And promoting sustainable socio-economic development - Strengthening control of air pollution
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2615 - 9600
2021
Strengthening control of air pollution
and promoting sustainable
socio-economic development
Website: www.tapchimoitruong.vn
2615 - 9600
2021
Strengthening control of air pollution
and promoting sustainable
socio-economic development
CONTENTS
EDITORIAL COUNCIL
Nguyễn Văn Tài
(Chairman)
Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Việt Anh
Prof. Dr. Đặng Kim Chi
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thế Chinh
Prof. Dr. Phạm Ngọc Đăng
Dr. Nguyễn Thế Đồng
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lê Thu Hoa
Prof. Dr. Đặng Huy Huỳnh EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Văn Lợi [04] TRẦN TÂN: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment: Spreading the
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Trung Lương meaning of planting trees and greening mountainous areas
Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Văn Phước
[05] HỒNG NHUNG: Việt Nam saves 353,000 kWh of electricity during Earth Hour
Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Sinh
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lê Kế Sơn [06] NHẬT MINH: MONRE and the VFF enhance cooperation
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Danh Sơn
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trương Mạnh Tiến LAW & POLICY
Dr. Hoàng Dương Tùng
[07] NGUYỄN VĂN TÀI: Active environmental management and protection towards the
Prof. Dr. Trịnh Văn Tuyên
sustainable development goals of the country
PERSON IN CHARGE OF ENVIRON- [11] NGUYỄN HẰNG: Preliminary review of three-year implementation of the
MENT MAGAZINE Government's Resolution No. 120/NQ-CP on climate resilient and sustainable
Nguyễn Văn Thùy development of the Mekong River
Tel: (024) 61281438 [15] TRUNG THUẬN - CHÂU LOAN: Release of implementation Plan for the Law
on Environmental Protection 2020
OFFICE
[17] LÊ MINH ĐỨC - NGUYỄN THỊ HỒNG LAM: Some comments to the development
• Hà Nội:
Floor 7, lot E2, Dương Đình Nghệ Str., of a Decree guiding the implementation of the Law on Environmental Protection
Cầu Giấy Dist. Hà Nội 2020 regarding BAT
Managing: (024) 66569135 [20] HOÀNG XUÂN HUY: Law on Environmental Protection 2020: Strengthening
Editorial: (024) 61281446 responsibility in international integration and cooperation in the ield of environment
Fax: (024) 39412053 [24] HOÀNG VĂN VY: State and solutions for environmental protection in industrial
Email: tapchimoitruongtcmt@vea.gov.vn clusters
http://www.tapchimoitruong.vn
• Hồ Chí Minh City: [26] LÊ HOÀI NAM - NGUYỄN HOÀNG ĐỨC: Strengthening control of air pollution
A 209, 2th floor - MONRE’s office complex, and promoting sustainable socio-economic development
No. 200 - Lý Chính Thắng Street, [30] BẢO BÌNH: Issue the Plan on implementation of the Directive on strengthening air
9 ward, 3 District, Hồ Chí Minh City pollution control
Tel: (028) 66814471; Fax: (028) 62676875
[31] CHÂU LONG: Prime Minister orders intensifying air quality control measures
PUBLICATION PERMIT
No 1347/GP-BTTTT - Date 23/8/2011
Photo on the cover page:
The gateway of Hanoi capital
Photo by: VNA
Design: Hoàng Đàn
English edition I/2021
Price: 30.000VND
VIEW EXCHANGE
[32] PHẠM ĐÌNH: Talk with “author” of Formosa Hà Tĩnh
Ecological Park
[35] VŨ HẢI LƯU: Control of air pollutant emissions from road
motor vehicles
[37] HUỲNH THỊ THU HUỆ - PHẠM THỊ KIỀU OANH: Study
on psbA-trnH DNA barcoding characteristics in some species
on Policias genus
GREEN SOLUTION & TECHNOLOGY
[43] CHÂU LONG: he Basel Convention project to tackle plastic
pollution in mountainous and remote regions
[44] ĐỖ HOÀNG: Asia Environmental Enforcement Awards 2020:
Recognize 8 winners on the frontline of protecting our planet GREEN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
[50] HOÀNG DƯƠNG: 5 opportunities associated with the shit
to a circular economy
[52] BÙI HẰNG: Việt Nam cracks down on poaching of
migratory birds
[53] PHƯƠNG TÂM: Smart new technologies play a vital role in
addressing plastic pollution crisis
GREEN COOPERATION
[46] NGUYỄN MINH CƯỜNG – NGUYỄN THANH NGA: NATURE & ENVIRONMENT OF VIETNAM
ASOEN Viet Nam: Cohesive and responsive for Việt Nam’s
2020 ASEAN Chairmanship [54] MAI HƯƠNG: Need to establish of Ramsar site network in
Việt Nam
[48] MAI HƯƠNG: GIZ Vietnam and the Ministry of Construction
cooperate to reduce greenhouse gas in building [55] NHÂM HIỀN: Building quality economies in biosphere
reserves
[49] NAM VIỆT: European Commission and UNEP increase
cooperation on tackling the climate, biodiversity and [56] NGUYỄN THANH HẢI - TRẦN THỊ HỒNG ǴM: Kiên
pollution crises Giang Biosphere Reserve
[58] XUÂN THẮNG: Đồng Nai Biosphere Reserve - Wild and
Charming reserves
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment:
Spreading the meaning of planting trees and
greening mountainous areas
▲ Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc attends a ceremony in Nghệ An Province
to respond to the National Program of planting 1 billion trees
O
n March 14th, 2021, Prime Prime Minister. This Program brings great significce
Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc that not only greening bare land, restoring the forestry
attended a ceremony to re- ecosystem but also greening every street corner, road,
spond to the National Program of offices, schoolyards and house in urban and rural areas
planting 1 billion trees “For a green across the country. The Program also aims to correct
Vietnam” organized by the Ministry of the mistakes in dealing with nature during the past long
Natural Resources and Environment time and “make Việt Nam become an attractive desti-
(MONRE) in cooperation with Nghệ nation for living in harmony with nature on the world
An Province at the national historic map”. Along with that, it contributes to the global pledge
site of Truông Bồn, Đô Lương District. for nature “Unite to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 for
The Ceremony was attended by the sustainable development” and the United Nations De-
Member of the Politburo, Secretary of cade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021 - 2030.
