Environment

International experiences in the management and utilization of urban land

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

In recent years, Vietnam has undergone rapid urbanization, resulting in a significant expansion of urban land to cater to the escalating housing demands of its population. This trend is expected to persist in the foreseeable future. However, the outcomes of implementing urban land planning and usage strategies have revealed several shortcomings and constraints in management, utilization, demand forecasting, policy formulation, and enforcement, particularly concerning soil classification. The primary cause lies in the absence of specific regulatory provisions within existing laws governing norms, criteria, spatial delineation, land use zoning, and preservation of natural ecosystems during the planning process across all administrative levels. Based on data analysis methods applied to the experiences of the Federal Republic of Germany, China, and Japan in urban land use planning and management, it becomes evident that future urban land planning must integrate considerations of space, land use zoning, and natural ecosystems. This necessitates a clear delineation of protection and conservation criteria, coupled with a robust implementation process. Effective execution of these measures will significantly enhance the quality of urban areas and advance the objectives of sustainable urban development. Consequently, the article presents policy recommendations tailored to Vietnam's context for urban land management and utilization during the preparation and adjustment of land use plans.

Developing ecotourism: International experiences and lessons for Vietnam

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Ecotourism is an important component of sustainable tourism. More and more countries consider ecotourism as one of their national socio-economic development goals. In addition to helping preserve ecosystems and biodiversity, ecotourism also contributes to creating jobs and income for people and boosting the local economy. In Vietnam, there are not many policies for ecotourism development, which in the long run leads to fragmentation and lack of uniformity. This research will focus on understanding the role of ecotourism in protecting the environment and local communities. By analyzing secondary data on countries' experiences in developing ecotourism, including: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), Galapagos National Park (Ecuador), The Toledo Ecotourism Association (Belize), Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park (Laos) and The Kapawi Ecolodge (Ecuador), research results found values that Vietnam can learn their efforts to develop ecotourism. Thereby, providing some management implications for the Government of Vietnam in maintaining and developing sustainable national ecotourism.

Alternative solutions of rice straw open burning in An Giang province

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

An Giang has a rice output of over 4 million tons/year, ranking first in the country, thus generating a very large amount of straw. However, people still have the habit of burning straw after harvest, causing environmental pollution. Currently, a number of straw reuse models have been applied to replace open burning to improve economic efficiency and reduce environmental pollution. The current paper describes the results of pilot studies of 07 mushroom cultivation, 15 treatment of straw with urea for fodder production, and 14 composting farms. The main research methods applied include experimental implementation on a household scale, straw collected from fields, chemicals (i.e. lime, formaldehyde, urea etc.) and microbial products (Trichoderma) is purchased on the market; economic efficiency assessment is based on statistical analysis of actual measurement data; assessement of the greenhouse gas emissions based on the Decision 2626/QD-BTNMT. The study results shown that all models had a return on investment value close to or less than 1 year and the benefit-cost-ratio as low as 38%. This is very important for the farmers as they do not have much capital to invest.

Solutions to reduce non-biodegradable plastic bags, single-use plastic products in the retail distribution system

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Waste from non-biodegradable plastic bags and single-use plastic products with sustainable characteristics in nature are posing a significant threat to the environment and human health. Therefore, the implementation of the study “Research on scientific basis, propose solutions to reduce, eliminate the use and discharge of non-degradable plastic bags, single-use plastic products in markets, supermarkets and shopping centers” will contribute to Vietnam’s efforts to combat plastic waste. The main research method of the study is based on the study of documents, international experience, and surveying the current situation in Vietnam. The study has investigated and surveyed the current use and discharge of non-biodegradable plastic bags and single-use plastic products in the retail distribution system (including markets, supermarkets, and shopping centers) in Vietnam. Based on international experiences and the actual situation of using and disposing of plastic bags, single-use plastic products at markets, supermarkets, and commercial centers in our country, the study has clearly demonstrated the urgent matters that Vietnam needs to address in the near future. On the basis of theoretical and practical framework, the study has proposed 6 solution groups with tasks and activities to be implemented in order to reduce and eliminate the use and discharge of nonbiodegradable plastic bags and single-use plastic products at markets, supermarkets, and shopping centers. The results of the study need to be widely disseminated to help government agencies as well as businesses and consumers have appropriate solutions to reduce and eventually eliminate non-biodegradable plastic bags, single-use plastic products and replaced by other biodegradable, environmentally friendly products in business activities and consumption at commercial business establishments.

