAW & POLICY

regulations and cost norms for medical waste treatment have not been issued. - Medical waste management is facing Prime Minister approves difficulties due to a large number of medical climate change, green growth facilities (over 13,000 medical facilities at all levels and in various forms). Medical waste programme treatment staff in many places is part-time and have not met requirements. Regulations on medical waste have not been adequately disseminated. - Awareness of patients and patients’ family members on keeping public places clean and collecting medical waste is limited. In some cases, hazardous medical waste is mixed with normal medical waste. Some medical facilities transfer their waste to non-competent treatment facilities. PROPOSED SOLUTIONS FOR MED- ICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE FUTURE To enhance medical waste management in the future, ministries and local authorities need to take the following measures comprehensively rime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has green - Continuing developing and completing lighted the target programme to cope with cli- regulations on medical waste management, P in particular regulations on normal medi- mate change and promote green growth during 2016 cal waste treatment, recycling and reuse of - 2020. Its aim to improve local residents’ abilities autoclaved medical waste, environmental re- to adapt to climate change, boost green growth and cords of clusters of medical waste treatment transition towards a low-carbon economy. The pro- facilities and other technical regulations such gramme includes 4 components: Implementing some as national technical regulations on medical targets of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change waste treatment using microvaves. - Developing enabling policies to encour- that Việt Nam ratified in November 2016, imple- age investment in environmentally friendly menting projects to help local residents to adapt to waste treatment technologies, supporting climate change, issuing policies to assess and super- medical waste treatment in public partner- vise green growth, and promoting green growth. ship modalities to improve medical waste Under the programme, several prioritised proj- treatment capacity. - Local authorities quickly develop and ects will assist local residents in coping with natu- complete plans for hazaroud medical waste ral disasters, especially focusing on Mekong Delta, collection, transport and treatment base on coastal provinces and northern mountainous prov- their local planning and economic and envi- inces. About 42 projects to grow mangrove forests ronmental conditions. in coastal areas and protective forests in other areas - Enhancing medical waste minimization will be implemented during the period. The Minis- and source classification to ensure that hazardous and normal medical wastes are sepa- try of Natural Resources and Environment acts in the rately treated. lead entity responsible for coordinating with relevant - Increasing propaganda and public aware- agencies to implement the programme. ness of governments, medical facilities and The programme, worth VNĐ 15.8 trillion (US the public on medical waste management. $698 million), is financed by the State budget, local - Enhancing supervision, inspection and ■ proper punishment on individual and orga- budget and other sources nizations who violate medical waste regula- Bảo Bình (VNS source) tions, in particular the discharge of untreated medical waste■

18 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 LAW & POLICY Recommendations for improving effectiveness of management and usage of ash, slag and gypsum of thermal power plants

Nguyễn Thượng Hiền, Director ENVIRONMENTAL gypsum directly to the envi- Nguyễn Thành Lam IMPACT BY ASH, SLAG ronment with potential pol- Department of Waste Management and AND GYPSUM FROM lution risks. In particular, Environment Promotion THERMAL POWER a large ash, slag and gyp- Vietnam Environment Administration PLANTS sum storage site can cause At present, nationwide leachate (wet ash, slag and 26 thermal power plants gypsum), polluting soil and eveloped countries encourage are operating with capacity water. The amount of ash, the use of ash, slag and gypsum of 13,810 MW, consuming slag and gypsum is increas- from thermal power plants which D about 47,8 million tons of ing while storage capacity meet technical regulations and standards coals per year and produc- is limited. In addition, dust for construction materials, cement addi- ing 16.4 million of tons of (PM2.5 and PM5) gener- tives, bitumen, ground levelling and road ash, slag and gypsum and ated during storage and construction. In Việt Nam, some studies gypsum. It is estimated that transport can cause air pol- on using thermal power plants’ ash, slag by 2020, there will have lution if not properly controlled. Many plants have and gypsum for non fired bricks, cement been 15 coal fired thermal not finished ash and gyp- additives, bitumen and transport works. power plants more with the capacity of 24,370 MW sum transport and storage However, at present, most of the power and the consumption of 60 as regulated, causing pol- plants have not taken measures for reuse million of tons of coals per lution. In addition, many and treatment of ash, slag and gypsum, year. Many power plants are plants have not proactively causing negative environmental impact. discharging ash, slag and implemented ash usage plans to reduce storing areas and have not cooperated with entities to receive and recycle ash as production input. In fact, the main reason for over stock of ash and gypsum in thermal power plants is a lack of technical regulation guidance for using ash and gypsum in ground levelling and construction materials. Some plants produce low quality ash which has met technical regulations issued by Minis- try of Construction. RELATED REGULA- TIONS ON MANAGE- VVCement and construction material manufactures need to increase the use MENT AND USAGE OF of ash from thermal power plants, chemical and fertilizer production as their ASH, SLAG AND GYP- production input SUM

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 19 LAW & POLICY

According to Article 40, Govern- gypsum and those who leachate to the environment’s Decree 24a/2016/ND-CP on treat and use ash, FGD ment and use record for construction material management, gypsum and PG gypsum delivery and receiving. owners of thermal power plants, chemi- as construction materials Transporting entities shall cal, fertilizer, cement production, met- shall comply with Article be responsible for signing allurgy factories which produce ash, 40, Decree 24a/2016/ND- contracts and hand over slag and gypsum and gypsum are re- CP. In case ash and FGD all ash to receiving entities sponsible for classification and pre-pro- and PG gypsums cannot for proper treatment. cessing to meet technical regulations. In be treated and used as For ash receiving and case the facility owners are incapable of construction materials, using facilities, they need doing the job by themselves, they shall they shall be treated as to comply with the follow- hire competent agencies for classifying solid wastes which are not ing detailed regulations: and processing ash, slag and gypsum to recyclable. In addition, to receipt and use of ash meet standards of construction materi- minimize ash pollution, shall follow the contents als. At present, some plants are study- Law on Environmental in approved environmen- ing and constructing factories for clas- Protection in 2014, Gov- tal impact assessment re- sifying and preprocessing ash, slag and ernment’s Decree 38/2015/ ports, certified environ- gypsum to meet standards for cement ND-CP dated 24/4/2015 mental protection plans and construction materials. regulate that ash generated or equivalent documents, To promote the use of ash, slag and from thermal power plants and measures shall be tak- gypsum of thermal power plants as con- shall be classified and fol- en to ensure that the ash struction materials, on September 23, low MONRE’s guidance reuse and recycling shall 2014, Prime Minister issued Decision on normal industrial solid not create negative impact 1696/QD-TTg on some measures for waste. Reuse and recycle on the environment com- treating ash, slag and gypsum and gyp- of solid waste, including ponents of surface water, sum from thermal power, chemical and the use of ash as produc- groundwater and air. fertilizer plants. This regulation stipu- tion inputs are encour- In addition, MONRE lates that the use of fly ash and artificial aged by LEP and Decree has provided guidance gypsums as construction materials shall 38/2015/ND-CP. Recently, for dealing with the ash follow national technical regulations MONRE has issued docu- which do not meet tech- on construction material products and ments to provide guidance nical standards for con- goods. On 12/4/2017, Prime Minister for thermal power plants struction materials issued issued a program for promoting treat- to implement these activi- by Ministry of Construc- ment and use of ash and gypsums from ties. tion or related agencies. thermal power, chemical and fertilizer In case thermal power, According to regulations plants as regulated in Decision 452/ it is impossible for chemi- at Point a, Clause 12, Ar- QD-TTg. According to this document, cal and fertilizer plants to ticle 32 and Clause 2, Ar- ash, slag and gypsum, FGD gypsum, PG carry out reuse, recycling ticle 33 of Decree 38/2015/ gypsum (before or after being treated) and treatment of their ash ND-CP, facilities wishing meeting technical regulations for con- within their own territo- to expand their operations struction materials are considered as ries, they shall transfer the to include treatment of construction material goods and prod- waste to competent au- normal industrial wastes ucts and comply with regulations on thorities for transporting and not being subject to products and goods. and treating normal in- environmental impact as- At present, most of plants having dustrial waste as regulated sessment requirements ash have got certification from Con- in Decree 38/2015/ND-CP shall draft action plans struction Material Institute, Ministry as well as MONRE techni- and submit to MONRE for of Construction) for using ash as input cal guidance documents. approval before carrying for cement production and transferred When transport the ash, out the plans. At present, the ash to cement manufacturers. Own- the authorities shall not MONRE has guided some ers of facilities discharging ash, slag and litter, create dust, odor or provinces to assess and ap-

20 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 LAW & POLICY

prove proposals on using ash as inputs velopment shall complete rials and works, timely tak- for non-fired brick and cement produc- standards, guidance and ing measures to respond to tion. technical regulations on obstacles. use of ash, trash and gyp- For thermal power MEASURES FOR MANAGING sums as materials for irri- plants AND USING ASH AND TRASH gation works as well as for Existing thermal power For ministries and sectors other agricultural infra- plants shall comply with Ministry of Construction shall structure works. MONRE Prime Minister’s Decisions study and issue technical regulations shall review and develop 1696/QD-TTg and 452/ and standards for treatment and use standards, technical guid- QD-TTg dated 12/4/2017. of ash and trash from thermal power ance and regulations for ash The plants shall proactively plants as input for construction mate- treatment. In case ash can- seek options for treatment rial production; direct cement factories not be reused and recycled, and consumption ash and to use ash and trash as substitutes for the ministry shall guide the gypsums as construction other convention production inputs. ash generating and receiv- materials. Proposed ther- In the meantime, the Ministry of Con- ing facilities to comply with mal power plants shall be struction shall publicize the list of ther- environmental protection requested to develop plans mal power plants producing suitable requirements. It shall refuse for ash treatment and con- ash and trash for construction material environmental impact as- sumption with a principle production as well as the amount of ash sessment reports if thermal that ash and trash are re- and trash which have been used by ce- power plants fail to pres- sources. Measures for miti- ment, bitumen and other construction ent plans for ash treatment gation of ash impact shall material manufacturers. and disposal as regulated in be taken such as water Ministry of Industry and Trade di- Prime Minister’s Decision spraying, ash compacting, rects project owners and emitters and 452/QD-TTg. Ministry of water infiltration preven- thermal power plant owners to draft Science and Technology tion, tree planting as well as ash treatment and management plans shall study and issue stan- other environmental pro- to submit to Ministry of Industry and dards and technical regu- tection measures, notably Trade for approval. It is planned that lations on thermal power autonomous environmen- by 2020, the area of landfills is not plant technologies to scru- higher than the average production of tinize outdated and pollut- tal monitoring and waste- two years. More specifically, existing ing technology import. water treatment. plants shall submit plans by December Provincial people’s com- For cement produc- 31, 2018 and proposed plants shall pre- mittees shall lead and co- tion, construction mate- pare and submit plans before starting operate with Ministry of rial manufactures and operation. In the meantime, the Minis- Industry and Trade and building investors try shall urgently review the 7th master other concerned agencies Cement production, electricity plan to draft a road map for to confiscate landfill ar- construction material closing, phasing out and removing inef- eas over two year storage manufactures and build- fective, outdated and polluting thermal capacity. They shall direct ing investors shall increase power plants, in the meantime, carry- project investment owners the use of ash which are ing out research and development re- using local state budgets certified to meet technical newable and clean energy alternatives, to prioritize the use and standards and regulations reviewing and removing outdated and ash, trash and gypsums. QCVN 16:2014/BXD- na- polluting technologies. They shall cooperate with tional technical regulations For other ministries: Ministry of line ministries to inspect, on construction material Transport shall complete and devel- supervise and timely deal products) as inputs for ce- op standards, technical guidance and with violators of regula- ment and bitumen produc- regulations on ash, trash and gypsums tions on management and tion. They shall need to for materials for road construction. use of ash, trash and gyp- meet water monitoring re- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural De- sum as construction mate- quirements■

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 21 VIEW EXCHANGE Environmental standards in development of new-style rural areas: Challenges and prospects

Vũ Ngọc Lân

recently visited a commune in the ru- and people have gained more standards for the develop- ral area of the northern delta region. lessons on how to resolve dif- ment of new-style rural ar- Compared with the previous trip, this ficulties and challenges, espe- eas proves (1) environmental Itime, I saw that the roads had been con- cially with considerable sup- protection is of importance cretised, the facilities (the commune’s head port from the Government. for the programme; (2) envi- office, school, clinical centre and meeting However, during the ronmental protection crite- house) were upgraded and rebuilt and liv- implementation of the pro- ria vary among communes, ing conditions had improved for locals. As gramme, there have been districts and provinces as targeted for 2017, the commune was striv- some issues that need fixing. circumstances can change ing to achieve 19 criteria of the “new-style On October 17, 2016, the during the development of rural commune” standards. However, as I Prime Minister issued Deci- local areas (industrial zones, walked in the commune’s fields and on its sion 1980/QD-TTg on the na- handicraft villages, climate roads, it was clear environmental conditions tional standards of new-style change, natural disasters, had not improved. Along the main road rural commune for the 2016 - floods); (3) the Government that connects the upper and bottom areas 20 period to amend the stan- has paid more attention to of the commune, there was an exposed dry dards stated in Decision 49/ environmental protection ditch 2m wide, 400-500m long and 1m deep. QD-TTg, issued by the Prime in the development of new- Waste water in the ditch was pitch-black as it Minister on April 16, 2009. style rural areas; (4) some came from households raising livestock. In In the latest set of standards, updated standards require addition, at the edge of the commune was a several criteria have been ad- locals to raise their awareness large area of some 100m2, surrounded by a justed. The number of criteria about production, trading 0.5m-high wall, where waste was collected. on environmental protection and daily living activities; (5) The area was filled with plenty of trash. has been raised from 5 to 8, environmental protection be- An environment team was hired to col- including food safety, toilet comes socialised, being able lect trash that was dumped along the way and bathroom, clean water to mobilise resources from between houses, but the work had not been tank and environmental pro- political-social organisations fully implemented due to several difficul- tection in animal husbandry. and enhancing supervision ties. People were required to burn the waste, The latest set of standards among local community, or- but they could not burn it all, therefore, the also stresses on some issues ganisations, officials, people waste area was getting filled. In particular, such as the percentage of and party members. along the canals in the rice and vegetable households using regulated When mentioning envi- fields, empty bottles and pesticide contain- clean water. The amendment ronmental protection in new- ers had been thrown. In addition, no birds of environmental protection style rural area development, could be heard singing in the commune although there were many trees along the roads, as the birds were shot down by the locals. It is fair to say we have made a lot of achievements after six years of implementing the National Target Programme on New-style Rural Area Development. We have improved awareness of government officials, party members and locals about these issues, mobilised resources and collected ideas from people to strengthen infrastructure, improve the quality of local areas and enhance living conditions of nearly 70% of the country’s population. Thanks to the programme, local authorities, organisations VVCollecting wastes