the Hanoi Party Committee Vương Following the call of the Prime Minister, along with
Đình Huệ; Member of the Politburo, Ministries, line Ministries and localities across the coun-
Head of the Party Central Committee’s try, the MONRE has implemented various activities to
Commission for Internal Affairs Phan protect the environment, contributing to the spread of
Đình Trạc; Vice Chairman of the Na- tree planting and ecological preservation. The Ministry
tional Assembly Uông Chu Lưu and has elaborated and submitted to the Prime Minister for
leaders of other Ministries. The partici- consideration and approval a scheme on restoring and
pants from the MONRE include Min- developing a green tree system with the overall goal of
ister Trần Hồng Hà, Deputy Minister maintaining green tree infrastructure, natural ecosys-
Võ Tuấn Nhân and leaders of units di- tems and sustainable development of urban biodiversity
rectly under the Ministry. and green tree ecosystems in critical areas to ensure eco-
Speaking at the Ceremony, Min- logical functions in environmental protection, response
ister Trần Hồng Hà affirmed that the to climate change, flood prevention and disaster mitiga-
National Program of planting 1 billion tion. The scheme helps to overcome the existing short-
trees “For a green Vietnam” in the pe- comings and inadequacies, in which the tree planting
riod of 2021 - 2025 was initiated by the is undertaken based on a specific scientific basis. Ac-
4 ENVIRONMENT English edition I/2021
Việt Nam saves 353,000 kWh of
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
cordingly, the process
of planting, tending,
and protecting trees
and selection of variet- electricity during Earth Hour
A
ies are suitable for the ccording to the National Power Dispatch Centre, Việt Nam saved 353,000
characteristics of the kWh of electricity, equivalent to 658.1 million VND (28,635 USD), dur-
ecosystem, biodiver- ing one hour from 20:30 to 21:30 on March 27th 2021, when the entire country
sity, soil, water sources turned off unnecessary electric appliances in response to Earth Hour 2021.
and requirements for The Earth Hour 2021 Campaign, initiated by the World Wide Fund for
greenery functions. Nature (WWF) with the theme “Speak up for nature”, took place in Việt Nam
Consequently, it cre- on March 27th evening to raise public awareness of the relationship between
ates substantial and
human activities in the natural world and the causes of epidemics and pan-
strong movements in
demics, especially COVID-19. The Ministry of Natural Resources and En-
the whole society, in-
vironment (MONRE) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade has received
cluding organizations,
warm response from people across 63 cities and provinces. The Electricity of
businesses, house-
holds and individuals Việt Nam (EVN) and its member companies nationwide encouraged organ-
for planting trees and isations, offices and customers to switch off unnecessary electrical devices
protecting the environ- during Earth Hour.
ment and nature.
On this occasion,
Minister Trần Hồng Hà
suggested other Minis-
tries and line Ministries
study and complete the
institutions and poli-
cies on green tree plan-
ning; mechanisms and
policies to encourage
the society to plant and
protect trees and enjoy
environmental values.
The provinces and
centrally-run cities di-
rect the review of land
fund and the coverage
of green trees, selection
of suitable varieties,
application of modern
technologies in grow-
ing and protecting
green trees; promptly
commend and reward The event aimed to highlight the connection between humans and nature
the best practices, best and the correlation relationship between species, thus prompting specific ac-
models and the best tions in saving energy so as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The event
value initiatives. also aims to encourage initiatives on community building sustainable eco-
With the desire to nomic development and integration with nature, protecting biodiversity and
spread the meaning effectively responding to climate change. Another target of the event is to calls
of planting trees and on organizations and individuals to limit the use of single-use plastics to wipe
greening mountain- out plastic waste in the environment.
ous and rural areas, MONRE called for action by each individual and organization to reduce
the MONRE gifted the burden on the environment by rejecting, minimizing, reusing and recy-
10,000 Chittagong cling waste, especially plastic waste and disposable plastic products; using
wood and golden oak environmentally-friendly public transport; investing in energy-saving equip-
trees to the people of ment; and turning off or unplugging devices when not in use and encouraging
Đô Lương District■ the use of renewable energy■
TRẦN TÂN HỒNG NHUNG
ENVIRONMENT English edition I/2021 5
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
MONRE and the VFF enhance cooperation
▲ At the event
T
he Ministry of Natural Re- ural resources and climate change response in 10 cit-
sources and Environment ies and provinces. The VFF chapters at all levels held
(MONRE) and the Vietnam 2,550 inspections and collected public feedback to re-
Fatherland Front (VFF) Central port to authorities.
Committee held a conference in At the conference, Minister of Natural Resourc-
Hà Nội on January 12th to review es and Environment Trần Hồng Hà wished that the
their cooperation program for the MONRE and the VFF would continue working closely
2017 - 2020 period. together on state management areas to further uphold
Accordingly, both sides raised their role in response to climate change, natural re-
public awareness of environment sources management and environment protection.
protection efforts, including lead- President of the VFF Central Committee Trần
ing eco-friendly lives as well as Thanh Mẫn proposed the inspection of Environment
properly use and tap natural re- Protection Law enforcement at manufacturing facili-
sources. ties, improving environment at major urban, industri-
Residents raised their sense of al areas and craft villages, contributing to mitigating
responsibility for monitoring en- plastic waste.
vironment protection by individu- Concluding the event, the VFF Central Committee
als, organizations and businesses and the MONRE signed a cooperation program in the
in the process of carrying out field for the 2021 - 2025 period.
socio-economic activities in their On the occasion, Minister Trần Hồng Hà presented
residential areas. They also fought the insignia “For the cause of natural resources and en-
violation behaviors in the field in vironment” to Secretary of the Party Central Commit-
localities. tee and President of the VFF Central Committee Trần
During the period, standing Thanh Mẫn and Vice President and Secretary General
board of the VFF Central Commit- of the VFF Central Committee Hầu A Lềnh.
