Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

VNICZM Project

Vietnam’s ICZM Strategy 2020

and
Orientation up to 2030

Resources SHARED
OVERALL
and ORIENTATION
OBJECTIVE 2020
Values 2030

Pressures Strategic
and Components Objectives
Threats SC1 to SC6

Activities

Final Draft

Hanoi, April-2006

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of contents ................................................................................................................................ 2

Glossary............................................................................................................................................... 4

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Rationale for a Vietnamese ICZM Strategy ........................................................................ 5
1.2 Aims of the ICZM strategy .................................................................................................. 7
1.3 Scope................................................................................................................................... 7
1.4 Main contents...................................................................................................................... 8

2 The Coastal Zone of Vietnam................................................................................................... 8

2.1 Definition of the coastal zone ............................................................................................. 8
2.2 Main values of the coastal zone........................................................................................ 10
2.3 Physical characteristics of the coastal zone ..................................................................... 11
2.4 Biological characteristics of the coastal zone .................................................................. 12
2.5 People in the coastal zone ................................................................................................ 15

3 Main uses of the natural resources of Vietnam’s coastal zone ............................................ 16

3.1 Intensifying socio-economic activities .............................................................................. 16
3.2 Ports and shipping............................................................................................................ 17
3.3 Mining (Oil, gas, coal and minerals)................................................................................ 18
3.4 Fishing and aquaculture................................................................................................... 19
3.5 New economic zones ......................................................................................................... 21
3.6 Tourism ............................................................................................................................. 22

4 Threats to the coastal zone and its causes ............................................................................. 23

4.1 Unsustainable use of natural resources............................................................................ 23
4.2 Ecosystems degradation ................................................................................................... 24
4.3 Environmental pollution ................................................................................................... 26
4.4 Natural and environmental disasters................................................................................ 26
4.5 Population pressure.......................................................................................................... 27
4.6 Disputes and conflict of interests...................................................................................... 27
4.7 Management and cooperation mechanisms...................................................................... 27

5 Establishing the orientation for 2030 and objectives for 2020 ............................................ 29
5.1 Guiding Principles............................................................................................................ 29
5.2 Shared Orientation 2030 .................................................................................................. 29
5.3 Desired outcomes of shared orientation ........................................................................... 30
5.4 Overall objective 2020...................................................................................................... 30
5.5 Reporting and validity of the Strategy .............................................................................. 31

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6 Objectives and actions up to 2020.......................................................................................... 31
6.1 Ensuring the integrity of the Coastal Zone ....................................................................... 31
6.2 Development of ICZM mechanisms at national level ....................................................... 33
6.3 Capacity strengthening on ICZM at National, Provincial, District and Commune level. 34
6.4 Development of ICZM tools and guidelines...................................................................... 35
6.5 Implementation of ICZM at provincial and district level ................................................. 36
6.6 International and Regional cooperation........................................................................... 37

7 Strategy implementation......................................................................................................... 38
7.1 Institutional requirements................................................................................................. 38
7.2 Immediate supportive actions ........................................................................................... 39
7.3 Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders........................................................................ 39
7.4 Monitoring and evaluation ............................................................................................... 40

8 References ................................................................................................................................ 41

9 Annexes..................................................................................................................................... 42
Annex 1 Administrative units of the Vietnam coastal zone ........................................................... 42
Annex 2 Logical framework.......................................................................................................... 47
Annex 3 Work plan for the development of the ICZM Strategy for Vietnam ................................. 59
Annex 4 Proposed ICZM performance indicators ........................................................................ 60
Annex 5 National legal and policy documents related to coastal resources and environmental
management................................................................................................................................... 63
Annex 6 Important international conventions and treaties related to marine and coastal
environmental protection, signed or ratified by the Vietnamese Government............................... 66