Institutionalizing Resolution No18-NQ/TW: Key points in the Land Law 2024

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Conference of the 13th Party Central Committee, Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW was promulgated to advance institutional and policy innovations and enhance operational efficacy in the realm of land management and utilization. The resolution delineated a strategic trajectory aimed at propelling the nation towards the status of a high-income developed country, encompassing five perspectives, three overarching objectives, six clusters of strategies, and eight principal policy domains geared towards refining the legislation governing land usage. This resolution constitutes a pivotal political framework and a fundamental doctrinal compass guiding the formulation and refinement of the Land Law 2024, which occupies a preeminent position in the legal landscape, bearing significant ramifications for political, socio-economic, defense, security, and environmental spheres, and exercising a profound influence across diverse sectors and the commercial sphere, as well as intersecting with numerous other legislative frameworks.

Innovating regulations on land use bidding in the Land Law 2024

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Bidding in general and bidding for projects involving land use specifically are activities of a market economy with the principle of adopting a market economic model under state management, where land becomes valuable. Bidding for projects involving land use will help curb corruption in land allocation and leasing. Through bidding for projects involving land use with strict constraints on rights and obligations, many entities will have the opportunity to access and register to participate, allowing them to choose the land-use projects to bid on, and the investors with the best technical and financial capabilities to carry out the projects. Combined with existing land resources, projects will be implemented quickly and smoothly, bringing benefits to the state, investors, and society. However, organizing the selection of land-use projects for bidding at the local level still faces various issues such as lack of specific criteria for project selection, unclear coordination between land management agencies and related organizations, and challenges in land procedures such as land fund management, land clearance compensation, land recovery, compensation prices for land users, and land use forms for investors. Therefore, the Land Law 2024 has innovated legal provisions regarding bidding for land-use projects to enhance the efficiency of land management and utilization, ensuring a harmonious balance of interests among the state, investors, and land users in the context of Vietnam's international economic integration.

Regulations of land use plannings and plans in the Land Law 2024

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The Land Law 2024 has regulated a number of new contents for land use plannings and plans, creating a legal basis to improve the efficiency of land use plannings and plans. However, in order to implement effectively land use plannings and plans, it is necessary to specify a number of legal regulations as well as have effective organizational solutions.

The Law on Water Resources 2023: Improve effectiveness and efficiency in state management of water resources

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The Law on Water Resources 2023 was officially passed by the 15th National Assembly on 27 November 2023 with 468 National Assembly delegates voting unanimously, accounting for 94.74% of the total number of delegates. This is a big step forward in thinking, approach, and changing water resources governance methods in the context that Vietnam’s water sources are considered “too much, too short, too dirty” and ensuring that water resources are managed as public property owned by the entire people with the State representing the owner and unified management in accordance with the 2013 Constitution.

Promulgate the Plan to implement the Law on Water Resources

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The Law on Water Resources No.28/2023/QH15 was approved by the 6^th National Assembly, 27^th Session on November 11^th, 2023 and will come into effect on July 1^st, 2024. To implement the Law on Natural Resources timely, synchronously, uniformly and effectively, Prime Minister promulgates the Plan to implement the Law on Water Resources with the purpose of: Determine specific work contents, deadlines, completion progress and responsibilities of relevant agencies and organizations in implementing the Law on Water Resources; Determine responsibilities and coordination mechanisms between ministries, ministerial-level agencies, Government agencies and localities in carrying out activities to implement the Law on Water Resources nationwide.

