Policy ResponsesPolicy ResponsesVietnam is on the brink of major change.
Internal reform and the pressing demands of rapid population growth and economic development, alongside increased foreign investment and trade following years of conflict and isolation, present an immediate challenge for Vietnam's policy makers.
To this must be added the potential threat posed by climate change and sea level rise and Vietnam's clearly-stated desire to play a part in the regional and global response to global warming.
The Vietnamese government recognizes that policies that are firm and strong, equitable and sustainable need to be devised and implemented if the nation is to benefit from its wealth of natural and human resources. In this way, economic growth can be ensured together with a healthy environment.
Vietnam is well-placed to achieve this goal.
It is a nation with an excellent body of technicians, engineers and scientists, actively involved in the fields of resource management and environmental protection.
It is a nation with an impressive history of environmental protection, combining traditional methods with modern scientific understanding.
It is a nation with a clear understanding of the intrinsic links between environment and development, awareness of the mistakes of the past, and a strong commitment at all levels of society to the principles of sustainable development.
In many cases, existing activities, national tendencies and policies are consistent with a precautionary response to climate change and sea level rise.
Vietnam already has a climate programme directed towards improving understanding of the global warming problem, monitoring of climate change and climate impacts, and the identification of appropriate responses.
The rise in greenhouse gas emissions likely to accompany the projected increase in energy demand will be limited by existing plans to expand the use of hydropower and the rich diversity of renewable sources of energy available in Vietnam.
Vietnam has a well-established strategy for restoration of the nation's forests and the protection of biodiversity which will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but could provide an enhanced sink, thereby offsetting increases in emissions resulting from energy use.
Coping with present-day climate-related disasters, the result of storm, drought and flood, provides a wealth of knowledge and expertise relevant to the future impact of climate change and sea level rise.
The strong tradition of pragmatism, education and community participation provides an excellent base for efforts to respond to global warming at both the local and the national level. Environmental education, in particular, is essential if local communities are to play their part effectively in the national response.
Finally, the Vietnamese government places great emphasis on the desirability of regional and wider international co-operation in scientific research and policy assessment. These activities, national tendencies and policies should be strengthened. Taking selective advantage of the additional support from the international community that is becoming available through climate aid should be a major priority.
Global warming does, however, raise issues that may not be incorporated to the extent that is needed in current plans, policies and strategies.
It will be necessary to obtain accurate and more comprehensive data on the sources of greenhouse gases in Vietnam and the implications of all development plans concerning greenhouse gas emissions should be assessed.
Development strategies should be examined to determine the extent to which their performance may be affected by climate change and sea level rise. Where possible, they must be "climate-proofed".
The implications of climate change and sea level rise for land use planning, in particular, must be assessed. Vietnam is particularly vulnerable to the impact of global warming in the agricultural sector and in all sectors of activity located along the coastline. Improving resistance to drought should be considered a priority in rice production. Advantage can be taken of the benefits of natural coastal protection afforded by, for example, the mangrove ecosystem. The protection, restoration and sustainable use of this valuable resource should also be a priority.
Because of the wide-ranging nature of the sources and consequences of global warming, institutional co-operation is vital in responding to the problem. Effective communication and co-ordination within and between relevant departments and institutions should be encouraged.
Further reading
Index