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 GLOSSARY
Baseline A breaking line which links chosen points at the lowest line of tide along the coast
and near shore islands defined and declared by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Capacity Process of improving and building the technical and managerial skills and resources
building within an organization. Also the development of awareness, knowledge, skills and
operational capability by certain actors, normally the community, to achieve their
purpose
Coastal A natural area or feature in or near a coastal zone, the existence of which depends on
resources the coast, or the value of that resource, treated as a commodity, grows because it is
located in the coastal zone, if that resource has economic, environmental,
recreational, cultural, aesthetic or any other value
Coastal waters Part of the sea affected by its proximity to the land
Coastal zone Area of coastal land and sea, where the interaction between them is significantly. In
reality the coastal zone is defined relatively, depending on the administrative
boundary, management objectives and capacity
Ecosystem System of biological communities co-existing and developing in a certain
environment, interacting with each other and with the environment
Environmental The reduction of the capacity of the environment to meet social and ecological
degradation objectives, and needs
Geographic An organized collection of computer hardware, software, geographic data and
Information personnel designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze and
System (GIS) display all forms of geographically referenced information
Integrated Involves the comprehensive assessment, setting of objectives, planning and
Coastal (Zone) management of coastal systems and resources, taking into account traditional,
Management cultural and historical perspectives and conflicting interests and uses; it is a
continuous and evolutionary process for achieving sustainable development
Marine An area of sea (or coast) especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of
Protected Area biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed
through legal or other effective means
Natural A feature or component of the natural environment that is of value in serving human
resources needs, e.g. soil, water, plant life, wildlife, etc. Some natural resources have an
economic value (e.g. timber) while others have a 'non-economic' value (e.g. scenic
beauty). Also raw materials provided by the Earth and usually processed into useful
products; some natural resources are renewable (e.g., trees, crops, wildlife); other
natural resources are non renewable (e.g., oil, coal, metals)
Over- Unsustainable use of a natural resource leading to depletion or degradation of the
exploitation resource and consequent loss of its productivity
Shoreline Intersection of a specific water height with the shore or beach, e.g. the high water
shoreline is the intersection of the high water mark with the shore or beach
Stakeholder Persons or organizations who, directly or indirectly, positively or negatively affect or
are affected by the policies relating to, or activities or phenomena in the coastal and
marine area
Sustainable Development that ensures the continuance of natural resource productivity and a high
development level of environmental quality, thereby providing for economic growth to meet the
needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations
Sustainable use Use of the environment and its living resources at a rate that does not exceed its
capacity for renewal in order to ensure its availability for future generations
Trans-boundary Moving beyond the territorial jurisdiction of a country, state or other political entity
Zoning A system of designating areas of land or water to be allocated to specific (often
exclusive) uses; the division of a particular area into several zones, each of which is
scheduled for a particular use or set of uses

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1 Introduction
This document, Vietnam's ICZM Strategy 2020 and Orientation to 2030, is the result of a
participative Vietnamese process, achieved through continuous consultative procedures in which a
wide range of stakeholders from relevant Vietnamese authorities at national as well as provincial
level worked together intensively, both at technical and managerial level.

The Work Plan (see Annex 3.), signed by the appropriate management level within MONRE,
allowed for an eight months process, with limited funds and therefore restrictions in the execution of
the work plan. Given these restrictions and or limitations, we can be proud of the result. Before you
lies a document that constitutes a firm foundation for the further development and implementation of
ICZM in Vietnam, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in the coastal zone.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which was established three years ago, in late
2005 prepared its first five-year plan for the period 2006-2010. The proposal for that five-year plan
includes the development of a National ICZM Strategy to be established and signed by the
Vietnamese Government. Such a formal National ICZM Strategy would need to be produced by
involving a larger number of Vietnamese stakeholders from national, provincial as well as coastal
district level. Such a National ICZM Strategy would need to be created in the coming years
following a proper participative process, and should have the widely sought levels of ownership and
details to embed the National ICZM Strategy into decision making operations in the lower levels of
administration.

The Vietnam ICZM Strategy for 2020 and Orientation to 2030 must be seen as a draft framework
for ICZM in Vietnam and as such communicated to the relevant governmental authorities at various
levels for awareness raising, guidance and support. The consent of this strategy will permit the
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to use it as a guiding document for its intended
development of the National ICZM Strategy, in line with the proposed five-year plan, and seek
Prime Ministerial approval for the National ICZM Strategy by the year 2008.

1.1 Rationale for a Vietnamese ICZM Strategy

The fast economic growth in the fragile Vietnamese coastal zone environment unavoidably leads to
environmental degradation and resource use conflicts if this growth is not planned in an integrated
and sustainable way. ICZM is an approach to address this issue. Besides being about protection of
the environment, ICZM acknowledges the wise and long-term use of natural resources that supports
the economic development and reduces poverty that still exists in the coastal zone.