tee assisted 50 out of 63 cities and The VFF Central Committee also honored 10 col-
provinces in building and spread- lectives and 20 individuals while the MONRE handed
ing 344 exemplary models of envi- over certificates of merit to 10 collectives and five re-
ronment protection. The two sides ligious’ organizations in honor of their dedication in
also worked with relevant agencies environment protection during 2017 - 2020■
to oversee the exploitation of nat- NHẬT MINH
6 ENVIRONMENT English edition I/2021
LAW & POLICY
Active environmental management
and protection towards the sustainable
development goals of the country
DR. NGUYỄN VĂN TÀI - Director General
Vietnam Environment Administration
T
he year 2020, the end of the 2016 - people, to change the management method in the direction
2020 term, in the context of many of adhering to reality, meeting the requirements of integra-
difficulties and challenges, espe- tion and reform of administrative procedures but it still
cially the serious impacts and effects of ensures the effectiveness and efficiency of environmental
the Covid-19 pandemic, but thanks to the management tools, focusing on high-risk groups. The Law
drastic, timely and effective direction and synchronizes environmental management tools throughout
administration of the National Assembly, the life cycle of a development investment project, starting
the Government, the Prime Minister, the from planning, reviewing investment policy, making invest-
Leaders of the Ministry of Natural Re- ment decisions, implementing projects until operating pro-
sources and Environment (MONRE), the duction, trading, and service activities and ending activities.
efforts of the Vietnam Environment Ad- Along with that, the Law has also reduced and simplified ad-
ministration (VEA), the relevant agencies ministrative procedures, contributing to reducing the com-
at different levels, sectors, local autori- pliance costs of enterprises for the group that is less likely
ties, organizations and people, environ- to pollute or adversely affect the environment; promoting
mental management and protection have environmentally-friendly, low-carbon, circulating economic
achieved positive results in many aspects, models, investing in restoration of natural ecosystems for
of which the following are outstanding: both economic development and environmental protection,
Establishing a consistent and break- minimizing the impacts of climate change. With many new
through legal corridor to make environ- and breakthrough points, the LEP 2020 will create great
mental protection the pillar of the sustain- changes in awareness and action in environmental manage-
able development process: In the period ment and protection in order to ensure that environmental
of 2016 - 2020, the VEA has developed issues along with the economy and society must be placed
and advised the MONRE to submit to the at the center of development decisions, not exchanging the
Government, the Prime Minister to issue environment for economic growth for sustainable develop-
7 Decrees, 3 Decisions, 3 Directives and ment of the country.
many other important Plans and Proj- Renovating management thinking, shifting focus from
ects; issued under its authority 15 Circu- passive response to proactive control and monitoring of en-
lars, 1 Joint Circular guiding the imple- vironmental issues: Entering the period of 2016 - 2020, the
mentation of the Law on Environmental Communist Party and State have thoroughly implemented
Protection (LEP) 2014 and the Law on the policy on economic development without affecting the
Biodiversity 2008 and 12 National Tech- environment, based on strict management of natural re-
nical Regulations on environment. In sources and proactive response to climate change. For the
particular, the VEA has concentrated all environmental management and protection, from being pas-
resources and made maximum efforts to sive, confused in handling and solving cases and incidents
implement the direction of the Minister of environmental pollution, so far we have established a
and lcjeaders of MONRE in developing mechanism to manage and monitor environmental pollu-
and submitting to the Government and tion issues, actively coordinated with local authorities and
the National Assembly for consideration organizations concerned in handling cases of environmental
and approval of the LEP 2020 (Law No. pollution, environmental hot spots. Accordingly, established
72/QH14). For the first time, the Law and maintained 12 monitoring teams for projects and pro-
is designed as a policy framework aim- duction facilities with high risks of environmental pollution
ing to form a basic legal corridor on en- and incidents to ensure these projects operate in an environ-
vironmental protection that is holistic, mentally safe manner that contributes to growth; coordinat-
comprehensive and in harmony with the ed investment in installation of 867 waste source monitor-
socio-economic legal system. The cross- ing stations with direct data connection to the Departments
cutting and central goal of the LEP 2020 of Natural Resources and Environment and the MONRE
is to ensure the quality of the living en- for monitoring and supervision; established and effectively
vironment to protect the health of the maintained the Environmental Hotline from Central to local
ENVIRONMENT English edition I/2021 7
LAW & POLICY
▲ Overview of the VEA’s meeting on review of 2020 activities
and directions for tasks of 2021 on 22nd December 2020
levels to collect information and solve en- complexes. In the past 5 years, the rate of domestic waste-
vironmental pollution issues arising from water collected and treated, the rate of domestic solid waste
the grassroots. collected and recycled have continuously increased; the rate
In addition, the VEA proactively and of landfilling has decreased; hazardous waste is better con-
promptly advised the MONRE and the trolled and managed through strict control of the source,
Prime Minister to direct a number of ur- collection, storage, transportation and treatment. The rate
gent tasks and solutions on environmental of domestic wastewater collected and treated has reached
protection; strengthened the management 13% (an increase of about 6% compared to 2016); the rate
over the import and use of imported scraps of solid waste collected and treated in urban areas averaged
as raw production materials; strengthened about 92% (an increase of 7% compared to 2016) and in
solid waste management; controlled inva- suburbs of urban centers averaged about 66% (an increase
sive alien species and air pollution. As a of 15% compared to 2016); the rate of hazardous waste
result, the VEA focused on controlling 20 treated reached 85% (an increase of about 6% compared to
- 30% of objects at high risk of pollution, 2017); completed the thorough handling of 340/435 estab-
controlling up to 80% of environmental lishments seriously polluting the environment (an increase
problems; resolutely resolved more than of 30.2% compared to 2016); the number of communes
1,000 petitions, reflections received via meeting the new rural environmental standards increased
hotlines (accounting for about 66%); en- by 8.3%. The number of protected areas, Ramsar sites in the
sured to handle nearly 90% of proposals of country continues to increase. Currently, the country has
businesses and local authorities on time. 172 protected areas, including 33 national parks; 65 natu-
Thereby, the people's satisfaction index ral reserves; 18 species and habitat reserves; 56 landscape
for the state management on environmen- protected areas (an increase of 6 protected areas compared
tal protection has increased year by year. to 2016); 9 Ramsar sites (an increase of 2 sites compared to
Achieving positive results in waste 2016); 10 ASEAN Heritage Gardens (an increase of 4 ASE-
management, environmental quality im- AN Heritage Gardens compared to 2016).