22 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 VIEW EXCHANGE some people say environmental issues should be resolved by the Government and community, and they are not their concern. Till now, not everyone had re- Hotline launched to alised we are breathing the same air, which is the basic need of every human being. Water, rivers, streams, receive environmental ponds, lakes and underground water are valuable natural resources for every family and individual. Some violation complaints households have no standardised toilets or the land is covered with pesticide, becoming a source of toxicants and waste, leading to diseases, especially cancer. De- spite the Government having added new criteria to the standards of new-style rural area development, some criteria are proved to be qualitative only and not quan- titative, such as the percentage of clean water; the percentage of collected waste; the percentage of socialised resources raised for environmental protection; processing wastes in animal husbandry and fishery; collecting and processing pesticide packages; and impos- he Vietnam Environment Administra- ing sanctions on businesses that cause environmental Ttion has publicized a national hotline pollution. If localities focus only on achievements or to receive public reports about environmen- are goal-oriented in building NTM, without taking tal issues for anyone who wants to report or into account specific development criteria, particu- make proposals about activities, including larly environment ones, failure is almost certain. It is difficult for the local community to achieve releasing of waste into the environment and new-style rural area standards. Awareness of locals environmental violations by individuals and is the key, but without deep, profound and inactive organisations, they can call the hotline num- acknowledgement to reach the goals in a sustainable ber, 086.900.0660, or send an email to duon- way, the work would be undone. If it is quite easy for [email protected]. the local community to meet standards on environ- The reports will be received by the Viet- mental protection in production, consumption, daily nam Environment Administration and sent life activities; it is also hard for local authorities and to the administration’s relevant agencies and regulators to monitor and supervise implementation the local environment management agencies and maintenance of the standards. The world market to be verified, inspected and punished. is huge and has a variety of products that are not regis- The hotline is open at all times and on all tered with origin and food safety certificates, and these 7 days of the week, including national holi- products will be boycotted. The European Union on days. The administration will soon publicize October 23, 2017, issued a warning (yellow card) for Vietnamese seafood products as Việt Nam had not put the hotline numbers of provinces and cities. in its best efforts to fight illegal fishing. If Việt Nam The setting up of the hotline number is part fails to improve the situation, its seafood products of the ministry’s efforts in promoting the will be banned from being exported to the EU mar- receipt of environment-related information ket. This is a lesson for the Government. Therefore, from individuals and organisations. On Oc- raising awareness of the local community on living in tober 10, 2017, Minister of Natural Resourc- harmony with nature and protecting rural areas and es and Environment, Trần Hồng Hà, signed a the nation’s traditional culture and activities are of direction to this effect. importance for developing new-style rural areas and Following an increasing number of pollu- preserving Vietnamese culture for future generations. tion cases and environmental incidents na- Environmental issues exist in all aspects of society. tionwide, and reports and proposals from the It is hard for the local community and people to entire- people and the media, the Minister ordered ly achieve the standards for development of new-style the Vietnam Environment Administration rural areas as they are required to show long-term commitment and best efforts. Thus, for new-style to set up and publicise a hotline number via rural area development in particular and society de- the media and portals of the ministry and the velopment in general, if the environment is well pro- administration■ tected, it will be easy for locals to see great results and Vũ Hồng (VNS source) achievements■

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 23 VIEW EXCHANGE

Historic meeting shows world is serious about mercury menace

s the mercury falls in Geneva with the advent of autumnal chills, the world is for the first time gathering Ato deal with the rising health impacts of the toxic chemical. The Minamata Convention on Mercury, which entered into force last month, is holding its first conference of the parties from 24 - 29 September in the Swiss city. The goal is to protect people and the environment - by accelerating action on controlling mercury VVThe Minamata Convention is holding its first conference of emissions from industry, banning new mer- parties to reduce the use of the neurotoxin (Pixabay source) cury mining, and reducing mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. MULTIPLE THREATS til they reach levels as much “The Minamata Convention shows that A study from IPEN, UN as half a million times higher our global work to protect our planet and its Environment and the Bio- than in the water. And at the people can continue to bring nations togeth- diversity Research Institute top of that food chain, more er,” says UN Environment Executive Direc- found mercury levels in often than not, is us. tor Erik Solheim. “Together, we are cleaning women from four Pacific Is- “What it tells us is that we up our act.” lands, with a diet rich in fish, need to dramatically alter and This concerted international action un- up to 11 times greater than reduce mercury pollution and der the convention, which has 128 signato- the 1 ppm (parts per million) emission sources,” Bell says. ries and 76 ratifications, is an intensification threshold for negative health “So we need to ensure that all of previous efforts such UN Environment’s effects. The study, which countries who have ratified Global Mercury Partnership. And it comes analyzed hair samples from the Minamata Convention not a moment too soon. women of child-bearing age, endeavour to take very strong Human activities have doubled the found that 96% of the women action to reduce their mercury amount of mercury in the top 100 metres of sampled exceeded the 1 ppm emissions as soon as possible.” the oceans in the last 100 years, and we con- threshold. Mercury is also a ma- tinue to release an estimated 2,960 tonnes “The information revealed jor problem in artisanal and every year. We are poisoning our planet, and to us that Pacific Island wom- small-scale gold mining, so ourselves. The very name of the conven- en appear to be at significant where miners employ it to tion, taken from the worst mercury poison- threat of mercury contami- separate gold from ore - giv- ing disaster in history, highlights the dam- nation through their food ing off toxic fumes when it is age that the neurotoxin can cause. chain,” IPEN researcher Lee burned away. In May 1956, following decades of dump- Bell says. “This shows there According to UN Envi- ing of industrial wastewaters into Minamata is a global deposition of mer- ronment’s new report, Glob- Bay, Japan, villagers who ate fish and shell- cury to oceans, and that where al Mercury Supply, Trade fish from the waters suffered convulsions, people eat a lot of fish they are and Demand, artisanal and psychosis, loss of consciousness and coma. being impacted by those mer- small-scale gold mining has The poisoning claimed the lives of 900 peo- cury emissions.” steadily increased (along with ple, with 2,265 people eventually certified as The problem is bioaccu- the spot price of gold) since suffering from mercury poisoning. mulation. As inorganic mer- about 2000. To meet the de- While there has not been a repeat of such cury in our air, soil and wa- mand for gold, new mercury a dramatic and localized incident, problems ter enters the oceans, aquatic supply chains have emerged persist today across the globe. Several new microbes convert it to meth- since 2011 in Mexico and In- reports released this year demonstrate the ylmercury - a form readily donesia, with their combined far-reaching and insidious nature of the absorbed by sea life. At every mercury mining production health threat - which is particularly grave for step in the food chain, meth- estimated at 800-1100 tonnes unborn children and infants. ylmercury loads increase un- in 2015.

24 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 VIEW EXCHANGE

A new report from the UN Envi- ronment-hosted International Envi- Top of the POPs: The world’s ronmental Technology Centre, the Global Mercury Waste Assessment, most dangerous pollutants shows that mercury waste management is an additional part of the toxic Twenty-eight chemicals that cause health problems in- puzzle. cluding cancer and reproductive disorders and sometimes The review of 30 countries finds death are banned or restricted under the Stockholm Con- many continue to manage mercury vention, one of the most critical international agreements waste as part of municipal or indus- administered by UN Environment. trial waste, and dispose of it as mixed waste in landfills or at open dumping sites - creating another route of exposure. MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS The Convention’s work on addressing these sources, and many others besides, is particularly crucial given mercury’s persistence once released to the environment. “When mercury is emitted into the environment it can cycle and can impact health and ecosystems for a long time - so the sooner we reduce emissions the more those long-term impacts will be reduced,” Ken Davis nown as persistent or- DICHLORODIPHENYL- of UN Environment’s Global Mercury ganic pollutants, or POPs, TRICHLOROETHANE Partnership says. industry and agriculture (DDT) Other moves are afoot to address Khas released these toxins over The discovery of dichlorodi- mercury - as well as other sources of decades, and they have spread phenyltrichloroethane’s effective- pollution to the air, water, and land. far and wide, even to the Arctic. ness against insects won Swiss Today, UN Environment is releasing a They remain intact for years in new report, Towards a Pollution-Free chemist Paul Müller a Nobel prize the environment and “bio-accu- Planet, at the Minamata meeting. It in 1938. For years, it was used mulate” in organisms higher up lays out the scale of the challenge and with great results against malar- the food web, including large fish points to solutions, which the UN En- ia-carrying mosquitoes, typhus- and predators. They poison both vironment Assembly will take up later transmitting lice and on farm- people and wildlife. this year. Their effects also include al- ers’ fields the world over. But, as The assembly, set for early De- with other blockbuster pesticides, cember at the UN Environment lergies and hypersensitivity, damage to the nervous systems and DDT was too good to be true. Ris- headquarters in Nairobi, will serve as ing concern about its impact on a platform for governments, the pri- disruption of the immune system. Some POPs are considered wildlife (it thinned the eggshells vate sector and civil society to bring of iconic birds including the bald the latest insights on how to achieve endocrine disrupters: by altering eagle and peregrine falcon) and a pollution-free planet. It represents the hormonal system, they can humans made it a prime target a critical opportunity to drive bold damage the reproductive and im- of the emerging environmental- global commitments to beat pollu- mune systems of people and their tion. children. ist movement in the 1960s. Iden- “The Minamata Convention and In force since 2004, the Stock- tified also as a potential human the UN Environment Assembly show holm Convention is central to carcinogen, the US outlawed the that world is ready, willing and able to global efforts to protect human use of DDT in agriculture in 1972 end the mercury menace,” says Clau- health and the environment. and other countries followed suit dia TenHave, who heads up the Mina- Combating pollution is the focus until the convention extended mata Convention’s secretariat. “Now of the UN Environment Assem- the ban worldwide. Some exemp- we need to put in the work.”■ bly to be held in Nairobi in De- tions are still allowed for fighting Nguyên Hằng (UNEP source) cember. malaria.

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 25 VIEW EXCHANGE

last century. This story could have a worrying epilogue for the Arctic’s indigenous peoples. Their diets typically include large amounts of fish and wild foods that are high in fat - exactly where concentrations of these dangerous compounds are highest. HEXABROMOCY- CLODODECANE (HBCD) Hexabromocyclododec- ane, or HBCD, is a relatively recent concern, and one of VVHere are some of the dangerous substances covered by the convention 16 chemicals added to the convention since it came into force. Like several others, it POLYCHLORINATED BIPHE- tainted bread died while has been prized mainly as NYLS (PCBS) suffering from a condition a flame retardant. Since the Though banned in some countries as known as “pink sore”. De- 1980s, it has been added to early as the 1970s, the amount and per- cades later, researchers found polystyrene foam insulation sistence in the environment of polychlo- that HCB levels in the breast boards used in construction. rinated biphenyls is so great that these in- milk of affected women was It has also been used on tex- dustrial chemicals remain a worry nearly still elevated. The chemical tiles, including tatami mats a half-century later. Prized for their sta- causes cancer as well as re- and bean bags, and in electri- bility, they found a wide array of uses in- productive failure in animals cal equipment such as fridges. cluding as coolants, hydraulic fluids and and is therefore considered a Releases of HBCD to the en- lubricants, and as additives in paint, pa- possible carcinogen for hu- vironment - during manufac- per and plastics. Large numbers of peo- mans. It has been found in turing, use and disposal - were ple have been exposed to them through food of all types. One study still increasing a few years ago food contamination. PCB-laced rice oil of Spanish meat found it in all and a lot of it is still out there poisoned thousands of people in Japan samples. in buildings. Significant lev- in 1968 and in Taiwan in 1979. Symp- els of HBCD in human milk HEXACHLOROCYCLO- toms included pigmentation of nails and and exposure through food HEXANE mucous membranes and swelling of the has been reported near local eyelids, along with fatigue, nausea, and Hexachlorocycohexane sources. The main risks are vomiting. In North America, studies and related pesticides includ- possible neuroendocrine and showed that children of mothers who ate ing Lindane are among the developmental disturbances, large amounts of contaminated fish from many POPs that have accu- especially in young children. Lake Michigan had poorer short-term mulated in the Arctic, many It is considered very toxic to memory function. thousands of kilometres from aquatic organisms and stud- where they were produced. ies suggest it could severely HEXOCHLOROBENZENE (HCB) Currents in the atmosphere affect neuroendocrine sys- Introduced in 1945, hexochloroben- and the oceans as well as tems in mammals. Research- zene is a fungicide that was widely used food webs topped by species ers have found high concen- on wheat and other crops. But when peo- including seals and whales trations in terns and falcons ple in eastern Turkey ate bread made with have deposited them there around the British Isles, in treated seed grain in the 1950s, thou- over decades. Now climate mandarin fish and grass carp sands of them fell ill and hundreds died. change is causing the release in China’s Yangtze River, and Many were affected by a liver condition of these toxins from ice, snow in Svalbard’s polar bears. that resulted in skin lesions. Breastfeed- and frozen soils, where they Phạm Đình ing children whose mothers had eaten have been trapped since the (UNEP source)

26 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 VIEW EXCHANGE The rights of rivers

istory was made in March this $3 billion over five years and lack of ability to initiate action year when the high court of Utta- money allocated since 2014 has against polluters. They also rakhand in northern India recog- been only partially spent. emphasize the need to examine Hnized the rivers Ganges and Yamuna as a Environmental activists whether the high court, by ap- living entity “with all corresponding rights, point out that merely announc- pointing guardians to sue pol- duties and liabilities of a living person”. ing that the Ganges and Ya- luters on behalf of the rivers, Both rivers are highly polluted. Every muna are a living entity will has unwittingly enabled victims day, an estimated more than 1 billion gal- not save them. They say that of pollution and other damage lons of waste flow into the Ganges alone, officials, polluters and citizens to sue for compensation. coming from sewer drains, leather tan- need to act in unison to clean Furthermore, some legal neries, squat toilets, and elsewhere. The up the rivers and stop further experts say the high court judg- Yamuna, its main tributary, is also tainted pollution. Our foundation's ment was myopic in granting with sewage and industrial pollution and ground-level experience has re- guardianship of the rivers only has stagnated in some places. Experts say vealed a dire need for capacity to Uttarakhand, along with most of the sewage treatment plants near building among all stakehold- central government, while ig- the rivers are not functioning as they were ers in order to keep the river noring the interests of other designed to. free from pollution. There is states through which they flow. Sceptics point out that the high court’s a need for specific emphasis The Ganges flows for 2,525 km decision cannot stop the discharge of waste on changing cultural attitudes, through Uttarakhand, Uttar to the Ganges and Yamuna immediately. which have long held the Gan- Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Even the Indian Prime Minister Narendra ges to have self-purifying prop- West Bengal, with just 96 km in Modi’s ambitious Namami Gange (Obei- erties. Uttarakhand, while just a small sance to the Ganges) cleanup campaign part of the 1,376 km Yamuna - RIVER GANGES has met with mixed success. Claims that which also runs through, Hary- industrial pollution has already fallen by a Many environmental activ- ana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi third since its launch are contradicted by ists and legal experts also point and Uttar Pradesh - is in the reports from media on the ground. Some out that both central govern- state. experts have attributed the failure of official ment and the states through Despite scepticism about its campaigns to neglect of the management which the rivers flow have impact, the high court’s deci- of river basins, lack of governance of water enacted laws to deal with pol- sion does reflect a sense of ur- resources and non-participation by local lution. They question how the communities. gency in endeavouring to res- court ruling is going to solve cue two very important rivers Restoring Europe’s Rhine, which is half the problem. This also raises the length of the Ganges, took almost three from rampant pollution. It pro- the question of whether both vides an opportunity to lay the decades and reportedly cost $45 billion. the rivers have been suffering Yet the budget for Namami Gange is about foundations for progressive and for want of legal protection or democratic legislation that rec- ognizes that the rivers are com- mons and need to be seen as an integrated whole rather than owned and managed in pieces by different agencies. and that there must be democratic rep- resentation and participation by the communities whose lives are linked with them. Thus, there is an opportunity to be seized by all stakeholders in pushing for a deeper, wider dialogue, and for appropriate legislation to transform the challenge of pollution into an opportunity to restore the VVDespite drawbacks, a pioneering court judgment in India provides an pristine glory of these, and oth- opportunity to clean up vital rivers er, rivers■ Châu Long (UNEP source)

