Integrated coastal zone management in Vietnam: Present potentials and future challenges

The development of industrial activities, tourism as well as urban expansion in Vietnam has generally been concentrated in the coastal zone. Urbanization is likely to increase in the coastal zone in the future due to unchecked population growth and human activities. The paper presents a socio-economic and institutional analysis of the impact of human activities on the coastal region in Vietnam. Although the government is putting emphasis on environmental issues, including integrated coastal zone management (ICZM), the approach is still sectoral leading to stakeholder conflicts. In addition, improper planning and poor implementation of policies also contribute to the vulnerable socio-economic and institutional context. The present efforts for the development of co-ordinated strategies towards an ICZM and the policy and institutional constraints in the integrated management framework are discussed. In order to combat the pressures and promote sustainable development of coastal zone, cross-sectoral management, strategic environmental assessment and local community participation is essential. The paper emphasizes on partnerships at the local level, particularly regarding the sharing of responsibility for environmental stewardship among the public and private sectors and the civil society.