provement, nature and biodiversity con- Promoting digital transformation, increasing the applica-
servation: Many investment projects on tion of information technology, developing an e-Government
building centralized solid waste treatment in environmental management and protection: With diversi-
facilities have been put into operation in fied and urgent activities, while the human resource is lim-
localities, some big cities such as Hà Nội ited, the VEA attaches great importance to the application
and Hồ Chí Minh City have invested in of information technology in direction and administration,
and built large-scale solid waste treatment serving state management tasks. Accordingly, the VEA has
8 ENVIRONMENT English edition I/2021
LAW & POLICY
performed more than 50% of online pub- ing many sectors and fields, including the environmental
lic services at level 3 and 4 in settling en- field. Trends in investment, trade, digital transformation,
vironmental administrative procedures; along with rapid changes in business models, production
established and organized hundreds of and consumption methods, social communication, science
online meetings, conferences, seminars; and technology... continue to grow. In the country, in ad-
developed national environmental da- dition to the opportunities, advantages and inheritance of
tabase; strengthened the system of envi- the results achieved in the previous period, the impacts of
ronmental monitoring, supervision and epidemics, climate change, digital transformation trends,
warning from the central to local levels requirements for development investment to ensure rapid
and grassroots levels; put into use the En- and sustainable economic growth will have impacts, creat-
visoft application on mobile devices to ing great pressure on environmental protection, while re-
publish information online on air quality sources, awareness and responsibility for environmental
(VN AQI) nationwide for the community, protection are still limited. These will be the challenges fac-
up to now it has been connected with the ing the environmental protection in 2021 and the following
National Public Service Portal. years of the period of 2021 - 2025.
However, to date, there are still many With important results basically achieved, overcoming
limitations in environmental manage- difficulties, turning challenges into opportunities, creating
ment and protection in the country; the a strong foundation for environmental management and
environment has been under great pres- protection in the period of 2021 - 2025 towards sustainable
sure from the sources of environmental development, the VEA shall focus on performing the follow-
pollution; the number, size and extent of ing key tasks:
impacts from the operation of industrial First, continue to improve mechanisms, policies and laws
zones, urban centers, craft villages and on environmental protection; regulations and standards to
production, business and service estab- meet the requirements of practice for the period of 2021-
lishments have increased. Many environ- 2030 with three main contents:
mental problems remain, especially air - Focus on developing and submitting on schedule, en-
pollution in big urban centers and cities; suring the quality of Decrees and Circulars guiding the im-
domestic waste, especially rural domes- plementation of the LEP in 2020 to ensure the implementa-
tic waste, has not been sorted, collected tion of the Law from January 1st 2022; Circular providing
and treated effectively; domestic waste- technical regulations on environmental monitoring; Na-
water, wastewater from craft villages and tional strategy on biodiversity for the period of 2021 - 2030,
industrial clusters generated more and with a vision to 2050; Project on inventorying, monitoring,
more while collection and treatment in- reporting and developing biodiversity database for the pe-
frastructure did not meet the require- riod of 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2040; National action
ments; the area of natural ecosystems has plan for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands in
been narrowed due to the change of land Việt Nam for the period of 2021 - 2030; List of important
use purposes, forest fires and deforesta- wetlands nationwide.
tion have increased. Wild flora and fauna - Develop the National environmental protection plan
continued to decline; risks from invasive for the period of 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050; National
alien organisms and risks from genetical- biodiversity conservation plan for the period of 2021 - 2030,
ly modified organisms remain. with a vision to 2050; Master plan on national environmen-
The year 2021 is of particular impor- tal monitoring for the period of 2021 - 2030, with a vision
tance, the first year to implement the to 2050.
10-year socio-economic development - Develop and complete the system of national regula-
strategy 2021 - 2030, the 5-year socio- tions and standards on environment in accordance with the
economic development plan 2021 - 2025 LEP in 2020, including new groups of environmental stan-
and 5-year plans on the different fields. It dards such as waste management standards, especially in
is forecasted that the world and regional the field of domestic solid waste treatment to suit current
situation will continue to develop compli- technologies such as domestic solid waste treatment com-
catedly and unpredictably, countries are bined with energy recovery, gasification…; regulations on
increasingly focusing on environmental transport vehicle gas emissions; regulations on the limits of
technical barriers, the trend of shifting persistent pollutants in raw materials, fuels, materials, prod-
backward and environmentally unfriend- ucts, goods and equipment. Review and develop technical
ly technologies into the underdeveloped processes, unit price norms for state management of envi-
countries continues to take place. The ronmental protection.
Covid-19 pandemic cannot end soon, the Second, work closely with Ministries, sectors and local
negative impacts may last long, affect- authorities to deal with the environmental pollution issues
ENVIRONMENT English edition I/2021 9
LAW & POLICY
associated with a large number of people. Fourth, improve the efficiency of nature and biodi-
The focus is on implementing the Prime versity conservation. Promote activities to protect and
Minister's Directive No. 41/CT-TTg of restore important natural ecosystems; expand the area of
1st December 2020 on number of urgent natural reserves and natural heritages; enhance control of
measures to strengthen the solid waste negative impacts of projects and economic activities on
management; Prime Minister’s Directive nature and biodiversity; review, evaluate and propose a
No. 03/CT-TTg of 18th January 2021 on plan to amend the Law on Biodiversity; formulate a mas-
strengthening air pollution control; in- ter program on conservation of endangered precious and
creasing measures to monitor and control rare species prioritized for protection.