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 27 GREEN SOLUTION & TECHNOLOGY Impact of transport on the environment and proposed solutions for green house gas mitigation

Phạm Thị Huế erate high levels of air pollut- the EMS will help improve University of Transport Technology ants. These are the main cause 10% of fuel consumption, of air pollution. In particular, and hence if 1,000 taxies par- n recent years, the transport sector has motored bikes are the main ticipate in the program, 1,000 made significant contribution to socio- polluters of CO. Coaches and tons of CO2 will be mitigated per year. economic development of the nation. trucks generate NO2 the most. IHowever, it is also the third largest green- In addition, transport noise In addition, Ministry of house gas (GHG) generators, following en- also is the main noise pollu- Transport is implementing a ergy and agriculture, accounting for 18.38% tion source. project to convert from die- of the total GHG. To mitigate GHG, the sel to compressed natural gas GHG MITIGATION SO- (CNG) for road vehicles with transport sector has been gearing toward LUTIONS environmentally friendly and sustainable the 1st application for buses in To mitigate negative en- the whole country. The proj- approaches. vironmental impact by the ect is being piloted in Hồ Chí TRANSPORT EMISSION - GHG transport sector, Minister of Minh city with 50 buses coded SOURCE Transport recommended the 1 using CNG having a route According to Transport Development implementation of programs of about 9km between Bến and Strategy Institute, in the period of 2011 and projects on improving Thành and Chợ Lớn. Accord- - 2016, transport activities consumed a large fuel consumption by trans- ing to Department of Trans- amount of energy, accounting for 30% of the port means. Notably is the port of Hồ Chí Minh City, project eco means system national energy demand, 60% of the con- during the pilot phase, the control (EMS) implemented sumed energy and this increased by 10% tested buses are found to go in Hà Nội in 2017 with the per year. The road transport consumes en- smoothly with the reduction objective of improving driv- ergy the most, accounting for 68% of energy of air pollutants by 53 - 63%, ing skills and eco driving at- CO by 20%, and no black consumption of the sector. About 90% of 2 titude for taxi drivers. In the smoke or dust. The fuel is the transport fuel is petrol and diesel (only meantime, a control system found to be burn completely, 0.3% is clean fuel). With the high energy will be installed in taxies to saving 30 - 40%. It is expected consumption rate, the transport sector has monitor and assess feasibil- that by the end of 2017, there emitted a large amount of GHG, causing cli- ity and effectiveness of GHG will be 800 buses using CNG mate change. At present, the transport sec- mitigation. It is estimated that in Hồ Chí Minh City. tor produces about 30 tons of CO2 per year, of which road transport accounts for 86%, and the rest (railway, waterway and airway) accounting for 14%. Transport activities generate a large amount of dust, CO, NOx, SOx, petrol fume, lead dust and benzene, causing air pollution. In particular, dust concentration in the 2nd quarter of 2016 in intersections in big cities such as Hà Nội, Hồ Chí Minh, Hải Phòng and Đà Nẵng were 3 - 5 times higher than

the permissible levels. CO and NO2 average daily concentrations in some big intersections also were 1.2 - 1.5 times higher than the permissible levels. Statistics shows that vehicle emissions depend on vehicle quality. Low quality used motored bikes and vehicles VVHồ Chí Minh City invests in new buses using clean energy, have inefficient fuel consumption and gen- contributing to pollution mitigation

28 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 GREEN SOLUTION & TECHNOLOGY

To achieve that target that by 2020, the country will have had 5 - Geotechnical materials 20% of buses and taxies using CNG, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and - Effective solutions for solar energy (as stated in Decision 1456/QD-BGTVT on Ministry of landfill pollution Transport’s action plan for responding to climate change period 2016 - 2020, the transport sector need to At present, in Việt Nam, land- take the following measures filling is the most common - Planning for transport infrastructure development towards pol- solid waste treatment method. lution mitigation: Based on this, However, in many localities, road planning for big cities will be landfills are facing a problem of completed to facilitate transport overloading due to increasing commuters. In the meantime, it amount of solid waste gener- is necessary to mainstream GHG ated while these landfills are mitigation into master plans and unsanitary and needs upgrad- investment and development plans ing. To address landfill pollution for the transport sector. In addi- and mitigate negative impact VVMr. Trần Ngọc Hưng tion, policies and mechanisms for on human health, applications Chief Representative of promoting energy saving transport of geotechnical materials have GSE Group in Việt Nam means will need to be issued. been widely applied in many - Implementing transport means countries. To have better un- emission control and inspection: derstanding about this issue, Strengthening inspection and check Vietnam Environmental Admin- points to ensure that motored bikes istration Magazine (VEM) has will be regularly maintained, re- interviewed Chief Representa- paired and checked to meet emis- tive of GSE Group in Việt Nam, sion standards. Violators will be is- Trần Ngọc Hưng. sued administrative fines. - Applying smart transport technologies and green transport technologies to reduce GHG in 9VEM: Can you give some ing macromolecule compounds, transport: In the meantime, it is information on GSE Group and geotechnical materials are suit- necessary to review and remove advantages of its geotechnical able for strengthening soil step by step outdated and ineffi- materials distributed in Việt ground and durable. Geotech- cient technologies and equipment. Nam? nical materials are widely ap- Piloting and scaling up the use of Mr. Trần Ngọc Hưng: Es- plied in construction, transport, renewable energy and energy saving tablished in 1972 with its head geology, environment, water re- technology (solar battery and LED office in Texas (US), GSE is the sources and aquaculture. These lights) in traffic lights. top business in manufacturing materials can be used outdoors - Transport sector needs to issue and delivering geotechnical ma- or underground. policies to encourage individuals, terials. Geotechnical materials In the past years, GSE has pro- organizations, and businesses both are synthesized materials used vided geotechnical materials for domestic and overseas to contribute for stabilizing and strengthening many big environmental works financially for GHG activities. soil ground and often are synthe- and projects in the world such - Enhancing propaganda and sized macromolecules (polymer as Peninsular landfill (Malaysia), public awareness on GHG mitiga- with big size and weight mol- Duke Energy cinder site (US), tion in transport: Disseminating ecules). Geotechnical materials Corai Landfill (India), and min- information on GHG mitigation include geotechnical covers, geo- eral ore waste site Queensland measures such as reducing private technical nets, water proof can- (Australia). At present, GSE has transport means and increasing vas, synthesized clay, permeable seven manufacturing sites in clean energy use■ nets, and geotechnical cells. Be- America, Europe, Asia and Af-

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 29 GREEN SOLUTION & TECHNOLOGY

VVGeotechnical materials used for consolidating road grounds in weak soil structure such as wetlands, dykes, irrigation systems and embankments

rica. In Asia alone, GES has two factories their environmental treat- dition, they should use main Thai Land and China. GES is producing ment, causing air pollution terials which could be tested pioneering products such as conductive im- and bad odor in surround- and checked before finishing permeable canvas, mixed permeable panels ing community. Việt Nam the contracts. and thermal power plants solid waste un- has advantages in develop- To promote geotechnical derneath layers. ing geotechnical materials. materials in Việt Nam, state Geotechnical materials provided by Given that the Government management authorities GSE have good quality, stability, endurance of Việt Nam attaches impor- need to issue specific tech- (hundreds of years), advanced design and tance to environmental pro- nical regulations on design meet technical requirements of each works tection, geotechnical materi- and building environmen- and mitigate environmental risks. With ex- als stand a good chance to be ceptional production capability, GES can more widely applied to help tal works. These regulations provide geotechnical materials at a short mitigate pollution. Vietnam need to be complied with notice to meet requirements of construc- investors and environmental during the whole project cy- tion periods and other technical require- managers can apply geotech- cle. Environmental standards ments. All GSE products are subject to nical materials which have should be mandatory for all biophysical standard review by internation- been tested and applied suc- projects, in particular for ally standardized laboratories before being cessfully in other countries. landfills. In addition, domes- delivered to customers. Therefore, GES is However, a challenge is high tic production of geotechni- the first choice to ensure that landfills meet investment costs. Some in- cal materials needs enabling environmental and health requirements. vestors may reduce the costs policies so that it can provide 9 VEM: What is your assessment about by using cheap and low qual- steady supply and reduces applications of geotechnical materials in ity materials. the costs. In the meantime, 9 landfills in Việt Nam? Compared with VEM: What is your rec- calling for overseas investors other countries, what are advantages and ommendation for promoting and producers to manufac- disadvantages for Việt Nam to apply geo- applications of geotechnical ture geotechnical materials technical materials? materials in pollution treat- in Việt Nam should be made, Mr. Trần Ngọc Hưng: Applications ment in landfills? of geotechnical materials remain limited. Mr. Trần Ngọc Hưng: in particulars for well-known In my opinion, only 25-30% of landfills To ensure quality of land- companies, to contribute to in Việt Nam meet construction technical fills, it is important to select green, clean, beautiful and standards. These standards are lower than appropriate materials. Con- sustainable environment. those of Thailand, China, Singapore and struction contractors should 9VEM: Thank you! Malaysia. In addition, after being closed, by suitable materials recom- Giáng Hương the landfills do not receive due attention for mended by producers. In ad- (Implemented)

30 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 GREEN SOLUTION & TECHNOLOGY

GREENING INDUSTRIAL PARKS A Case Study on South Korea’s Eco Industrial Park Program reductions of other toxic gases tate private participation and from 2005 to 2014. New invest- investment without causing ments in R&D and industrial fund recipients to become de- pecial economic zones have played a infrastructure development pendent or avoid accountabil- critical part in South Korea’s rapid in- created 848 jobs, promoted ity. The government provided dustrial development over the past few technology development, and Sdecades, and have contributed to significant funding to support R&D needs produced 56 new patents and economic and social benefits to the country. of selected project proposals, 100 pending patents. As of However, this rapid development has also and funding levels were deter- 2015, participating companies resulted in severe environmental degrada- mined based on the size of the also benefited from a windfall tion and consequential challenges to pub- recipient company, the scale of of KRW 1,848 billion (approxi- lic well-being. Industrial Complexes (ICs), potential impact, the degree of mately USD 1,680 million) col- once the symbol of the Korean economic technological innovation, and lectively, by saving resources or miracle, gradually became areas to avoid other specific criteria selling waste and by-products due to various forms of pollution, and busi- Also, various government through IS systems. Several nesses in those special industrial areas faced programs supplemented pri- factors contributed to the suc- increasing public scrutiny and disputes over vate investments by offering cess of the Korean EIP pro- damages caused by their operation. Stimu- special loans or grants, in most gram. First, KICOX effectively lated by the United Nations Conference on cases to support implementa- utilized local experts and their Sustainable Development in 2012 (Rio+20), tion of proven or innovative networks to expand business the Korean government began introducing technologies or to reduce pol- and civil society engagement in new environmental management measures lution and conserve resources. the program. KICOX particu- harmonized with industrial growth. The Despite its many achievements, larly invested a lot of effort in Korean National Cleaner Production Center the Korean EIP program has engaging and attracting resi- (KNCPC) launched the National Eco-In- potential opportunities to im- dent companies in ICs, since dustrial Park (EIP) program in 2003, in line prove. First of all, the program their involvement was critical with efforts by the Ministry of Trade, In- could focus on further enhanc- for the success of the program. dustry, and Economy (MOTIE) to promote ing environmental impacts of Through close working rela- innovative industrial development which EIP construction. Emissions of tionships with industries in simultaneously achieves environmental sus- CO could be reduced further the ICs, regional EIP centers 2 tainability. A rather top-down implementa- relative to from the implemen- and designated local coordi- tion approach failed to attract private sec- tation of the program is not so nators were able to build up tor participation during the first two years communities of stakeholders significant when considering of the program, resulting in few meaning- based on commonalities such the overall emission from the ful outcomes. This changed after the Korea as industry or resource types. industrial sector or the nation- Industrial Complex Corporation (KICOX) In order to stimulate business al greenhouse gas (GHG) re- took over the role of implementing agen- participation and investment in duction goal. In line with this, cy and adopted a new more engaging and the program, KICOX focused stronger measures could be ad- business centric strategy. Business partici- opted to support projects that pation started picking up in the third year on delivering quick wins and demonstrating economic prof- are less economically viable and eventually resulted in a surge in proj- but still environmentally ben- ects. KICOX also revamped the program itability of EIP projects, especially during the early years of eficial. Lastly, cooperation and with more specific goals and a three-phase collaboration between national implementation strategy, covering the pe- the program implementation. KICOX strategically utilized EIP implementation agencies riod from 2005 to 2019. As of 2015, KICOX and local governments needs had received 595 project proposals, out of regional EIP centers to promote the EIP program and its to be strengthened and system- which 388 projects were funded for further atized to bring about more ef- research and development and 197 were benefits to strengthen business participation in the program. fective outcomes. National and constructed. Direct and indirect benefits of subnational policy coordina- the program were significant. As a result of Success stories were widely promoted through both online tion is essential to make these adopting cleaner production and Industrial changes happen■ Symbiosis (IS) facilities, projects yielded and offline communications An Bình 6.48 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO ) channels. The Korean govern- 2 (Global Green Growth emission reductions and 1.09 million tons in ment also employed an effective funding scheme to facili- Institute source)

