Capacity Building and Engagement in Environmental Protection for Sustainable Development: The Case for Vietnam

Tham Hoang, Auburn University; Bryan Brooks, Baylor University; Ross Smith, Hydrobiology

The recent industrial and economic development in many Southeast Asian countries has increased pressure on the environment and public health. Within a sustainable development framework as envisioned under the new environmental law in Vietnam, protection of the environment and preservation of natural habitat and biodiversity are vitally important. Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in the region, and as a result, it is facing diverse environmental challenges. A group of SETAC scientists, led by Tham Hoang of Auburn University, has organized meetings and conducted research in Vietnam over the past ten years to engage regulatory agencies and Vietnamese and international scientists to enhance capacity building via collaborations in the area of environmental management in support of environmental protection and sustainable development in Vietnam. Previous meetings resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SETAC Asia-Pacific (SAP) and the Vietnam Environment Administration (VEA) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Enviornment to facilitate collaboration.

A recent series of meetings were organized in collaboration with Recontres du Vietnam and the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) in Quy Nhon to promote better environmental risk managemen and sustainable development in Vietnam. At the "Environmental pollution and impacts on ecosystems and humean health–Challenges and solutions/actions needed" meeting, held on 12–13 September at the ICISE convention center, seniour Vietnamese and international scientists and regulatory agency staff members, including scientists and managers from VEA and the Vietnam Institute of Educational Scienes, gathered to discuss environmental challenges posed by rapid economic development in Vietnam and to provide recommendations for reducing impacts of pollution and ecosystem degradation.

The meeting included a day of presentations by the participants and a half day of discussions. Vietnamese scientists and managers discussed the country's environmental status, challenges and a management plan. International scientists shared their research of relevance to the region and offered examples and insights of various types of pollution on the environment, shared experiences of environmental risk and impact assessments, and presented approaches to implementing flexible environmental regulatory frameworks to promote sound environmental management and sustainable development. The discussion focused on appropriate technologies and management solutions relevant to the current environmetnal status and management plans withing Vietnam.

The meeting resulted in a recommended action plan to support implementation of the new environmental law for environmental protection while the fast pace of development continues in Vietnam. The plan included development of relevant environmental reuglations and guidelines, increased environmental monitoring and surveillance, and environmental education, development of guidance for applying environmental criteria and obtaining permits, etc.

The group also engaged in a broader social and science dialogue meeting on "Science, Ethics, and Human Development," which involved the participation of senior scientists, managers and politicians in Vietnam and around the workd including the UN and UNESCO at ICISE from 13–15 September. The meeting focused on challenges resulting from rapid changes in social economic development of human society. Specific areas of concern that are components of the nature-human system were actively discussed at the meeting, such as biodiversity, education, health, incorporation of technology in sustainability, ethics in modern culture and development, and other timely topics.

 

 

Summaries of the meeting discussions were presented to the President of Vietnam, Nguyễn Xuân Phúc in Hanoi. President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc acknowledged the suggestions and recommendations of the conferences. He emphasized the contribution of science and technology to the national economic growth of Vietnam in the recent years and prioritized areas that Vietnam considered for more investment, such as for scientific development and environmental protection, because he is also aware of potential future environmental impacts of development. In addition, our group also participated in a forum discussion on environmental challenges under the rapid development of Vietnam at the National Public Radio of Vietnam. Different aspects of environmental challenges and solutions, management frameworks and economic opportunities for more sustainable development in Vietnam, with a particular focus of avoiding pitfalls previously experienced by developed countries, were discussed and broadcasted internationally on the Voice of Vietnam. Vietnam has a unique opportunity to implement practices and apply new science and technology to sustain development and thus be a model for other developing countries around the world.     

We also conducted a one-day training workshop in the Province of Ha Giang to convey knowledge and understanding of environmental science and the importance of environmental protection for sustainable development to government employees of the Ha Giang Province. This meeting was invited by the Secretary of the Party Committee of Ha Giang. The meeting was successful with an attendance of approximately 140 participants from all state agencies in Ha Giang, including the President of Ha Giang Province, Nguyễn Văn Sơn, high school teachers and key governmental leaders of its provincial districts. Ha Giang has a uniquely beautiful landscape with high mountains and UNESCO recognized sites. The natural landscapes and cultural heritage of Ha Giang is poised to promote economic development centered on ecotourism. Protection of its natural ecosystems is therefore vitally important.

The workshop provided the audience with important information and knowledge on environmental science, biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and services, environmental management, as well as sustainable development strategies for smaller and larger cities, including clean alternative energy sources. This was the first meeting of its type ever organized in Ha Giang, which has among the lowest population density and development status in the country. The meeting was concluded with great appreciation by the President of Ha Giang Province. President Nguyễn Văn Sơn emphasized the importance and usefulness of the meeting as an initial step toward charting a course for sustainable development in Ha Giang.

We intend to continue to work with Vietnamese scientists and regulatory agencies in Vietnam to support facilitation of the action plan for implementing new environmental legislation and achieving more sustainable development in the country.   

Author's contact: [email protected]