waste sources discharged into polluted Fifth, focus on inspecting and investigating the com-
river basins and polluted surface water pliance of the legal provisions on environmental protec-
sources in urban areas, residential areas tion for 17 types of industrial production that are at risk
and key economic regions; speeding up of polutting the environment, hazardous waste treatment
the relocation of industrial production facilities, facilities with large volume of gas emissions,
establishments that pollute the environ- facilities and projects that have great impacts on natural
ment or are inconsistent with the plan- heritages and biodiversity according to the legal provi-
ning out of urban areas and residential sions.
areas. Strengthen and efficiently operate Sixth, enhance the capacity of environmental quality
the environmental pollution hotline from monitoring and warning. Focus on well implementing pe-
the Central to the district level across the riodic environmental monitoring program, especially the
country to solve the environmental pollu- system of air monitoring stations to provide information
tion issues right from the specific grass- on air quality to the people and organizations; strength-
roots and areas. Actively review, grasp en capacity of urban air monitoring system, capacity of
and promptly handle information reflect- environmental monitoring in regional centers; improve
ing and recommending on environmental management efficiency and operational quality of envi-
pollution on media and press agencies. ronmental monitoring activities.
Third, proactively prevent, supervise Seventh, promote the application of information tech-
and control projects and waste sources nology and implement digital transformation in the en-
that are at high risk of polluting the en- vironmental field. Effectively implement the provision of
vironment. Formulate regulations on online public services at levels 3 and 4 for 100% of envi-
environmental criteria for development ronmental administrative procedures; integrate, provide
investment selection and decision; clas- on the National Public Service Portal for service groups
sify projects from the stage of investment related to appraisal and approval of environmental impact
preparation, proactively prevent and con- assessment reports and environmental licensing; con-
trol the group of projects with high risk nect and share digital data on the Government Report
of pollution; continue to innovate, to im- Information System in service of the Government's and
prove quality and efficiency of strategic Prime Minister's direction and administration; develop
environmental assessment, environmental and form a synchronous, unified national environmental
impact assessment; continue to proactive- database and information system connecting and shar-
ly carry out environmental monitoring ing from the Central to local levels; increase the use of
activities for large facilities and projects online working methods in directing, administering and
with high risks of polluting the environ- performing tasks.
ment, ensuring that projects operate safely Eighth, strengthen propaganda, education, awareness
on the environment through continuing raising on environmental protection, promote the role of
to maintain, strengthen and improve op- socio-political organizations, communities in environ-
erational efficiency, environmental moni- mental protection. Focus on propaganda and introduction
toring mechanisms, not letting serious of the provisions of the LEP 2020, implement strong com-
environmental problems occur; strictly munication models to create a unity in the whole society
control the environment in industrial on awareness and action on environmental protection, es-
parks, industrial clusters and craft vil- pecially the LEP 2020. Discover and replicate good mod-
lages; organize to urge, guide and inspect els, good practices; promptly commend and praise collec-
the work of thoroughly handling pollution tives and individuals with achievements and initiatives in
in 47 particularly seriously polluting craft environmental protection. Effectively promote the role
villages; strengthen coordination with and participation of socio-political organizations, com-
Ministries, sectors and local authorities to munities, the masses of the people from policy making,
promptly and effectively respond to envi- monitoring of law policy implementation and mobilizing
ronmental cases and incidents that arise. resources for investment in environmental protection■
10 ENVIRONMENT English edition I/2021LAW & POLICY
of the Government's Resolution No. 120/NQ-CP
Preliminary review of three-year implementation
of the Mekong River Delta
on climate resilient and sustainable development
I
n 2017, the Vietnamese Government cies to remove bottlenecks to create an open mechanism
issued the Resolution No.120/NQ- to attract investment. The promulgation of the Reform Ac-
CP on climate resilient and sustain- tion Framework for mechanisms and policies for the MRD
able development of the Mekong River served as the basis to attract resources contributing toward
Delta (MRD) that has demonstrated a the development of specific mechanisms and policies for
strategic vision with the policy of “thuận sustainable development in the MRD.
thiên” (nature-based) development to In addition, Ministries, in their competence, have issued
proactively address challenges caused mechanisms and policies for regional development, such as
by climate change and exploitation of preferential policies to encourage investors to become the
Mekong River's water resources in order nucleus for the restructuring of the agricultural sector to-
to realize its full potentials, capabilities, wards modernization, application of high technologies, in-
strengths, creating a strong momentum crease in added value and competitiveness, climate change
for the development of MRD. After more adaptation and administrative reform in order to promote
than three years implementing the Reso- the wave of start-ups in agriculture and rural areas. On that
lution, the nature-based orientation has basis, businesses and foreign investors have implemented
gradually proved to be efficient, creating many projects in the fields of agriculture, transportation
a fundamental change in the awareness, and renewable energy... contributing to changing the face
rationale and actions of all levels, sectors of the MRD and promoting the economic development of
and local agencies in the MRD with ac- the country.
tive participation of people and enter- Proactively adapting to climate change by enhancing
prises and supports from international climate monitoring capacity, early weather forecasting
organizations and development partners. and timely warning of natural disasters
Although the implementation time has Ministries, sectors and local agencies have strengthened
not been very long, there have been some investigations, surveys, warnings and forecasts in the fields
remarkable achievements, specifically as of environment and climate change contributing to socio-
follows: economic development according to the Resolution's nature-
based orientation, demonstrating in the following aspects:
SOME HIGHLIGHTED ACHIEVE- Strengthening the monitoring network of hydro-meteorolo-
MENTS gy, oceanography, mud and sand fluctuations, automatic rain
Enabling institutions and policies measurement; Actively investigating, surveying, exploring,
to promote sustainable development searching and rationally exploiting water resources for daily
in the MDR use and production in the MRD in dry seasons and saline
In recent years, many mechanisms and intrusion periods. Agricultural production has been gradu-
policies have been studied and proposed ally transformed to form large-scale concentrated produc-
for investment for sustainable develop- tion areas, specializing in key products (shrimp, pangasius,
ment of the MDR, particularly in some rice, fruit) applying processing and consumption technology
areas such as renewable energy and en- along the value chain of agricultural products, in line with the
ergy efficiency, environmental infrastruc- policy for increasing production of seafood, fruits and reduc-
ture and engineering, agriculture and ing production of rice. It also focuses on exploiting potentials
aquaculture, food processing and related of clean energy and renewable energy. Many economic mod-
transportation services… As a result, they els suitable to natural conditions, with high-tech application
have supported to attract enterprises to and climate change adaptation have been deployed and de-
invest heavily in agriculture, strengthen- veloped by local agencies, for example the sustainable shrimp
ing the linkage of four actors, including farming model; selecting, breeding and developing varieties
managers, investors, scientists and farm- of plants, animals and aquatic varieties with potentials and
ers, to improve the value chain, creating strengths of the region. Besides, ecological strengths, cultural
a foothold for agricultural products in and history heritages are conserved and developed, thereby
the world market; amending land poli- promoting tourism and service economy in the MRD.