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 31 GREEN SOLUTION & TECHNOLOGY VIETNAM TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRY: Promoting the implementation of cleaner production solutions to enhance competitiveness

Dr. Phùng Thị Quỳnh Trang Hanoi Industrial Textile Garment University ment Joint Stock Corporation However, the current rate (Hanosimex), with its textile- of application of cleaner pro- fiber production operations, duction in textile and garment the primarily concerned en- enterprises is not high, due to ith the development of the soci- vironment matter is about low awareness of enterprises. ety over the years, the textile and emissions, dust and noise Some textile and garment en- garment industry has rapidly when spinning. To minimize terprises stated that cleaner Wincreased production outputs. This indus- pollution, from 2014, Hanosi- production was only related try attracts a large number of employees, mex has invested 500 million to sanitation and suggested of about more than 2.5 million ones, with VND to install inverters for that cleaner production could more than 5,000 enterprises. However, the ventilating fans and use en- be costly for enterprises. In development of the textile and garment in- ergy saving bulbs. Thus, Ha- addition, because the invest- dustry also entails the consequences of en- nosimex has saved over 4 mil- ment in production (especial- vironmental pollution. In order to improve lion kwh/year, reducing 4,000 ly water and labours) is still production capacity, reduce waste and save tons of CO2/year. At textile low in many countries in the on natural resources, the textile and gar- workshops, Hanosimex has region, enterprises have not ment industry has applied cleaner produc- invested in dust collector sys- recognized the importance tion solutions to change production pat- tem at boilers using water, of increasing the efficiency terns towards becoming more sustainable reducing 3- 5% air pollution of resource use. In addition, and environmentally friendly. and increasing boiler effi- many enterprises do not un- Vietnam Textile and Garment Industry ciency. Similarly, Tien Hung derstand the polluters pay is facing the problem of environmental pol- Joint Stock Company (Hung principle and consider envi- lution due to dyeing wastewater with large Yen) has installed two heat ronmental protection a mat- chemical residue. According to the study, in pumps to replace the boilers; ter of the State. Enterprises the dyeing textile wastewater there are sub- used 35 LEDs to replace com- also have not recognized the stances easy for microbial dissolution such pact lights; installed inverters benefits of cleaner produc- as tapioca flour using warp yarns, and those for pump system, etc. These tion and assumed that cleaner difficult such as polyvinyl acetate, disperse dyes, reactive dyestuffs and substances for devices have helped the com- production is the construc- fabric bleaching. The more synthetic fibers pany save 177.6 million per tion of waste treatment sys- there are in fabrics, such as polyesters, the year of energy costs. tem, which will increase the more dyes and auxiliaries, which are difficult for microbial dissolution, are used, resulting in higher amount of pollutants in the wastewater. In order to ensure economic and environmental benefits, the application of cleaner production has helped textile and garment enterprises save on energy, reduce wastes and reduce input costs and environmental treatment costs, at the same time, improve the quality and lower the price of products. In fact, many textile and garment enterprises have reduced from 20 to 30% of the pollutant load without any investment cost thanks to the application of gas emission treatment technology through boiler gas collection; using rational consumption norms of dyeing textile material sources. VVImplementing cleaner production has helped textile and For example, the Hanoi Textile and Gar- garment enterprises save energy and reduce waste

32 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 GREEN SOLUTION & TECHNOLOGY

VVThe textile and garment industry needs to develop and implement a road-map for environmentally friendly technology innovation. cost. Besides, many enterprises still main- clusters with concentrated to create a good working en- tain the production technology systems that wastewater treatment sys- vironment for employees. are obsolete and energy consuming, with tems meeting environmental However, for the success- limited technical capacity, resulting in no standards so as to relocate ful implementation of the energy saving and causing high emissions. garment and textile establish- cleaner production program, On the other hand, technical guidance in ments that may cause pollu- one of the most important cleaner production implementation is often tion. At the same time, it is factors is that textile and based on a network of consultants, but even necessary to encourage enter- garment enterprises need to cleaner production consultants are lacking prises to apply environmen- set up a cleaner production in quantity and quality. tal management standards in task force. For large enter- In order to become a strong economic accordance with ISO 14000, prises, the cleaner produc- sector with high and sustainable growth creating a good working en- tion task force can consist of rate, in the coming years, the textile and vironment for employees ac- a core team (including rep- garment industry should step up the imple- cording to SA 8000 Standard. resentatives of different de- mentation of cleaner production solutions Particularly, the textile and partments) and some other such as strengthening the implementation garment industry needs to de- members responsible for of cleaner production consultation support velop and implement a road- each specific task. For small for textile and garment enterprises through map for environmentally and medium enterprises, the the Industrial Extension Centers. The State friendly technology innova- cleaner production task force should adopt policies to encourage tex- tion, enhancing the capacity may consist of only the enter- tile and garment enterprises to use cleaner of scientific and technological prise owner and a manager production technologies and processes and researches on the environ- who monitors daily activities. gradually implement environmental man- ment, etc. in order to meet the agement solutions. For companies, pro- environmental and techni- This group will be responsible duction units, especially private units, joint cal requirements for interna- for initiating, coordinating ventures, or 100% foreign capital companies tional economic integration. and monitoring the cleaner in the dyeing sector, it is necessary to apply In addition, when Vietnam production assessment activ- the management sanctions on dyeing textile joins TPP, the "passport" for ity. In order to be effective, material and fuel consumption norms; and textile and garment enterpris- the task force basically must the control of importation of machinery, es is not only a standard on have sufficient knowledge to materials, especially inert substances and social responsibility, but also analyze and review current dyes. includes environmental stan- production practices of en- In addition, the textile and garment dards; among them, the most terprises. Experts in the task industry must develop an Environmen- common are the standards of force need to have innovation tal Impact Assessment reports in line with green production, wastewater capacity to explore, develop the sector's development strategy and en- treatment, solutions for recy- and evaluate improvements vironmental legislation; concentrate on cling of by-products arising in in production practices, as thoroughly handling establishments which production, etc. In addition, it well as implement monitoring cause serious environmental pollution; set is necessary to encourage tex- and examining measures to up textile garment industrial zones and tile and garment enterprises increase waste minimization■

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Department Director Nguyen Trong Dong Việt Nam to develop said the Department had been operating 10 air monitoring stations funded by the Consultant- natural resources, AirParif Agency. However, the stations did not entirely reflect the real air quality of the city. environment monitoring Environmental pollution remained a challenge in Hà Nội. Slow implementation of investment database projects for environmental protection, together with low public awareness of environmental protection and underdeveloped production technol- rime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has ap- ogy, affected the environment’s quality. In addi- Pproved a plan on the establishment of a nation, rapid urbanisation and massive construction tional natural resources and environmental activities across the city, together with increasing monitoring for 2017 - 2022. It will collect data on number of vehicles, also contributed to air pollu- natural resources and environment monitoring tion. provided by units under the Ministry of Natural Monitoring results show that many areas in Resources and Environment, other ministries, the city have a high level of air pollution, such agencies, organizations and enterprises. Data will as Ha Dong, Hoang Mai, Cau Giay and Tu Liem be collected from observation stations, periodi- districts. The level is particularly high at craft vil- cally monitoring activities and monitoring data lages. Results from air monitoring stations show outside Vietnam’s territory in line with interna- that the concentration of benzene at areas where tional agreements and conventions. these stations are located are 1.2 - 2.5 times higher The plan aims to establish a national natural than the permissible level. resources and environment monitoring data- To help improve the city’s air quality, apart base, on the basis of the planning for the national from installing more air monitoring stations, the natural resources and environment monitoring department will also increase supervision of en- network from 2016 - 2025, with a vision through vironmental protection activities and ask large- 2030. scale projects and production establishments that Advanced technology will be used in data col- release waste to install automatic monitoring sta- lection and management, facilitating information tions and transmit the results to the department announcement and sharing, in order to serve for examination and supervision, according to policy making, socio-economic development, director Dong■ control and preventing natural disaster, ensuring Bích Hồng (VNA source) national defence and security, and responding to climate change■ Phương Linh (VNA source) Ninh Thuận lures investment in renewable Hà Nội to install additional energy 70 air monitoring stations

à Nội plans to install an additional 70 air Hmonitoring stations to improve air quality, according to the municipal Department of Natu- ral Resources and Environment. The Department will work with the Consul- tant-AirParif Agency of France to invest in the installation of the air monitoring stations and to continue implementing the Technical Assistance Project for assessing the air environment status in Hà Nội, signed between the 2 agencies in 2016.

34 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 GREEN SOLUTION & TECHNOLOGY

he south central coastal province of Ninh Vietnamese media TThuận is trying to create favourable conditions to lure investment in developing wind and lauded for role in wildlife solar power towards ensuring sustainable development of the power sector and contributing to protection national energy security. So far the province has granted investment li- cences to 8 wind power projects with a combined capacity of 514 MW, and total capital of 19.7 trillion VND (866.9 million USD). Construction work has started on four projects, namely Mui Dinh, Cong Hai 1, Trung Nam and Dam Nai. The 40 MW-Dam Nai wind power plant was connected to the national grid in September with an initial 3 turbines with a combined capacity of 6MW in the first phase. The second phase will see the installation of 13 more turbines, expected to be completed in October 2018, raising the plant’s capacity to 40MW. he Vietnamese media was lauded for playing an important role in promoting the protection of Besides, the provincial People’s Committee has T threatened wildlife, heard a seminar held in Hà Nội granted approval to investment plans of three soon September 22 to reveal how media houses can lar power plants and allowed 30 other potential incorporate social responsibility into their work and investors to survey locations in the province. contribute to combatting wildlife crime. The locality is completing its planning for solar Participants to the World Rhino Day seminar or- power development from 2016 - 2020 with a vi- ganized by TRAFFIC and Intelligent media agreed sion to 2030 to submit it to the Ministry of Indus- that a behavioural change was a useful approach to try and Trade for approval, thus laying the legal reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products in foundation for attracting investors, and receiving Việt Nam. investment from the central budget for the trans- As stated by the Head of TRAFFIC’s Việt Nam mission network serving renewable energy pro- office, Madelon Willemsen, the media plays an im- duction. portant role in creating and shaping public opinion Incentives in terms of land, taxes and infra- on topical global issues, such as illegal wildlife trafficking. The Vietnamese media plays a critical role in structure will be offered to investors, according shaping moral values around the consumption and to the provincial Department of Planning and In- illegal trade of threatened species and in describing vestment. what responsible Vietnamese citizens must do to pro- Director of the Department Pham Dang tect threatened wildlife worldwide. Thanh said, renewable energy is identified as an Vice Director of the Việt Nam Chamber of Com- advantage to create a boost to the development of merce and Industry (VCCI)’s Centre for SMEs Pro- other economic sectors, adding that every invest- motion, Lê Thị Thu Thủy, said that TRAFFIC and ment project has been considered on both socio- VCCI are creating a culture of zero-tolerance towards economic and environmental aspects. wildlife trafficking in the business world by engaging Ninh Thuận aims to increase local wind power Vietnamese businesses, which will lead their peers in capacity to 1,429 MW, and solar power capacity to fighting wildlife crime. 4,848 MW by 2030. A survey by the World Bank Over the last decade, Việt Nam has regularly been identified as a transit country and consumer market has found that Ninh Thuận has the greatest wind for endangered wildlife products, such as rhino horn speed of the nation, averaging 7.5 metres per sec- and elephant ivory. The on-going demand continues ond for 10 months a year, an ideal condition for to drive wildlife poaching and trafficking, selling, developing wind power. The province also has the buying and consumption of illegal wildlife products average sunshine duration of 7.7 hours a day■ such as rhino horn■ Hồng Cẩm (VNA source) Đức Anh (VNS source)

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 35 GREEN COOPERATION Promoting sustainable business solutions in Việt Nam

To follow the success of Vietnam Corpo- rate Sustainability Forums, Vietnam Busi- ness Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) and Vietnam Chamber of Com- merce and Industry (VCCI) organized in the 4th VCSF Forum with the topic “Scaling-up business solutions to sustainability challenges”. On this occasion, Vietnam Envi- ronment Administration Magazine (VEM) interviewed Mr. Nguyễn Quang Vinh, VCCI Vice General Secretary cum CBCSD Vice President on sustainable business solutions in Việt Nam. VVMr. Nguyễn Quang Vinh Vice General Secretary of VCCI cum Vice President of VBCSD 9VEM: In your opinion, what roles do corporates play in implementing Sustain- 9VEM: What do you development remain lim- able Development Goals? think about corporates’ ited, particularly in financial Mr. Nguyễn Quang Vinh: First, it can sector. Many businesses are be affirmed that in addition to Govern- SDG implementation in the ments and international organizations’ period 2015 - 2017? struggling with understand- roles, businesses play a crucial role in im- Mr. Nguyễn Quang ing SDGs and in general plementing 17 Sustainable Development Vinh: Two years after sustainability awareness is Goals (SDG) because businesses’ activities SDGs were approved by not high yet at a global level. 9 have certain impact on human lives. In UN members in 2015, cor- VEM: In reality, what other words, SDG will not be implement- porates’ support for SDGs is the status of implementa- ed without businesses’ participation. has changed remarkably. So tion of initiatives and mod- Businesses are important and decisive far, 1,500 businesses have els for sustainable business for the national economy transformation. joined UN Corporate Sus- in Việt Nam? They are main driving forces of economic tainability Forum whereas Mr. Nguyễn Quang growth, created jobs and promoted in- in 2016 only 200 businesses Vinh: More and more ini- novation, renovation and technology de- participated. In particu- tiatives and models for sus- velopment. In particular, private sector lar, business community tainable business have been is one of the main state revenue sources has been more aware about developed, including: doing which enable infrastructure development SDGs’ opportunities as well business with low income investment and public activities (health, as their potential risks. The households, recycling econ- education, poverty reduction…) and envi- number of businesses which omy, sustainable value chain ronmental protection, towards sustainable have sustainability reports development, sustainability development. has doubled in the last five reports and corporate sus- At a national level, sustainable devel- years with 90% of the to- tainability index. Many busi- opment goals are considered as a steer- tal 500 big scale businesses nesses have cut their emis-

ing instrument for business development. having made sustainability sion by 99% of CO2, stopped Sustainable development has always been reports. In addition, coop- landfilling, used recyclable considered an important and main ele- eration networks have been energy and recycled 98 - ment of economic development in Viet strengthened with close 99% of the byproducts. At Nam. Therefore, by working towards connections among busi- present, VCCI and VBCSD SDGs, businesses will heighten their status nesses and nations. are developing a program of and gain trust from Government, clients However, businesses’ supporting business to run and investors. influences on sustainable a circular economy which is