National marine spatial planning aligns with sustaining environment, marine resources

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Vietnam has a coastline of more than 3,260 km with more than 3,000 large and small islands, its large sea area ranks 27th among 157 coastal countries and island nations. According to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Vietnam's sea area is three times larger than its land area, accounting for about 30% of the East Sea area. Vietnam's sea is recognized as an area rich in natural resources with an important economic, geopolitical, defence and security position in the region and the world. However, besides the great economic and geopolitical values, Vietnam's sea and islands are facing a series of problems, such as: Degradation of marine and coastal landscapes, ecosystems; coastal marine environmental pollution; marine environmental incidents; increased negative impacts due to natural disasters, climate change and sea level rise; conflicts in exploitation and use of marine resources and space between relevant sectors and parties. Therefore, there is a need for a marine spatial master plan to properly arrange space for different industries and sectors to exploit and use, establish an optimal option and resolve inadequacies, overlaps and conflicts over the use of marine space, ensure balance between the needs of economic development, national defence, security and protection of marine ecosystems and environment.

Draft Decree on compensation, support and resettlement upon land recovery by the State

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The Land Law (amended) has been passed by the National Assembly, effective from January 1, 2025. The law consists of 16 chapters, 260 articles, including the amendment and supplementation of 180/212 articles of the Land Law 2013 and the addition of 78 new articles. In order for the Law to be implemented early and effectively, on March 5, 2024, the Prime Minister issued a Plan for the implementation of the Land Law of 2024 along with Decision No. 222/QD-TTg. Accordingly, the Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to lead, coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to develop a Draft Decree on compensation, support, and resettlement upon land recovery by the State, to be submitted to the Government for issuance in May 2024. This Decree details a number of articles and clauses of the Land Law on compensation, support and resettlement upon land recovery by the State. The subjects covered include state agencies exercising the rights and responsibilities of representing the collective ownership of land by the people, carrying out the unified task of state land management; land users as specified in Article 4 of the Land Law; and other relevant parties involved in compensation, support, and resettlement upon land recovery by the State.

Draft Decree detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Water Resources 2023

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Carrying out the assigned task of leading development of the Decree detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Water Resources Law 2023 under the Government’s Program for Building Legal Documents in 2024 of Government, on December 7, 2023, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment issued Decision No. 3726/QD-BTNMT on the establishment of the Drafting Board, the Editorial Team for the Decree, with members including representatives from relevant ministries, sectors, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry. At the same time, conduct reviewing 20 laws, 22 decrees, and 2 international treaties in the field of water resources that Vietnam is a member to develop a report reviewing relevant legal documents and to build policy impact assessment report. Based on the provisions of the Water Resources Law and reports, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has organized to develop the Draft Decree.

Taxing urban vacant land: International experiences and policy implications for Vietnam

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Currently, the Ministry of Finance is studying the draft Law on Real Estate Tax, which includes provisions for taxing second homes and taxing vacant houses and land in accordance with international practices. This article provides a perspective from international experience on vacant urban land, also known as vacant land tax (VLT). This type of tax is primarily issued by local governments with the aim of generating additional revenue for the city government and combating speculation, especially in developing countries.

Global Resources Outlook 2024: Pathways to a liveable planet as resource use spikes

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Global Resources Outlook 2024 was written under the auspices of the International Resource Panel (IRP) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Janez Potočnik, Izabella Teixeira - co-chairs of the IRP, the members of the IRP and its Steering Committee. The report shows that it is both possible and profitable to decouple economic growth from environmental impacts and resource use.