ENVIRONMENT English edition I/2021 11LAW & POLICY
Forming the development space, and PROMOTING PUBLIC INVESTMENT AS SEED
infrastructure planning connecting within CAPITAL TO ENCOURAGE THE INVESTMENT
the region and with Hồ Chí Minh City, the FROM PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE INTERNA-
Southeast region. TIONAL COMMUNITY FOR SUSTAINABLE DE-
On the basis of promoting advantages VELOPMENT OF THE MRD.
and spillover effects of development in Hồ In recent years, as a tectonic government, the Government
Chí Minh City and the Southern key eco- and the Prime Minister have always paid attention to and pro-
nomic region with the MDR, the devel- moted public investment as catalyst for resolving urgent liveli-
opment of inter-regional connectivity in hood issues. The Government has also issued many preferen-
terms of infrastructure and economy has tial mechanisms and policies on taxes and fees to encourage
been instructed by the Prime Minister, in- investment and development of the agricultural sector, such
cluding developing inter-regional traffic as exemption of corporate income tax for crop and livestock
routes, forming large-scale industrial parks production, farming and processing agricultural products of
and cities to ensure the overall connectiv- cooperatives; personal income tax exemption for individuals
ity. The exploitation of sand from river bed directly engaged in agricultural production, forestry, salt pro-
for ground levelling is gradually limited duction...; exemption of agricultural land use tax; exemption of
through the promulgation of 20 technical registration fees for land assigned by the State for agricultural
standards and guidelines on the use of ash, production purpose; exemption of irrigation fees, credit policy
slag and gypsum as raw materials for con- for building, upgrading ships, subsidizing interest rates; credit
struction material production and use in for local socio-economic infrastructure development projects
construction works. from the Local Development Investment Fund.
Environmental protection in rural areas Strengthening scientific research, technology devel-
has received attention and investment, es- opment, international cooperation and awareness-rais-
pecially in domestic waste and wastewater ing communication
treatment in residential areas and improve- Scientific research and technology development activities
ment of landscape, environmental protec- have been invested in to provide scientific and practical bases
tion equipment support. Solid waste man- for sustainable development of the MDR in a fundamental and
agement has been strengthened together systematic manner with a long-term vision such as studying,
with the implementation of investment selecting and breeding plant varieties, soil improvement; pre-
projects on solid waste treatment facilities, vention of natural disasters, land subsidence, landslide of river
wastewater collection and treatment sys- banks and coastlines; research on changes in water resources,
tems. The project of MRD safe water supply water quality and proposal of appropriate exploitation solu-
has been implemented, ensuring sufficient tions to change production structure; surface water monitoring
water supply capacity and quality for water and drought warning; assessing the causes of riverbank ero-
and social security. sion in some key areas and propose orientations for structural
The MDR Regional Coordination and non-structural solutions; testing and proposing solutions
Council was established with operational and technologies to prevent, combat and mitigate the impacts
regulation to advise, propose and assist the of natural disasters and overcoming their consequences; de-
Prime Minister in instructing, coordinat- veloping the climate change monitoring system in the MRD...
ing, examining and supervising the imple- Communication and awareness raising activities have been
mentation of regional linkage and climate strengthened through the propaganda project for implemen-
resilient and sustainable development of tation of Resolution No. 120/NQ-CP, propaganda activities
the MRD. At the same time, Coordina- on sustainable development of the MDR with climate change
tion Groups at ministerial and provincial adaptation. From 2017 up to now, the topic of the MDR’s sus-
level and expert advisory groups have been tainable development with climate change adaptation has been
formed to assist the Council effectively, ad- promoted by Central and local press agencies with diverse
vise the Prime Minister on specific mecha- contents and forms such as films and newspaper articles; for-
nisms, policies, strategies, plans, programs mulating and disseminating materials to raise the communi-
and projects of regional and inter-regional ty’s awareness of mangrove forest development and protection
scale for climate resilient and sustainable in some provinces of the MDR.
development of the MRD. It provides the International cooperation is promoted to attract resources,
initial foundation for the formation and knowledge and technology for the MRD. Việt Nam has pro-
implementation of mechanisms and poli- actively participated in many bilateral and multilateral coop-
cies more suitable to the MDR’s natural fea- eration frameworks for developing the MRD’s sub-regions,
tures and socio-economic conditions in or- including cooperation mechanisms for Mekong-Japan, Me-
der remove barriers and effectively release kong-South Korea, and the GMS (Greater Mekong Subregion),
resources in the future. Mekong- Lancang, Mekong - Ganges, CLMV, ACMECS, US-
12 ENVIRONMENT English edition I/2021LAW & POLICY
Mekong Partnership. In particular, in 2020, recent times, so they have not provided enough scientific basis
Việt Nam as Chair of ASEAN proactively and support for the planning and policy-making process. The
connect the MRD in ASEAN to find a com- region's strengths in agriculture, tourism and sea have not yet
mon voice on the importance of sub-region- been made clear to propose effective solutions.