36 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 GREEN COOPERATION

VVHeineken Beer Việt Nam is ranked 3rd most sustainable corporate in production sector in 2016 by VCCI a new concept in Việt Nam and the world. if sustainable development is as their responsibilities and It is estimated that this new business model considered a business’s core keep up with sustainability can generate business opportunities the val- strategy, achievements of the information. ues of 4,500 billion USD per year. There- SDGs can open market op- In the meantime, corpo- fore, Vietnamese businesses can benefit portunities of at least 12,000 rates need to understand their from a circular economy. A first activity by billion USD in the four sec- impacts on economy, society the program is an initiative “Stop littering” tors of food and agriculture, and the environment. They implemented by VCCI/VBCSD, Unilever urban areas, energy and ma- need to apply effective instru- Viet Nam, Coca Cola Viet Nam and Dow terials and health. When ments (for example CSI) to Chemical Viet Nam. This initiative is aimed estimated in all sectors, the run their businesses so that at addressing plastic waste issues, mapping benefit would be higher than they can have a comprehen- for sustainable business model develop- 12,000 billion USD. There- sive vision in managing risks ment nationwide, value chain development fore, corporates should recog- and develop business strate- and making policy recommendations for nize that it will be costly not gies in SDG views. This will applying a circular economy. to follow sustainable devel- help corporates with more In addition, social corporate model is opment when sustainability success and sustainability as a human and sustainable initiative. In Việt benefits are foregone. well as propaganda of imple- Nam, social corporates have become legal In addition, shortcomings mentation and progress of and encouraging economy entities. Many of a traditional economy are SDGs. businessmen have opted for social corpo- causing numerous social and At a sector level, corporate model to contribute to community de- environmental problems and rates need to work with each velopment with the main objective of bring- compromising future devel- other and related agencies to ing happiness for everyone. opment. Business costs are integrate SDGs into the sec- 9VEM: To implement SDGs successful- increasing while business op- tor context and then develop ly, in addition to efforts by Governments, portunities are decreasing. a common vision for the sec- Ministries/Sectors, what do corporates As governments are putting tor and implement transfor- need to do? more pressure of sustainabil- mative initiatives. Corporates Mr. Nguyễn Quang Vinh: As men- ity implementation on corpo- also need to introduce impor- tioned earlier, the global goals will not be rates, not integrating sustain- tant policies as well as other achieved without corporates’ participation. ability into business strategies support from governments On the other hand, businesses also benefit will pose legal risks in the and financial organizations. from sustainability. According to a study future. I hope that corporate 9VEM: Thank you! by Sustainability and Business Committee, managers will consider SDGs Vũ Nhung (Implemented)

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 37 GREEN COOPERATION

ADB loans support green Finland will transfer clean cities in Việt Nam water and renewable

he Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of energy technology in Hà Nội TDirectors has approved US$170 million in loans to help the Government of Việt Nam upgrade urban inland will focus on transferring modern tech- infrastructure and address climate change, benefit- Fnology to provide clean water and renewable ing about 116,000 households in Huế, Vĩnh Yên, and energy solutions to Hanoi, said Mr. Petri Peltonen Hà Giang cities. - Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Employ- More than 30 million people live in urban cen- ment of Finland, leader of delegation of the Finnish tres in Việt Nam, but the impact of urbanisation is Democratic Republic at the meeting with the leaders uneven across the country. Unlike the capital Hà Nội in Hà Nội on November 6. and other highly developed urban centres, second- Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee ary cities - with populations of between 50,000 to Nguyen The Hung emphasized that, Finland's sup- 300,000 - such as Huế in central Việt Nam and Vĩnh port in the first phase of the "Finnish Water Program Yên and Hà Giang in the northern part of the coun- in Hà Nội" has brought about good results. Since the try are lagging behind. For instance, less than 60% of 1990s, the Mai Dich clean water plant built by Fin- households in secondary cities have access to clean land has been still one of the best clean water plants, water and only 10% of wastewater is treated properly. contributing to supplying clean water in the city in The Secondary Green Cities Development Proj- its development process. However, with about 10 ect will help make these urban centres become more million people, the demand for clean water in Hà livable, environmentally friendly, and climate-resil- Nội is still an urgent matter. The city is concentrat- ient. Under the project, Vĩnh Yên City will see the ing its resources to provide clean water with an av- construction of a new wastewater treatment system, erage capacity of 180 liters/person/day. To ensure 66.1km of drainage control being upgraded, the Đầm water resources, the city is going to stop exploiting Vạc lake being dredged, and 44.5ha of new public groundwater, changing to use surface water and wa- green space developed. ter collection systems from nature. In Huế, there will be 21.9km of drainage pipelines Therefore, Hà Nội always welcomes qualified in- upgraded, 15.9km of road surface and drainage re- vestors to work and provides effective solutions to habilitated, and 17.2ha of green spaces developed, supply clean water. The Vice chairman of the city among others. hopes Dutch investors will actively participate. Hà Giang City will have 7km of urban drainage Regarding to renewable energy, Hà Nội would upgraded, 5.6 km of river embankments protected, like to have clean energy from waste. Today, about and the urban road network enhanced to divert in- 6,000 - 8,000 tons of waste are daily disposed in Hà creasing traffic. Nội, mainly using landfill. The city is actively calling Apart from the loans, ADB will also administer for investors, including Finland, to handle with this a total of $14.1 million in technical assistance - with kind of waste by using modern technology to convert the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment it into electricity and connect to the national grid■ - and $6 million in grant investment from the Global Vũ Nhung Environment Facility and the Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund. The technical assistance will mainstream a green and resilient city development Second Annual Meeting approach across Government agencies through policy advice and capacity building, and replicate the ap- of the Global Platform for proach in other cities in Việt Nam. ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reduc- Sustainable Cities ing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclu- sive economic growth, environmentally sustainable he Second Annual Meeting of the Global Plat- growth, and regional integration. In 2016, ADB as- Tform for Sustainable Cities (GPSC) took place sistance totaled $31.7 billion, including $14 billion in in New Delhi, India from 30/10 2/11/, jointly orga- cofinancing■ nized by the World Bank, other multilateral develop- Hồng Nhung (VNS source) ment banks and UN agencies. The meeting aimed to

38 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 GREEN COOPERATION

WB delegation discusses wastewater treatment project in Bình Dương

World Bank (WB)’s technical working Agroup led by water resources management expert Abedalrazq Khalil held a working session with authorities of southern Bình Dương province on October 13 to discuss a project on wastewater drainage and treatment in Dĩ An town. At the event, Khalil asked the provincial authorities to step up the progress of bid invita- bring together mayors, city leaders, experts, and tion approval and estimate of ongoing tender representatives from financial institutions, organ- packages, as well as properly allocate capital for isations, UN agencies and private sector to learn implementation of the packages. and share best practices and principles in order to forge a common vision of urban sustainability. The theme of the GPSC 2017 Meeting is “In- novation & Smart Solutions for Urban Sustain- ability”. The meeting agenda includes a mayor’s roundtable, high level panel discussions and a series of in-depth learning events to showcase innovative solutions to providing urban services, financing and investment. Officials from related agencies and cities of 19 countries attended the GPSC 2017, including those from Brazil, Cameroon, China, Cote D’Ivoire, Denmark, France, Japan, Korea, India, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Par- Agreeing with requests of the WB delega- aguay, Peru, Senegal, South Africa, Việt Nam and tion, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s the United States. The Vietnam’s delegation con- Committee Tran Thanh Liem said his province sisted of representatives from Ministry of Natural always prioritises investing in wastewater treat- Resources and Environment (MONRE) and rep- ment projects. The provincial Department of resentatives from Hue and Ha Giang cities. Construction and Bình Dương water supply As part of a $150 million programme funded and drainage company will accelerate bid invi- by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the tation in line with law. GPSC currently covers 27 cities across 11 pilot Invested by the provincial People’s Com- countries. In Việt Nam, in order to help 3 cities mittee, the project costs more than 115 million including Hue, Vinh Yen, and Ha Giang to re- USD, over 92 million USD of which is provided fine, scale up and strengthen their foundation for by the WB. It aims to strengthen water resources promoting green city development, the GEF has pollution control in industrial and residential areas amid climate change, ensuring that Đồng funded $10.8 million to the project “Mainstream- Nai river basin could supply enough water to ing Climate Resilience and Environmental Pro- households in the southern key economic zone, tection for Secondary Green Cities Development”. including Hồ Chí Minh City and the provinces The project will be implemented in the period of Bình Dương, Đồng Nai and Bà Rịa - Vũng 2018 - 2023 and MONRE is the executing agency■ Tàu■ Lê Chính Gia Linh

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 39 GREEN COOPERATION

France helps Hà Nội with air Hồ Chí Minh City partners with quality assessment JICA to mitigate gas emission

à Nội will roll out action programmes and plans to improve air quality in the city based on the outcomesH of a French-funded air quality assessment project, said a municipal leader. Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguy- en Duc Chung made the statement at a reception for French Ambassador to Vietnam Bertrand Lortholary, Director of Airparif Frederic Bouvier, and Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Việt Nam Fabrice Richy in Hà Nội on October 17. he People’s Committee of Hồ Chí Minh City and Tthe Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held a workshop in the city on October 26 to review a technical cooperation project to support the planning and implementation of nationally appropriate mitigation action in a monitoring, reporting and verification manner. Since 2015, JICA has partnered with the southern metropolis of Việt Nam to improve awareness and capacity of monitoring greenhouse gas emissions across VVHà Nội will roll out action programmes and plans the city. The amount of CO2 in HCM City was esti- to improve air quality in the city (Source: VNA) mated at 38.5 million tonnes in 2013, making up about 13% of the country. During the meeting, the 2 sides reviewed the one- Director of the municipal Department of Natural year-old project, under which air monitoring stations Resources and Environment Nguyen Toan Thang said, were set up in Hà Nội. Chung called on Airparif, an the department has proposed local authorities moni- agency in charge of monitoring air quality in Ile-de- tor greenhouse gas emissions biennially, starting from France, to improve the quality of the monitoring sta- 2016, based on the guidance of the JICA. The city has tions, while publicising air quality assessments. joined the C40 Low Emission Vehicle Network to learn In September, Green Innovation and Develop- experience in coping with climate change from major ment Centre (GreenID), a Hanoi-based NGO, re- cities around the world. In addition, HCM City has ex- leased a report on air quality in Việt Nam in the first panded its cooperative ties with Japan’s Osaka city to half of this year. It compared air quality in 2017’s first carry out measures on waste treatment and ensure en- 6 months and in the same period of 2016. vironmental hygiene. Based on the report, from January to June, Hà Nội Director of the Department of Hydrometeorology suffered 139 days of excessive PM2.5 level, according to international standards. PM, or particulate mat- and Climate Change under the Ministry of Natural ter, is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets Resources and Environment Nguyen Van Tue said the in the air. PM2.5 particulates are about a thirtieth project will be expanded to other localities. The min- as thick as the width of a human hair and can pass istry plans to use the JICA guidance as a reference for through lung tissue and into the blood, harming hu- the implementation of the Decree building a roadmap man health. for greenhouse gas emissions, which will be submitted The data showed no relation between the concen- to the Government in 2018. tration of pollutants and peak traffic hours, meaning An expert from JICA, Yoshihiro Mizuno advised air quality has been affected by different pollution HCM City and other Vietnamese localities to mitigate sources, notably the energy industry. greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of elec- The Hanoi People’s Committee in January tricity and fuel in buildings while installing solar en- launched an online service with information about ergy systems on their roofs, using bus rapid transit and weather conditions and environment indexes, in- urban railways, collecting and recycling waste to create cluding air quality index, rainfall and flooding. organic fertiliser and biogas■ Phạm Đình (VNA source) Nhật Minh (VNA source)

40 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 GREEN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

ECONOMIC GROWTH IN CONNECTION WITH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND IMPROVEMENT The experience of Việt Nam

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thế Chinh - Director Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment Economic growth together with environmental protection and improvement has a binding and complementary relationship. In order to protect and improve the environment, it requires to have the economic growth, creating opportunities for investment in environmental protection. Conversely, if environmental protection and improvement is properly done, economic growth is ensured to be stable and sustainable. The view on the close connection between economic growth and environmental protection and improvement, and the linking of these 2 categories for fast and sustainable development, has been directed by the Party since the beginning of industrialization and modernization of the country.

THE PARTY’S POLICY ON ECO- the socialist-oriented market together with improving the NOMIC GROWTH AND ENVI- economy. The process of per- environment and quality of RONMENTAL PROTECTION fecting the socialist-oriented life of people: According to Sustainable development is a synchro- market economy requires the the Resolution of the 12th Na- nized development among the economy, observance of the laws of the tional Party Congress on the the society and the environment. To im- market and at the same time 5-year socio-economic devel- plement all these three pillars, economic ensures social justice - plac- opment plan (2016 - 2020), growth must be connected with environ- ing human welfare in the fo- Việt Nam will focus on "ac- mental protection and the proper measures cus and incorporating closely celerating the restructuring for environmental protection issues are also with the sustainable protec- of the economy in line with a part of measures for social issues. This tion of the environment. This the renovation of the growth perception has become a guiding ideology was confirmed in Resolution model, improving produc- throughout the policies and direction of the No. 11-NQ/TW dated 3/6/ tivity, efficiency and com- Party over the years. 2017, at the 5th plenary meet- petitiveness", focusing more From the awareness of the importance ing of the 12th Central Com- on quality of development of economic growth connected with envi- mittee of the Communist Par- beside the scope of develop- ronmental protection and improvement, ty of Vietnam on "perfecting ment, especially investment the Party has had basic policies with the the socialist-oriented market in science and technology. In following contents: Environmental protec- economy". the content of environmental tion and improvement must be linked, in- protection and improvement, tegrated and reflected in national, sectoral SOME MEASURES TO the quality of life of people is and local socio-economic development CONNECT ECONOMIC the focus. Economic growth strategies and plans; Prevention is put the GROWTH WITH ENVI- is associated with the use of highest, combined with environmental im- RONMENTAL PROTEC- energy, raw materials and in- provement in the process of innovation, TION AND IMPROVE- put materials through mea- economic development of the country, to MENT IN VIỆT NAM sures to encourage the use of pay respect for the rules of the nature; Fo- In order to implement renewable energies, new and cusing on mobilizing investment resources the policy for connecting environmentally- friendly for environmental protection and improve- economic growth with en- materials; ment, considering investment for environ- vironmental protection and Implementation of sus- mental protection as the investment for improvement, Việt Nam has tainable development goals: sustainable development; Promoting the been implementing a number Since 2004, Việt Nam has de- role of corporate social responsibilities and of measures veloped the Agenda for Sus- socialization for environmental protection; To renovate the growth tainable Development in the Harmonious settlement between economic model, restructure the econo- 21st century, highlighting the growth and environmental protection and my, improve the efficiency and role of environmental protec- improvement in the process of perfecting quality of economic growth tion and improvement, and

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 41 GREEN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

VVVSIP Quang Ngai Industrial-Urban-Service Complex is a synchronous, harmonious and environmentally- friendly combination

the effective use of natural resources for Environmental dam- SEEA, internalize environ- the economic growth. In December 2015, ages and benefits must be mental factors in the annual Việt Nam signed a commitment to imple- fully accounted for in the national economic growth ment the "Agenda 2030 for Sustainable economic growth targets: targets. At present, Vietnam Development" launched by the United Environmental components is in the process of studying Nations, and at the same time, deployed must be accounted for val- and approaching the SEEA, the Green Growth Strategy. To achieve ue, including the functions targeting resources and the the goal of green growth, the Party and of the environment con- environmental components the State have asked all levels and sectors tributing to the economic that must be included in the to thoroughly grasp and strictly imple- growth. Damages caused by national accounts system ment the economic growth connected pollution and environmen- for decision making and with environmental protection and im- tal degradation must also management. provement. On the other hand, to further be quantified by value. The To strengthen exchanges improve the law in order to enhance the accounting of the value of and learning from interna- effectiveness and efficiency of supervi- environmental components tional experience, especially sion, inspection, examination and han- and functions, as well as developed countries on the dling of violations of environmental pro- the damages caused by pol- resolution on the harmoni- tection legislation. lution and environmental To use economic instruments to grad- degradation, is considered ous relationship between ually replace administrative measures for as the basis for the develop- economic growth connect- environmental protection and improvement of satellite accounts ed with environmental pro- ment: To apply the above measures in in the national accounts tection and improvement: accordance with the market economy system SNA, gradually To study international ex- institution, as the economic instruments converts the traditional ac- periences and reflect with will regulate the behavior of enterprises counting and GDP index Vietnam's development and the people, ensuring the principle of statistics to green GDP practice to take appropriate market that "polluters must pay for caus- based on the new national measures to implement eco- ing pollution - or the PPP principle” and accounts statistics system, nomic growth connected "beneficiaries of the environment must linking the economy with with environmental protec- pay for the benefits - or the BPP prin- the environment under the tion and improvement that ciple". new accounting system - has been carried out so far.