South Korea's Volume-based Waste Fee system: Challenges and Solutions

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

In the 1970s - 1980s, in South Korea, due to rapid economic growth, industrialization, and urbanization, the amount of waste continuously increased and became a major social challenge. In 1987, the South Korean Government proposed a plan to build garbage incineration plants, sanitary landfills and intermediate treatment plants across the country. However, this plan has encountered many difficulties due to lack of investment capital, increased land prices, and civil complaints of residents because of problems related to the living environment where waste treatment areas located nearby. In that context, in 1995, the Volume-based Waste Fee System (VBWF) was implemented, contributing to solve the challenges. Accordingly, households and small-scale commercial establishments are required to buy specified bags for trash disposal, meaning that the more you throw, the more you pay; only recyclables are collected for free. This system aims to: (1) Reduce waste at source; (2) Form the behavior of collecting garbage and recyclable materials before throwing them away; (3) Reduce dependence on waste treatment facilities such as incinerators and landfills. During the implementation process of the VBWF system, the South Korea encountered many difficulties, however, they were able to come up with appropriate solutions and became a typical example of applying environmental policy based on market. For the time when we have conducted our paper, this system has set an example of a success by making landmark changes in waste generation models, public awareness, and behavior of consumers as well as manufacturers.

Tackling the global water crisis

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The global water crisis threatens the well-being of billions of people and the stability of nations worldwide. Key drivers include unsustainable usage, climate change, pollution, lack of infrastructure, poverty, weak governance, and transboundary disputes. The multiple impacts span public health, food and energy security, economic growth, and geopolitical conflicts.

One million hectares low-carbon rice programme - Opportunities and challenges

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Rice sector plays a crucial role in stabilization of society and contributes into the Vietnam economic development, particularly, the rice production in Mekong Delta contributed 50% of total output as well as up to 90% of the country’s rice export. However, besides the glory of the rice sector, the rice farmers are gaining the lowest income in the agricultural sector and the rice sector is contributing the largest greenhouse gas emission (approximately 50% of the agricultural carbon emission). Many limitations have been reducing the rice sector development. To create the new dynamic forces towards a rice sector of efficiency, sustainability and low emission, Prime Minister approved the Programme “Sustainable development of one million ha of high-quality and low-carbon rice together with green growth in Mekong Delta up to 2030”. The implementation of this Programme will create the opportunities to enhance the income of rice value chain’s stakeholders as well as the reputation of Vietnam rice in the world market through the environment responsibility of rice production. However, the identification of suitable investment measures is the key for the Programme’s success in order to ensure both economic and environmental purposes.

Biodiversity and cultural diversity - key elements for sustainable development

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

In our world today of rapid changes, biological diversity and cultural diversity are increasingly recognized as key elements for sustainable development. Dedicated to strike for a balance between conservation and development, biosphere reserves serve as testing sites to seal the link between these two
keys. In Vietnam, eleven recognized World Biosphere Reserves is also the home of many people including thousands of people belong to different ethnic minority groups. Each group has their own ways of living, which reflect their unique understandings and interpretations of the nature accumulated through their hundreds of years residing in these sites. While these minority groups are often vulnerable to the pressure of development from outside, their identity and cultural values embrace with a rich knowledge of the nature are foundation not only to their endogenous development but also to the conservation of these sites as our common home.

Experience ecotourism in Ba Vi

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

About 60km from the center of Ha Noi capital to the northwest, Ba Vi is a land with many beautiful natural landscapes such as mountains, forests, waterfalls, streams, rivers, and lakes associated with many tourist attractions known by guests - including Ba Vi National Park; Ao Vua tourism; Khoang Xanh - Suoi Tien; Thien Son - Suoi Nga, Tan Da, etc. The place is the accommodation of numerous rural farms, rich agricultural products, and natural hot water sources from Thuan My villages which aid the development of Ba Vi’s resort tourism.

bout 60km from the center of Ha Noi capital to the northwest, Ba Vi is a land with many beautiful natural landscapes such as mountains, forests, waterfalls, streams, rivers, and lakes associated with many tourist attractions known by guests - including Ba

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Cat Tien National Park stretches across the 3 provinces of Dong Nai, Lam Dong, and Binh Phuoc, with more than 80,000 hectares surrounded by 90 km of the Dong Nai river. The Cat Tien National Park contains valuable biodiversity resources not only for Vietnam but also for the world. With a rich flora and fauna system, Nam Cat Tien is a place to explore, learn and make a great getaway for those who love nature and want to learn more about the world.