al development. There have been also many challenges in MRD. Climate
change and natural disasters are happening faster, more com-
OVERALL ASSESSMENT, LIMITA- plicated and continue to be unpredictable due to the volatil-
TIONS, CAUSES AND CHALLENGES ity and extreme events, especially short-term impacts. In the
After more than 3 years implementing context of global efforts to respond to climate change, espe-
the Resolution, it can be confirmed that cially reduction of greenhouse gases emission has not yet met
the MRD has witness significant changes the exception under the United Nations Framework Conven-
in the nature-based and sustainable direc- tion on Climate Change as well as the Paris Agreement, MRD
tion. Accordingly, people's livelihood has will continue to face many adverse impacts in the near future.
been gradually improved and the MRD’s The exploitation and use of water resources upstream, espe-
development picture is increasingly painted cially the deployment of hydro-power projects on the Mekong
with many bright colors. Particularly, the mainstream, has been increasingly complicated, while the sub-
development space forming through trans- regional coordination mechanism has indicated shortcomings
port infrastructure connection, regional and difficulties, leading to low efficiency. The lack of sand, al-
connectivity has been progressing that has luvial and water is expected to exacerbate seriously, negatively
changed the MRD’s outlook. GDP growth impacting the MRD’s development. Resolution No. 120/NQ-
has been maintained at high level, with 2018 CP has just been implemented for more than 3 years and is
and 2019 recording impressive rate of about only at the beginning stage, while the objectives, visions and
7,3%. The cultural and spiritual life has been tasks in the Resolution are strategic and long-term. Therefore,
gradually improved. At the same time, tra- it needs more time and resources to fully implement.
ditional cultural values of the region have
been gradually conserved, developed and RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROMOTING SUS-
effectively exploited to serve people in the TAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MEKONG
MRD, in the country as well as internation- DELTA IN THE PERIOD 2021 - 2025, WITH A VI-
al tourists. Diseases have been monitored, SION TO 2030
controlled and tend to decrease. The rate of Finalizing institutional and policy mechanisms
rural households having hygienic latrines in Reviewing, supplementing and improving the system of
the MRD in 2019 reached 62% (an increase mechanisms and policies specified in the Resolution and the
of 6.7% compared to 2017). overall Action Program, especially the mechanism for re-
On the other hand, there have been limi- source mobilization through public-private partnership, land
tations in the implementation of the Reso- concentration for large-scale conversion, flexible planning of
lution No. 120/NQ-CP. Over the past three rice-growing areas in order to be proactive in restructuring
years, the Government and the Prime Min- production in accordance with natural conditions each year.
ister have closely instructed Ministries and Urgently issuing the MRD Master Plan for the period of
local agencies to promulgate, supplement 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050 as the basis for implementing
and improve a number of mechanisms and the MRD’s socio-economic development plan; synchronously
policies for the MDR. Nevertheless, these implementing tasks and solutions to develop the MRD’s prov-
mechanisms and policies require time to inces and cities in accordance with Resolutions of the Party
be effective. Many works and projects that and the State .
are being inter-regional, inter-sectoral, and Prioritizing to allocate resources to implement invest-
large-scale are still slow in implementation. ment projects in infrastructure, transportation, irrigation,
The mechanism to attract investment from prevention of riverbank and coastal erosion for the purpose
the private sector and the society still faces of production
many difficulties and it has not yet been Urgently supplementing capital to implement the MRD
able to make a breakthrough, especially due Development Policy Operation (DPO) under the allocated
to the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic. In- amount for specific tasks and projects, including connectivity
frastructure projects still lack synchronous projects, projects with inter-regional impacts, projects serving
connection, multi-purposes to create a driv- as driving force for rapid and sustainable socio-economic de-
ing force for developing markets for agricul- velopment. Supplementing investment capital for the MRD’s
tural products as advantages of the region sustainable development through financial institutions and
such as rice, fruit, and aquatic product mar- credit institutions including the Vietnam Environment Pro-
kets. Scientific research, basic survey and tection Fund. Investing in multi-purpose infrastructure proj-
database have just recently been focused in ects, with regional and inter-regional connection in terms of
ENVIRONMENT English edition I/2021 13LAW & POLICY
irrigation, transportation, economic ac- Promoting large-scale transformation, speeding up ratio-
tivities, promoting economic restructuring, nal restructuring
trade development, creating value chains for As for agriculture: Developing agriculture in 3 sub-regions
products in the MRD. (upper delta, midlands and coastal areas), taking into consid-
Implementing programs, projects ap- eration agricultural ecosystems in each sub-region. Shifting the
proved by the Prime Minister: Overall Pro- strategic pillar to seafood - fruit - rice; increasing the produc-
gram for Sustainable and Climate-Smart tion value of aquatic products and fruits, decreasing the pro-
Agricultural Development in the MRD duction of rice.
to 2030, with a vision to 2045, Irrigation As for industry and commerce: Taking advantage of the
Modernization Scheme for Sustainable Ag- strengths, pervasiveness and development of Hồ Chí Minh City
ricultural Development in Ecological Sub- region to strongly promote industry to create a driving force
regions of the MRD, Scheme for Riverbank for regional development; forming specialized industrial zones
and Coastal erosion prevention and control and clusters in line with key regions and strengths of local areas
to 2030, Scheme for Safe Water Supply in the in the region; focusing on the development of processing and
MRD, Restructuring Plan for Agricultural supporting industries to increase the value of agricultural prod-
Sector in the period 2021 - 2025... ucts; promoting clean and renewable energy. Taking advantage
Strengthening basic investigation, of the connection between Hồ Chí Minh City and Cambodia to
monitoring, forecasting and completing promote trade and services.
the database system As for tourism: Developing agricultural eco-systems in the
Strengthening investigation and assess- MRD as a foundation for tourism development, associated with
ment of land resources; investigating, evalu- coastal mangrove forest protection and development, and bio-
ating and developing water storage solutions diversity conservation; developing fruit garden tourism... At-
based on natural trends of each sub-region. tracting investment to develop supporting services. Strength-
Improving the MRD Data Integration Cen- ening vocational tourism service training, contributing to
ter, building and updating the MRD data- sustainable career transition for rural workers.