42 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 GREEN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

SOME EXPERIENCES FROM THE sands of billion dongs to pro- encourage all economic sec- PRACTICE tect forests… tors to improve the efficiency Over the past 30 years, Vietnamese It should be resolved syn- of enterprises and at the same economy has continued to grow; the issue chronously from awareness, time to take responsibility in of environmental protection and improve- policies and measures: Al- environmental protection. ment is increasingly paid attention to. From though there is specific guid- To both implement and the recent development of Việt Nam, it is ing viewpoint, policies and gain experience and gradually possible to draw some lessons learned in task proposal, the process of improve: Practices show that dealing with the relationship between eco- implementation in practice is the implementation of economic growth in connection with environ- still having big gap in effec- nomic growth in connection mental protection and improvement: tively implementing econom- with environmental protec- To review and assess fully the issues of ic growth in connection with tion and improvement in Việt economic growth associated with environ- environmental protection Nam has been on a trial and mental protection and improvement, which and improvement. It is a mat- error basis. At the same time, is the most important basis for identify- ter of awareness, legalization, to pro-actively prevent, an- ing the problems to be solved, finding the decentralization, supervision, ticipate "incidents", environ- causes and shortcomings from the reality, inspection, monitoring... This mental issues must be a key capturing the general trend of the region is a series of work to do, each principle for any plan or proj- and the world: Regional and international stage requires effective and ect of any scale, large or small; contexts should be considered, in compari- practical measures to follow; The objectivity of the nat- son with domestic practices for lessons to It is necessary to highlight ural law, the linkage of natu- be learned and appropriate orientations the role of people, enterpris- ral components, especially in es and economic sectors in and approaches to be taken. Việt Nam has the implementation of socio- the implementation process: signed a number of conventions, agree- economic development plan- Practical implementation of ments, commitments... related to regional ning, exploitation and use of policies of the Party and State and global environmental protection and natural resources should be shows that the participation improvement; emphasized: Việt Nam has Economic growth in connection with of people and enterprises had "costly" lessons in mine environmental protection and improve- have not brought into full exploitation and hydro-power ment is always a difficult and complicated play their internal forces and dam building. Therefore, in issue: Although Việt Nam has paid much at- have not solved the problems the economic development tention to environmental protection, the ef- brought about by economic planning, it is necessary to ficiency has not been achieved as expected. institutions. Therefore, along look at the issue in advance Pollution and environmental degradation is with perfecting the socialist- still on an increasing trend, forest areas and oriented market economy and integrate environmen- biodiversity have declined, especially the institutions, there should be tal issues in the implementa- natural forests. The main cause is the high strong mechanisms and poli- tion of the strategy, planning concentration on economic growth, with cies to promote the role of and action plan. On the other less attention to environmental protection. the people and enterprises, hand, in the context of climate Therefore, in the coming time, it is neces- at the same time, promote change, development ac- sary to have a more harmonious solution the role of all economic sec- tivities must be based on the for both economic growth and environ- tors, to enhance social re- ecosystems, especially for the mental protection for ensuring good life for sponsibility of enterprises in awareness of local managers the people; environmental protection. At and socio-economic develop- Initial successes can only be achieved if present, Việt Nam is pursu- ment planners. the correct perception on economic growth ing the policy of private eco- Economic growth in con- in connection with environmental protec- nomic development under nection with environmental tion and improvement is identified: In fact, Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW protection and improvement in Việt Nam, if the correct market princi- and Resolution No. 12-NQ/ is the content of two closely ples are applied in the implementation of TW on further restructuring, linked, interactive and com- economic growth in connection with en- renovation and improvement plementary categories. There- vironmental protection and improvement, of state enterprise’s efficiency fore, Việt Nam needs to over- the effectiveness could be tremendous. In in the 5th plenary meeting come existing constraints, get particular, based on the principle of BPP in of the 12th Central Commit- lessons learned in the future payment for forest environmental services, tee of the Communist Party to implement sustainable in recent years, Việt Nam has earned thou- of Việt Nam. Thereby, it will growth■

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 43 GREEN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT Local community is key for biodiversity conservation

Prof. D.Sc. Đặng Huy Huynh Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment

n the past few years, the Party and the State have paid more attention to biodiversity conservation. This has been done byI issuing policies on the management and conservation of gene sources, zoning and development of national parks and natural conservation areas and other matters. However, the contribution of the local VVVisitors at the Cúc Phương Primate Conservation Park - One of community is needed, in addition to that the centres that store rare genes of the government to improve biodiversity conservation. The State needs to encourage the local community to grow food crops, herbal plants and raise wild animals to ensure biodiversity conservation in Việt Nam is carried out in a sustainable way. Ex-situ conservation is one of the most important solutions that reduces the pressure on in-situ conservation and has positive impacts on biodiversity conservation. The government needs to encourage the local community to make more financial and physical efforts to preserve and enlarge the number of species, variety of breed and V animalcules, while ensuring that the local VSika deer raising brings about high economic values community benefits from their actions. The successful expansion of the sika deer popu- tors over whether local people of the species having increased lation in the 1980s and the preservation of should be permitted to breed by a dozen times, as compared Heritage Trees conducted by the Vietnam and raise wild animals. This to nearly 100 years ago. A simi- Association for Conservation of Nature and issue needs to be solved via a lar example is the cobra, which Environment have proven that the local practical example from the lo- was nearly extinct in the middle community is of importance in biodiversity cal community. of the 20th century. But thanks conservation and development. In practice, the local people to the encouragement of lo- At the moment, most animal and plant of the two districts of Hương cal authorities and technical genes in Việt Nam are stored at local individ- Sơn and Kỳ Anh in the central- support of scientists from the ual farms. A small number of businessmen region province of Hà Tĩnh in State’s key science programme in local areas have worked with scientists the 1920s and 1930s began cap- titled “Biology to serve agricul- to breed and expand the population of wild turing wild deers to raise them tural economy development”, animals and plants to develop the economy in local farms. Acknowledging breeding and raising cobras and preserve genes. They have succeeded in the economic and biological have spread across the country breeding some animals, such as Móng Cái values that deers offer, the Insti- since 1981 and brought about and Tây Nguyên pigs, Phú Quốc ridgeback, tute of Ecology and Biological positive economic values and ri chicken and Phú Thọ nine-spur chicken, Resources under the Vietnam practical benefits to the com- as well as Đông Tảo chicken and Phan Rang Academy of Science and Tech- munity. sheep. nology in 1976 co-operated Therefore, it can be con- Besides the government’s efforts to ex- with the National Institute of cluded that biodiversity conser- pand the population of monkeys and other Animal Sciences to provide vation will be sustainable if the similar species at the State-funded wild technical assistance for State- relevant authorities are able to animal rescue centres, the local people also run and private farms to breed encourage the local community helped save other animals from extinction, and raise deers. The career of to get together and put in their including cobras, sika deers and porcupines. sika deer raising has undergone best efforts based on appropri- However, this has sparked a debate many challenges to become an ate policies and strict manage- among scientists and governmental regula- efficient job with the population ment mechanisms■

44 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 GREEN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT Implementation of targets for climate change response and green growth

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thế Chinh, Director Dr. Nguyễn Sỹ Linh Institute of Strategy and Policy of Natural Resources and Environment

n October 31, 2017, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1670/ QĐ-TTg on approving the Na- tionalO Target Program for Climate Change Response and Green Growth for the 2016 - 2020 period, demonstrating the determi- nation of the Government in implementing the National Strategy on Climate Change and the National Strategy on Green Growth. The program aims not only to enhance the capacity for climate change response for people and eco-systems, but also towards the low carbon economy, enriching natu- VVWorks to mitigate the effects of high tides, floods and salinity ral capital for sustainable economic devel- intrusion due to the impacts of climate change in Kiên Giang opment. On the other hand, the Decision’s targets also demonstrate the specific actions to be taken by Vietnam to implement its monitoring network of natu- search, training, application greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction ral resource and environment and transfer of green build- commitments after 2020 at COP21 and in for the 2016 - 2025 period; ing technologies in Việt Nam the Nationally- Determined Contributions To build and upgrade from with the scale of 50 hectares; (NDC). 6 - 10 lakes with capacity of To replace 1,000 inland wa- Accordingly, by 2020, Vietnam strives 100 m³ for water regulation in terway signaling buoys using to complete 30 transitional projects in the the rainy season and prevent solar lights; To complete the Official Letter No. 1443/TTg-QHQT dated droughts in the dry season; To intra-field technical infra- 19/9/2012 of the Prime Minister approving build and upgrade 6 - 8 salin- structure of irrigation area of the priority list under the Support Program ity control systems in the Me- 100 hectares, model of irri- to Respond to Climate Change (SP-RCC); kong Delta, 2 - 3 systems in gation system towards Green to implement some urgent projects in Doc- the coastal areas; To upgrade Growth for rice production, ument No. 78/TTg-QHQT dated 16/1/2015 200 km of dykes, river em- experimental model research of the Prime Minister; to plant, rehabilitate bankments and critical coasts on the crops on land of 25 10,000 hectares of coastal mangrove for- in areas of highly - vulnerable hectares; To invest 25 energy ests, watershed protection forests, in order production and livelihood of testing and auditing equip- to adapt to climate change and absorb 2 over 3 million people in river ment units for the mining million tons of CO2 per year, and create a and coastal areas; To develop industry and 29 equipment stable livelihood for the people of the affor- a national database system on units for other industries; To estation area. climate change and update develop action plans for sec- In addition, Decision 1670/QĐ-TTg national Action Plan to re- toral, regional and local green also sets out specific objectives for the 2 spond to climate change. growth. components Green Growth component For the scope and com- Climate Change component has 5 objec- has 6 objectives: By 2020, to ponents of the Program, De- tives: To continue implementing Decision reduce GHG emissions by cision 1670/QĐ-TTg also No. 90/QĐ-TTg dated 12/1/2016 to build 1 8 - 10% compared to 2010, specifies for each compo- climate change monitoring system and 1 sa- reduce energy consumption nent: The implementation linity intrusion monitoring and forecasting per GDP by 1 - 1.5% per year; includes Ministries, sectors, system under the Master Plan on national To build the Center for re- socio-political organizations,

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 45 GREEN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT China’s Green Special Economic Zone Policies - Development and Implementation

ver the past few decades, the People's Re- public of China (China) has arguably ex- perienced the largest economic expansion Oof any country in history, and this has been largely as a result of its efforts to launch and develop Spe- cial Economic Zones. VVConstruction of solar- powered light system in When China introduced the ground-breaking inland waterways ‘Reform and Open-Door’ policy in 1979, SEZs were devised as the main tool to materialize the the media, some research institutes, regions and new experimental strategy. Initially set up in four provinces affected by climate change- induced coastal cities, SEZs quickly proved their success natural disasters. Notably, in the Decision, there in attracting foreign investments and stimulating are 4 component projects in which the Ministry trade and industrial development. National and of Natural Resources and Environment is respon- sub-national level SEZs and SEZ variants mush- sible for implementation of the Component Proj- roomed across the country following the success ects 1 and 2 related to Climate change; The Min- of the initial models, and they eventually became istry of Planning and Investment is responsible the locomotive of the rapid economic advance- for implementation of the Component Projects 3 ment which brought China to its current economic and 4 related to Green Growth. Based on compo- prominence. nent projects, the Decision also contains annexes Rapid industrialization, however, has had dev- to specify detail tasks for 2016 - 2020 period for astating effects on the environment and on public each component. health, particularly in most industrialized cities in The implementation of Decision 1670/QĐ- China. This created high pressure on the Chinese TTg is mainly under the Ministry of Natural Re- government to take more substantial measures to sources and Environment and Ministry of Plan- promote more innovative and green economic de- ning and Investment. In addition, it also involves velopment. Increasing competition for resources the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agricul- and weakened price competitiveness of Chinese ture and Rural Development and the coordina- products in the international market also pressed tion of local ministries and sectors: Ministry of industries to adopt more sustainable means of pro- Construction, Ministry of Industry and Trade, duction. Ministry of Transport and People's Committees The Chinese government implemented a series of provinces and centrally- run cities. of programs to stimulate green transition of in- The promulgation of the Prime Minister’s dustries and the entire economic value chain. The Decision No. 1670/QĐ-TTg is significantly im- first, the Eco Industrial Park (EIP) demonstration portant in the period 2016 - 2020, indicating the program, started in 2003, aimed to promote trans- work to be done, creating the premise for the next formation of conventional industrial zones into a years in the implementation of the National Strat- resource efficient and clean model or construction egy on Climate Change and the National Strategy of new industrial zones based on industrial sym- on Green Growth. On the other hand, the prom- biosis and clean production principles. ulgation of the Decision also shows that the re- The Circular Economy Demonstration Indus- sponsibility for fulfilling Vietnam’s commitments trial Parks (CEDIP), launched in 2005, was based at COP21 for climate change mitigation, being a on the same principles as the EIP program, includ- country responsible for global issues related to ing promotion of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R) Climate Change■ and emission reductions. However, it aimed to ap-