base system for climate change adaptation, Promoting science, technology and international
connecting with the database of the Interna- cooperation
tional Mekong River Commission and other Promoting scientific research, developing, transferring and
countries in the Mekong River Basin. applying technology, especially achievements of the industrial
Investing to increase the number of revolution 4.0 to agricultural production, industry and services
monitoring stations for hydro-meteorology, gearing towards digital economic development, digital trans-
environment, water resources, landslide, formation based on potentials and strengths of the region.
land subsidence, saline intrusion to provide Shortly approving and implementing the Science and Technol-
information, data, forecast analysis for the ogy Program for responding to climate change for the sustain-
MRD Data Integration Center to develop able development of MRD in the period 2021 - 2025.
strategies, planning, policies for develop- Proactively proposing, establishing and leading new coop-
ment and other socio-economic activities eration frameworks to effectively mobilize investment, tech-
in the region. Strengthening capacity of nology and knowledge support from development partners;
hydro-meteorological forecasting, early sustainable exploitation and use of water resources, especially
warning of natural disasters and extreme in Mekong sub-regions to ensure the benefits of Việt Nam.
weather events. Developing the system of Prioritizing the promotion of cooperation activities on water
monitoring, forecasting and early warning resources within the framework of Mekong-Lancang Coopera-
of changes in water resources, covering the tion to reach an agreement with China on data and information
upstream, the entire basin, riverbank and in sharing, especially information about the operation of hydro-
coastal subsidence and erosion. power dams and the discharge of water to downstream, ensur-
Continuing to investigate and search ing the minimum flow of rivers at an appropriate level.
for underground water sources, especially Human resource training and development
deep-lying aquifers for domestic water Strengthening high-quality human resource training pro-
supply in areas with frequent salt water in- grams to meet the trends of regional and international invest-
trusion; developing groundwater exploita- ment shift. Promoting career transition and job creation for
tion facilities to be ready to respond to sa- agricultural and rural workers in the direction of specialization
line intrusion when necessary. Proactively and professionalization, supporting farmers to become real ag-
and closely monitoring water exploitation ricultural workers, gradually moving agricultural workers to the
and use in the basin, collecting informa- service sector so that people can participate actively, acting as
tion and data on the basin situation from the center of production and livelihood transformation process,
many other sources (from projects, with meeting the demand of economic development in the region■
remote sensing technology...). NGUYỄN HẰNG
14 ENVIRONMENT English edition I/2021LAW & POLICY
the Law on Environmental Protection 2020
Release of implementation Plan for
T
he Law on Environmental Pro- from the time the Law takes effect across the country.
tection 2020 (Law No. 72/2020/ It shall regularly and promptly inspect, urge and guide
QH14) was adopted at the 10th the implementation of the Plan to eliminate the arising
Session of the 14th National Assembly obstacles and disruption to ensure the effective enforce-
on November 17th, 2020. It will take ef- ment of the LEP. Accordingly, the Plan includes three
fect from January 1st, 2022. The struc- core contents as follows:
ture and content of the Law on Envi- Firstly, the Plan sets out the propaganda, dissemina-
ronment Protection (LEP) 2020 has tion, and training of the LEP.
breakthroughs that demonstrate the The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environ-
cross-cutting goal of protecting envi- ment (MONRE) shall assume the prime responsibil-
ronmental components and people's ity and coordinate with the concerned Ministries and
health. Under this Law, environmental ministerial-level agencies in compiling documents to
management instruments have been serve the propagation and dissemination of the LEP. In
synchronized during the project’s life- addition, MONRE is also assigned to preside over and
cycle from the stage appraisal of deci- coordinate with the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Minis-
sions on investment policies, the stage tries and ministerial-level agencies and provincial peo-
of project assessment, the stage of offi- ple’s committees in propagating and disseminating the
cial operation to the termination stage, LEP with appropriate topics and modes of communica-
including national environmental pro- tion to the people, officials, and civil servants. Besides,
tection strategy, environmental projec- MONRE is in charge of chairing and coordinating with
tion planning, strategic environmental ministries and ministerial-level agencies and provin-
assessment, preliminary environmental cial people’s committees to conduct training courses on
impact assessment, environmental im- the LEP and its’ guiding documents for related indi-
pact assessment, environmental license viduals and organizations.
and environmental registration. The people’s committees of the provinces and cities
Prime Minister (PM) issued the directly under the Central Government shall organize
Plan to implement the revised 2020 the propaganda and dissemination activities in con-
by Decision No. 343/QD-TTg on 12th formity with their practical conditions, for example,
March, 2021 to ensure the timely, effec- integration into the thematic conferences and train-
tive and synchronized adoption of such ing courses, updating new legal knowledge according
new policies. to the legal dissemination and education work plan.
The Plan aims to propagate and The schedule for implementation starts from 2021
disseminate the LEP to all people, of- and onward.
ficials, civil servants and employees; Secondly, the Plan requires the review of legal documents
raising awareness and responsibility of The MONRE reviews the current environmental
the people in compliance with the Law; regulations and technical regulations related to the LEP
assigning specific tasks, implementa- in the fields under its state management; implement
tion schedules and responsibilities to or propose competent authorities to promptly amend,
the relevant agencies and units. supplement, replace, abolish or issue new versions to
On that basis, the implementation ensure the compliance with the provisions of the Law in
Plan for the LEP has to reflect the uni- June 2021. Additionally, MONRE is assigned to synthe-
fied direction of the Government and size all review results in July 2021.
the PM; the close and effective coor- Other Ministries, including Ministry of Industry and
dination among concerned Ministries, Trade, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry
ministerial-level agencies and units in of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Fi-
implementing the Law. Furthermore, nance, Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Transport,
the Plan identifies the assignment Ministry of Health and ministerial-level agencies, peo-
within the scope of the respective du- ple's committees of provinces and cities directly under
ties as well as promoting the active the Central Government are also responsible for un-
roles of state management agencies at dertaking the review of regulations relevant to the LEP
the Central and local levels. It also re- 2020 according to their state management domain and
quires certain roadmaps for application sending the results to MONRE in June 2021.
ENVIRONMENT English edition I/2021 15You can also read