46 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 GREEN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

central government’s efforts to simultaneously build up appropriate policies and relevant market mechanisms, instead of focusing only on direct financial subsidies and tax benefits. The Chi- nese government began a project to mainstream environmental records as a principal criterion in ac- cessing financial services and products, and has also VVA special economic zone in Guangzhou City, China concentrated its efforts in nurturing the Clean De- velopment Mechanism under the United Nations proach the Circular Economy within the of the central govern- Framework Convention broader context of promoting sustain- ment’s support for these on Climate Change. The able urban development around SEZs. policies. These consistent government’s effort to China’s adoption of Circular Economy messages facilitated up- promote clear monitoring th as one of main themes in China’s 11 take of the programs in and evaluation standards Five Year Plan (FYP), China’s mid-term the private sector, as well and indicators also helped development strategy for 2006 - 2010, as voluntary participa- program participants un- further bolstered support for the CEDIP tion by local governments. derstand and follow pro- program. In 2012, the CEDIP program In addition, successful gram requirements, and was replaced with the Circular Trans- implementers and par- enabled the central gov- formation of Industrial Parks (CTIP) ticipants in all of the three ernment effectively review program to support the 12th FYP and programs received official progress and determine China’s global climate change commit- certifications. Increasing how best to award subsi- ments, placing a strong emphasis not participation in the pro- dies or certification. only on sustainable industrial zone de- grams created added in- There have been some velopment but also on the promotion of centives, as the growing challenges in China’s SEZ clean and high added-value industries number of SEZs gener- programs. Overlapping such as new energy, clean vehicles, and ated greater competition mandates between the information technology. among the SEZs to attract three green SEZ programs In parallel with CTIP, in 2013 the investment. Overall, an es- and the lack of clear co- government launched the Low-Carbon timated 13% of 1,568 na- ordination mechanisms Industrial Park (LCIP) demonstration tional and provincial-level among participating min- program to operationalize China’s new SEZs now belong to one of istries represent a few of constitutional goal of ‘ecological civi- the three programs, and these challenges. Addi- lization’. The program stressed carbon 33 SEZs were participat- tionally, local government monitoring and accounting and relevant ing in at least 2 programs capacity for managing infrastructure development in the con- as of 2013. The collective GHG emission monitor- text of promoting low carbon industrial benefits of these SEZs ing and accounting also zones. were substantial, such as needs to improve to more Primarily thanks to strong national- reduced toxic discharges, effectively integrate green level promotion by the central govern- reduced greenhouse gas industry programs with ment, all of these programs have been (GHG) emissions, and job China’s national climate deemed successes. The theme of Circu- creation. change goals■ lar Economy and green industrial tran- Another success fac- Huy Hoàng sition regularly appeared in the FYPs, tor of China’s green SEZ (Global Green Growth providing a clear, high-visibility signal programs has been the Institute source)

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 47 GREEN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT In 10 years time trains could be solar powered

A technique has been devised that allows electricity to flow directly from solar panels to electrified train tracks to the trains themselves making solar powered trains more feasible than ever before.

n the UK, solar could power 20% of VVAn illustration of a solar train in action (Photograph: the Merseyrail network in Liverpool, Esther Griffin) as well as 15% of commuter routes in IKent, Sussex and Wessex. There’s scope for solar trams in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Not- could plug into the grid, It’s common for public tingham, London and Manchester too, and nearby. involvement to be seen as there’s no reason it should just be a British But when solar cuts hit an inefficiency - in science, thing either. We’re especially excited about the UK in 2015, we dug out politics, finance, technol- possibilities in San Francisco, Mexico City, the idea. What had been a ogy and more - a “nice to India and Spain, but trains and trams all possible local solution to have” that takes too much over the world could be running on sun in Balcombe’s grid capacity time and effort when we’re a few years time. issues a while back could in the serious business of There are a few solar stations - Black- build into a larger opportu- things like climate change, friars Bridge being by far the coolest - and nity for renewable energy economics and keeping the some trains in India even have solar pan- everywhere. Community trains running on time. els on their roofs, but that’s just to power energy shouldn’t have had But the opposite is true, equipment like lights and fans. No one’s to innovate at that point especially when it comes to moving the trains themselves with solar. - renewable energy tech’s climate action. It’s the pub- What’s especially interesting is how our pretty great as it is - but with lic who are driving change, new innovation came about - in particular the solar cuts so deep, and often despite the actions of the role community energy groups have onshore wind effectively policy-makers. played in its development (often despite banned in England, the so- Community energy of- policy support, not because of it, or in re- lar trains idea gave us op- fers a particularly powerful sponse to policy constraints). As we know, tions. way to give members of the there are also important questions to be Looking ahead, it will asked about what role these community be a few years yet before public a role in decarbonisa- groups might play in its deployment. we’re able to deploy the tech tion. Moreover, by tapping The idea came from a community so- necessary to plug solar into into their energy, enthu- lar group in Balcombe, West Sussex who trains. It needs building, and siasm and ability to bring decided they wanted local, community- it needs testing. What’s less other members of the public owned energy, and also that they wanted clear is whether commu- with them, we’ll get it done to go solar. Looking into places to site a so- nity groups will be involved faster, as well as fairer. If it lar farm, they initially found the local grid as solar railways roll out. wasn’t for community en- didn’t have the capacity to take more solar. As they’ve been part of this ergy groups coming up with Searching for a way to solve that problem, from the get-go, they’re su- this idea, pushing it forward they looked at the local railway and asked per-keen. But it’s all too easy and scoping out the places it an engineering professor who happened for the public to be shunted could be utilised, solar trains to live locally, however the technical chal- to the sidelines when the big would still be far more than lenges to get there were a bit too much for budgets and complexity of a few years away■ a small scale community group to grapple infrastructure projects get Thu Hà with. So they found another solar site that going. (The guardian source)

48 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 GREEN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT How Britain's ecosystems are cutting pollution, creating energy and growing the economy

he UK's ecosystems have helped the country in its energy production strategies, reducing pollution and increasing revenues from services Tprovided, according to the latest data released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Farmland all over the country has been widely used to produce solar energy. The UK is required to meet an EU renewable energy target, producing 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. The energy flow from these habitats has increased massively, with the UK producing 600 times more solar energy than in 2007, topping 5,647.9 GW hours. However, the government has recently reduced its financial support for solar farms and this could have an impact.

POLLUTION New data reveals that woodlands have removed Two other habitats have contributed to the reduc- an estimated £1.8bn worth of harmful pollutants tion of pollution - freshwaters and woodlands. Fresh- from the atmosphere, with an overall reduction of water habitats include reservoirs, canals, ponds, lakes the most dangerous chemical agents. and rivers, which cover 12% of the total environment. However, freshwaters have seen a deterioration Woodlands covered 3.16 million hectares in 2015. in the quality of the habitats. Since 2008 the number of rivers and lakes classed as in poor condition has increased. In 2014, 69% of rivers and 62% of lakes did not meet all the criteria to receive a 'good' status. Farmlands have also shrunk with a reduction in organic farming. The June Survey of Agriculture and Horticulture records 17.6 million hectares of land in the UK as farmland with a decrease of 2.6% since 2007. Despite the ecosystem problems, the amount of time spent on visits to woodlands in the UK has increased. Subsequently, the revenue from these activities has increased, with freshwaters total from cultural services now at £10.1bn and woodlands at £13.2bn■ Nam Việt (IBT source)

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 49 GREEN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT Mangrove conservation in Kenya

project on mangrove conservation and restoration in Gazi Bay on the Kenyan coast is turning heads: It’s Athe world’s first conservation project to link mangrove forests to the global carbon market. The project raises money by selling carbon credits to people and organizations eager to reduce their carbon footprint, through the Scottish charity ACES. This supports the planting and conservation of mangrove trees. The payments for “mangrove carbon” are also used to benefit the THE PROJECT HAS JUST efficient natural carbon sinks, local community. WON THE EQUATOR locking and storing carbon di- “We have provided fresh water to the PRIZE oxide at up to 5 times the rate community either by installing water points “This year, Mikoko Pamoja of tropical rainforests. They also or by bringing piped water to people’s was nominated (for the prize) form an important habitat for houses,” says Ann Wanjiru, a local officer and was among 15 initiatives fish and wildlife. involved with the project. “We have bought chosen as winners among 806 “Despite their widely recog- about 700 textbooks for local schools, and contestants from about 120 nized socioeconomic and eco- we have improved the infrastructure in the countries. It's such an honor logical value, mangroves are schools by renovating classrooms that were and a big success,” says Wanjiru. among the world’s most threat- previously leaking.” This gives kudos and recog- ened vegetation types. More International carbon markets can play a nition to those involved in it, as than a fifth of the world’s man- key role in reducing global greenhouse gas well as much-needed publicity. groves have been lost over the emissions in a cost effective manner, and Because the project has been past 30 years alone, and many the number of emissions trading systems so successful in Gazi, neigh- surviving forests are degraded. around the world is increasing. This project, bouring communities are also Safeguarding them will require however, relies on voluntary contributions. interested in replicating the ac- urgent interventions aimed at The project is a “Blue Forests” initiative tivities. UN Environment is pro- ensuring that their vital ecosys- called Mikoko Pamoja (“mangroves togeth- viding support to make sure this tem services and non-market er” in Swahili) in Gazi Bay. It’s a communi- can happen. The model is being benefits are adequately incor- ty-based mangrove carbon offset project. In replicated in nearby Vanga Bay. porated in policy and develop- an ongoing process around 4,000 mangrove “Mikoko Pamoja is a global ment choices.” (Governance of seedlings get planted every year, which re- first and a model to follow and Africa's Resources Programme) sults in carbon savings to generate direct replicate,” says Gabriel Grims- It is important for govern- income for the community. This enhances ditch, a UN environment Blue ments to recognize the value of understanding of the value of “blue carbon” Forests expert. Other Blue For- intact mangrove forests, and to and helps research and further reforesta- ests projects - from Abu Dhabi develop plans and policies to tion. to Ecuador, Indonesia, Mada- ensure they are not destroyed It has involved Edinburgh Napier Uni- gascar and Mozambique - are or harvested unsustainably. Sus- versity staff in the United Kingdom and stu- helping to raise the profile of tainable management of man- dents working with the Kenya Marine and mangrove carbon finance and groves can be incorporated into Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) to ex- conservation. REDD+ (Reducing Emissions plore the ecological value of mangroves and “UN Environment is work- from Deforestation and Forest methods of helping the ecosystem recover. ing closely with Mikoko Pamoja Degradation) action plans and “We are hoping the scientific commu- to make possible their dream strategies, or into Nationally nity, the policymakers, the financial insti- of expanding and creating even Determined Contributions to tutions come together and develop bigger more environmental and social the UN Framework Conven- Mikoko Pamojas, implement bigger car- benefits for coastal peoples in tion on Climate Change, to help bon offsets such that we have triple win of Kenya,” says Grimsditch. countries meet their emissions biodiversity, of community and the climate Mangrove forests protect reductions targets■ change,” says James Kairo, assistant director coastal communities from Nguyệt Minh of KMFRI. storms and tsunamis and are (UNEP source)

50 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 NATURE & ENVIRONMENT OF VIỆT NAM The potential for development of eco-tourism in Chi Lăng Nam Stork Island

Phương Lê developed in Chi Lăng Nam leaders of communal People's Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology commune, including: Local Council, People's Committee, houses - Stock Island - An Fatherland Front and other Duong pagoda - Trieu Du- agencies and unions directly hi Lăng Nam Stock Island is located ong temple - Giao market - manage the construction in Chi Lăng Nam Commune, Thanh Hoi Yen dry pancake trade and exploitation activities in Mien District, with an area of 31.67 village, Trieu Trang temple, the area. At the same time, a Cha, with about 16,000 storks and 6,000 bit- pagoda; tourism connecting number of works in the Stock terns, among which, there are 9 types of routes between Stock Island Island including Nam Pagoda, storks: White, Lua, Bo, Duoi, Black, Hu- and spots of Ninh Giang dis- Center for Environmental Ed- ong, Nghenh, Ngang, Diec; and blue, grey, trict includes: Khuc Thua Du ucation, pagoda area, banyan star back bitterns. Located in the middle of Temple - Hong Phong Water tree, boat station... are invest- the vast An Duong lake and surrounded by Puppetry, Bo Duong Pagoda - ed for upgrading. In addition, many pagodas and temples in the area, the Tranh Temple. the People’s Committee of Chi island has a great potential to develop eco- Stock Island was official- Lăng Nam commune consoli- tourism. ly recognized as a National dates the organization, builds To develop Stock Island eco-tourism, in Monument for natural beau- the operating regulations of 2012, the People’s Committee of Hai Duong ty of Hai Duong province in the service team, rearranges province issued Decision No. 2009/QD- 2014, marking the historical exhibition areas and ensures UBND approving the Scheme of developing milestone for the develop- environmental hygiene in model of community- based tourism de- ment of tourism in the area. the Stock Island tourist area; velopment in Chi Lăng Nam Stock Island, Accordingly, Thanh Mien deploys the signing of com- Thanh Mien district until 2020. In particu- District People's Committee mitments with the An Du- lar, the basic orientation of the Scheme fo- has established two manage- ong village households on the cuses on the development of eco-tourism ment boards (MB): Stock implementation of the regula- model in the Stock Island and the develop- Island tourism and ecologi- tions of tourist area management of additional tourism sites. The sys- cal conservation project is ment of the District People's tem of tourism facilities in the Stock Island chaired by the Vice Chair- Committee... is built in a synchronous and qualified man- man of the District People’s Thanks to these above ef- ner such as: home-stay; community yard to Committee, the relevant divi- forts, tourists to Stock Island organize cultural, entertainment, and sports sions and units as members to has increased from 30,000 activities; means of transportation for tour- manage all activities related visits (2011) to 45,000 (2015). ists and other services to facilitate tourists to tourist area; for the Stock The domestic market is main- to visit and participate in the farmer and Island National Monument ly tourists in the province community activities. The total estimated in Chi Lang Nam commune, and the provinces of Hung budget for implementing the Scheme is over VND 15 billion. According to the Scheme, the model of community - based tourism in the Stock Island is divided into 2 separate sections that interact with each other. Stock Island area for visiting tourists includes An Du- ong Lake, Trieu Duong Lake and other works: management center, display house, car park, tourist area... The main tourism activities for visitors are to: introduc- tion to biodiversity conservation activities and bird species in exhibition room; visits to island; bird - watching; participation in entertainment activities on the island such as: Fishing and boat- rowing. In addition, more community tourism routes shall be VVTourists to Stock Island

ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 51 NATURE & ENVIRONMENT OF VIỆT NAM

New plant species is discovered in Việt Nam

VVChi Lăng Nam Stock Island landscape

Yen, Hanoi, Hai Phong... In the 2012 - 2015 period, according to the data of Stock Island Management Board, the revenue from entry ticket collection, boating and vehicle keeping is about VND 400 million per year; the revenue of the households doing business in ca- tering, accommodation and sales of souvenirs is estimated at over VND 1 billion. Although the number of visitors as well as revenue is V still limited, this is a positive sign for the de- VThe life form of Elatostema kim hyense velopment of eco-tourism products. Stock Island is newly exploited tourist ccording to the Vietnam National Museum of Na- area with primitive landscape, so the attrac- Ature (under the Vietnam Academy of Science and tion of investors has many difficulties. Along Technology), in collaboration with the Guangxi Insti- with that, the management of the tourist area tute of Botany (under the Chinese Academy of Scienc- is not effective; the staff of tourist service es) to study the diversity of some groups of plants in lacks in number and has weak knowledge of Việt Nam, the scientists have discovered and described tourism development; tourism planning and a new plant species under the Urticaceae family. Its sci- management are limited; the Stock Island has entific name is Elatostema kim hyense Y. G. Wei & V. not been reinforced with embankment, so T. Do. the island is increasingly eroded with shrink- This finding was published in the Bulletin of Bo- ing area in size and poorly growing islander tanical Research. The species is named according to the plants, while the number of storks and bit- sampling site - Kim Hy Nature Reserve, Bac Kan, Viet- terns is increasing. nam. Eco-tourism potential in Stock Island is Elatostema kim hyense Y. G. Wei & V. T. Do has mor- very high due to its favorable location, de- phological characteristics similar to Elatostema vietna- veloped socio-economic conditions, rich and mense Q. Lin & L. D. Duan but can be distinguished diversified tourism resources. In the com- through its live forms as herbaceous with no branches. ing time, to further the development of eco- There are bristle hair sunder the leaves;the stalk of male tourism in the Stock Island, authorities of flower is shorter, about 1.5 - 3 mm; and the flower pat- Thanh Mien district need to exploit cultural tern is 5. and historical values to design different tours; The new species is found in slits or rock niches where at the same time, to promote and educate all are humus and moist under broadleaved evergreen for- levels, sectors and people for awareness rais- est on limestone mountains in some special-use forests ing of economic tourism industry. Besides, to of North Việt Nam such as Kim Hy Nature Reserve (Bac promote the dynamics, actively explore and Kan), Bat Dai Son Nature Reserve (Ha Giang), Pu Lu- call for socialized funding, invest effectively ong Nature Reserve (Thanh Hoa). in exploiting the existing potentials, consider- According to science, all parts of the plant can be ing it as an effective breakthrough to develop used as drugs for diseases such as rheumatism, gout and ■ Stock Island eco-tourism to make the best use tendinitis of the potential and advantages, and to create Quỳnh Như a focus and spill-over effects■

52 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 NATURE & ENVIRONMENT OF VIỆT NAM

THUA THIEN-HUE PARK Ideal home to wild animals Hoa Vũ Vietnam National University of Forestry

he Thua Thien-Hue Preservation Park of Saola (known as siola, Vu Quang ox, spindlehorn or Asian bi- Tcorn) boasts of a unique biodiversity. Founded in 2013, the park has a total area of over 15,500 hectares and is located in the 3 communes of Huong Nguyen (A Luoi District), Thuong Quang and Thuong Long (both in Nam Dong District). HOME TO RARE ANIMALS VVThe first saola individual was founded in the province of The Thua Thien-Hue Preservation Park Thua Thien-Hue in 1998 of Saola comprises 200 kinds of animals and plants. The park is covered with a large area of tropical forest, and is home to many rare animals and birds, primitive forest, waterfalls and abysses. Besides, it is also home to animals recognized for their value across the world, such as the giant muntjac and Truong Son muntjac. The park is also home to the saola - One of the most mysterious animals in the world. Being discovered in 1992 in a joint survey that was carried out by a group of scientists from the Vietnam Ministry of Forestry (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) at the Hà Tĩnh Prov- ince’s Vu Quang National Park, the saola VVThe view of the Thua Thien-Hue Saola Preservation Park lived along the Truong Son Mountains (An- namite Range). That was the world’s first tual number might be much In 1999, a 10kg baby saola ap- large mammal discovery in over 50 years peared in But Hamlet, Huong and one of the most spectacular zoological lower. In the province of Thua discoveries of the 20th century. Thien-Hue, two saolas were Nguyen Commune. The find- Saola is a kind of hollow-horn animal, found in 1998, marking an ings have made a great contri- similar to an antelope. This species is also important stage for the al- bution to both Việt Nam and called the Asian bicorn, recognized by 2 location of the species in the the world’s biodiversity con- parallel horns with sharp ends, which can province’s biodiversity map. servation. reach 50cm in length. The International One of the two was a 52kg EFFORTS IN BIODI- Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) male in the Ho Hamlet, Du- VERSITY CONSERVA- Red List of Threatened Species and Việt ong Hoa Commune, Huong TION UNDERWAY Nam have termed the saola as an animal in Thuy District, and the other On March 30, 2014, the very high threat of extinction. At the mo- was an 80kg pregnant female People’s Committee of Thua ment, the saola population is estimated at in the forest of Huong Nguyen Thien-Hue Province decided below 250 across the world, while the ac- Commune, A Luoi District. to establish the Saola Preser-

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vation Park Ranger County and put the force under direct management of the province’s forest ranger. The New project to preserve county is responsible for preserving the saola community, the two ungulate ancient red pine trees in mammals - giant muntjac and Truong Son muntjac - and other rare animals Quảng Ninh and plants, protecting the primitive forest area that is left in the Truong Son Range’s middle region, carrying out biodiversity conservation activities and preserving species, genes and the environment of the forest area. To prevent saola and other animals from being trapped by hunters, forest rangers were hired, with support of the WWF. In the five years of their deployment, the rangers have patrolled and disassembled 60,000 traps, destroyed dozens of illegal camps, saved and released a lot of rare animals such as leaf VVThe ancient red pine trees at the Yên Tử National monkeys, Truong Son muntjac and Forest in Quảng Ninh province (Photo: www. chamois. These have been some of the laodong.vn) remarkable efforts of the rangers in preserving wild animals and protect- he Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has ap- ing the forest environment. proved a project to preserve ancient red pine In addition to patrolling to protect T trees at the Yên Tử National Forest in Uông Bí city the forest, rangers have worked with specialists to monitor the biodiversity of the northern province of Quảng Ninh. system, carried out surveys and re- The project will be implemented at a cost of search, maintained the 50 camera trap about 26.26 billion VND (1.16 million USD) in programme to track rare animals and 2017 - 2021. The funding will be used to care for the collected samples of turd and leech blood. These actions have helped 237 living red pine trees, upgrade infrastructure of discover a lot of rare animals such as existing nursery gardens, cultivate seedlings of the striped rabbit, giant muntjac and Tru- species and collect red pine trees that grow in the ong Son muntjac, marking important wild. It aims to develop the precious tree species at steps for preserving the saola in particular and the biodiversity system in the Yên Tử National Forest for scientific research general in Việt Nam. and studies, as well as increase forest coverage and Despite having achieved some suc- improve ecology. cess in biodiversity conservation, chal- At the same time, the effort is expected to con- lenges have remained for the Thua tribute to promoting the biological values and cul- Thien-Hue Saola Preservation Park. The question is, how can the local au- tural and historical values of the Yên Tử relic site thorities balance socio-economic de- and raising public awareness of environmental pro- velopment benefits and protect primi- tection, as well as help with local tourism develop- tive forests - home to wild animals? ment■ Hopefully, the preservation park will remain the ideal habitat for wild ani- Thu Hà (VNA source) mals in the near future■

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THE FIRST BẢN GIỐC WATERFALL TOURISM FESTIVAL 2017: Sustainable tourism development in association with solid national security and defense

Recently, the first Bản Giốc Waterfall Tourism Festival and Then folklore singing - Tinh gourd lute festival in 2017 took place in 2 days of October 7 - 8, attracting nearly 10 thousand visits by tourists. The first tourism festival was held in Trung Khanh district and was a series of events aimed at promoting tourism and attracting more and more tourists to the locality. To better understand the results of the Festival, as well as orientations for development of tourism and exploitation of the potentials and strengths of the locality, the Vietnam Environment Administration Magazine (VEM) has a conversation with Vice Chairman of the Trung Khanh District People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Hung.

VVMr. Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng Vice Chairman of Trung Khanh District People's Committee

9VEM: Could you please tell us the held concurrently with the Mr. Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng: idea of organizing the first Bản Giốc wa- Then folklore singing and It can be said, the Festival terfall tourism festival and the Then folk- Tinh gourd lute festival of was successful beyond the lore singing - Tinh gourd lute festival in the whole province in order expectation of the Organiz- 2017? to honor, preserve and de- ing Committee. Accordingly, Mr. Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng: Implement- velop the special folklore art the Festival attracted nearly ing the Action Program of the District forms of the Tay - Nung eth- 10,000 participants and 13 Party Committee on tourism development nic groups. This is also an op- public art troupes (13 dis- in the period 2015 - 2020, the People's portunity to meet, exchange tricts/cities in the province) Committee of Trung Khanh district has experiences between regions; with a large number of eth- pro-actively drafted the Plan on organiz- to raise, honor, develop folk nic minorities joining in the ing the festival. songs, folk dance and sports Then folklore singing and After being approved by the provin- of different ethnic groups; to Tinh gourd lute festival. cial People’s Committee and putting the educate patriotism and na- The festival is divided Festival program into the Program of 5 tional pride tradition. “The into 2 main sections: The Major Provincial Events in 2017, the task festival is also an opportu- ceremony was held at Phat was assigned to Trung Khanh district to nity to promote tourism de- Tich pagoda at Truc Lam, coordinate with the Department of Cul- velopment of the province; to Bản Giốc with rituals such as: ture, Sports and Tourism to organize the attract investment, promote The sacred water procession first Then folklore singing and Tinh gourd border trading activities; to from the Bản Giốc waterfall lute festival of Cao Bang province as a joint contribute to strengthening to the Pagoda, the national event of the whole province. Based on that, of international neighboring peace blessing ceremony, ex- the District People's Committee has issued relations, promoting the pro- pressing the sincere respect, the Plan on the festival preparation, and at cess of gradually - extended gratitude to the founders of the same time advised the District Party and sustainable international the nation, heroic martyrs, Committee to issue a Decision establish- integration of the district." etc. And the festival is the ing the Steering Committee to direct the 9VEM: Could you please program of entertainment preparation of the festival. tell me some of the main re- opening the festival with the Bản Giốc Waterfall tourism festival is sults of this festival? activities of dragon dance,

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Trung Khanh District of Cao Bang province is blessed with ideal climate conditions, poetic natural landscapes such as: Bản Giốc waterfall and Nguom Ngao cave, which have been ranked as National Landscapes. About 20 km northeast from the center of Trung Khanh district, Bản Giốc waterfall is in Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province, and is the natural border of Việt Nam and China. With a width of about 208m and a height of 60 - 70m, Bản Giốc waterfall is classified as the fourth largest border waterfall in the world, following some famous waterfalls such as: Niagara Falls between Canada and the United States; Victoria VVPerformers are honored at the first Bản Giốc Falls between Zambia-Zimbabwe and Iguazu Falls Waterfall Tourism Festival and Then folklore singing between Brazil - Argentina. and Tinh gourd lute festival in 2017

lion dance, folk games, traditional sports, in order to promote cultural this festival, the Festival Or- local tourism products, local specialties in- knowledge and exchanges ganizing Committee pro- troduction, photo exhibitions, introducing among people to strengthen poses to Cao Bang province newly discovered landscapes, etc. for tour- the solidarity between the leaders to put in the prov- ists to explore and discover. All activities two border regions, as well ince’s plan to organize the are simultaneously organized at multiple as between the 2 neighbor- annual festival of the district locations in Bản Giốc Waterfall Tourist ing countries. in October (ripe rice season, Area. 9VEM: Please tell us the chestnut season) at Bản Giốc Especially, this year's Festival has an plan on preparing the festi- waterfall, Trung Khanh dis- International cultural exchange program val in the coming years? trict. between Trung Khanh district (Việt Nam) Mr. Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng: If the Provincial People’s and Tinh Tay and Dai Tan districts (China), As a result of the success of Committee approves to put

VVRituals of the sacred water procession from Bản Giốc waterfall to the Pagoda

56 ENVIRONMENT English edition II/2017 VVThe beauty of Bản Giốc waterfall, Cao Bang Province the festival into the Annual festival pro- number of tourists has landscapes, contributing gram of the province and the district, the increased sharply com- to promoting the devel- People’s Committee of Trung Khanh dis- pared to previous years. opment of tourism. trict will continue to advise and develop The target is to devel- Step by step to raise plans to organize the festival every year op high quality tourism the professionalism in with its own characteristics. Moreover, it products and services in the management and op- is an opportunity to make tourists know Trung Khanh district, eration of tourist spots more about Bản Giốc Waterfall and oth- from which, to develop in order to improve the er outstanding tourist attractions of Cao the key tourism route of Bang province, in general, and Trung Cao Bang province and quality, and diversify Khanh district, in particular. to become special tours tourism products; spe- With the advantages of local tour- products with high at- cifically, to pay attention ism development potential, Trung Khanh tractiveness to tour- to the development of lo- district is determined to develop tourism ists. At the same time, cal cultural products and as an important economic sector of the to develop sustainable specialties to attract tour- district in the coming years, and to make tourism with high socio- ists. Trung Khanh district become the high- economic efficiency in Particularly, atten- lighted spot for tourism development of association with solid tion should be paid to Cao Bang province. security and national de- the management and 9 VEM: Through this festival, has Trung fense; to diversify tour- monitoring of the envi- Khanh district had the orientation to de- ism products, extend ronment, especially the velop tourism and exploit the potential tourists' length of stay, maintenance ecological advantages of the locality in the future? and increase the business Mr. Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng: The orien- efficiency and attractive- environment and tour- tation for tourism development in the lo- ness of Trung Khanh ism resources hygiene, so cality has initially achieved certain results: district tourism. To pro- as not to cause incidents The management has been strengthened; mote the tradition of na- of environmental pollu- the international cooperation activities tional cultural identity, tion at tourist spots. for tourism development have been pro- embellish and preserve 9VEM: Thank you! moted; the tourism promotion continues cultural and historical Đức Trí to be carried out more extensively; and the relics and environmental (Implemented) www.binhdien.com