Agenda 21 approved at the Earth Summit on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro,
1992, regarded Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) as an appropriate model for
sustainable development and encouraged countries with coastal zones to apply the ICZM model.
Since then, many countries initiated ICZM programs and achieved encouraging results. The
importance and practical need of the ICZM model was stressed once more during the 2002
Johannesburg Summit on Sustainable Development.

In 1993, the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam adopted Resolution 03-NQ/TW, dealing
with comprehensive sea economic development. The implementation was arranged through
Directive 399/TTG, which specified tasks such as sea economic development planning, international
cooperation in sea-related issues, legal framework strengthening, policy formulation and enhance
state management in sea-related issues.

Many international organizations (like UNEP, IMO, UNDP, ADB, World Bank) and individual
countries and regions in the world initiated ICZM projects and programs. Europe for instance
designed a specific and challenging program, aimed at coordinating the numerous national ICZM
programs along its 89.000 km of coastline. Many countries having a coastal zone, including

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Vietnam embraced ICZM as the ‘solution’ to coastal zone challenges like environmental
degradation, using a large variety of concepts in policy making and implementation.

ICZMs’ strength lies in the fact that it can link different (sector) policies and strategies that influence
the management of coastal zones with each other. It brings about ‘wise use’ management and
planning of all coastal resources in the context of their interaction and spatial distribution.

With a focus on natural resources management and environmental protection for the coastal zone,
ICZM in Vietnam is gradually receiving more attention. Several provinces in Vietnam (Nam Dinh,
Thua Thien Hue, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Da Nang, Quang Ninh and Quang Nam) tested the ICZM
model and developed their specific strategies and associated action plans for implementation. The
ICZM initiatives, between 2000 and 2005 had a considerable impact on marine and coastal natural
resources and environmental management, resulting in provincial ICZM strategies, approved and
signed by the Provincial Peoples Committees. Now several more coastal provinces have expressed
their interest to start ICZM activities.

Based on the encouraging achievements in these Provinces, the Government of Vietnam has decided
to extend the number of coastal provinces where ICZM will be implemented. This initiative and
others like the new livelihood improvement program for the coastal communities, require proper
linkage and fine-tuning between them, to guaranty successful implementation of ICZM throughout
the coastal zone of Vietnam. Apart from the provincial ICZM implementation, the Vietnamese
Government is taking action regarding coastal zone related policies and strategies on regional as
well as national level.

On 4 February 2004, the Prime Minister issued the Official letter No. 494/VPCP-KG appointing
MONRE as the Vietnamese contact point to take the lead in coordinating the implementation of the
“Sustainable Development Strategy for the South Asian Sea” (approved by the 12 member countries
of the PEMSEA Regional Program on 12 December 2003 in Putrajaya, Malaysia), with relevant
Ministries and local coastal zone authorities.

At the national level MONRE is formulating the “ICZM program for the Northern Central Region
and Central Coastal Region” in line with the Decision No. 113/2005/QD-TTg dated 20 May 2005 of
the Prime Minister, which announces the Government’s Action Plan to implement the Politburo’s
Resolution No. 39-NQ/TW dated 16 August 2004 on socio-economic development and assurance of
national defense and security in the Northern Central Region and Central Coastland. MONRE, in its
draft five-year plan (2006-2010) also outlined a number of ICZM activities that should be
implemented in the coming period.

In addition MONRE and MPI are drafting Vietnam’s Marine and Coastal Economic Development
Strategy until 2010 and a Comprehensive Project proposal on Baseline Survey and Management of
Marine Natural Resources and Environment, to submit to the Prime Minister by mid 2006.

Furthermore, the Government considers the formulation of ICZM activities for provinces in the Red
River delta, within the framework of the Red River delta Regional Socio-economic development
program, providing an opportunity to link ICZM with River Basin Management.

On the first of March 2006, the Government of Vietnam launched the integrated project on basic
survey and management of marine natural resources and environment to 2010 and vision 2020,
promulgated by Decision 47/2006/QD-TTG. In view of the fact that this project will be
implemented under MONRE and that its objectives are in line with ICZM, an opportunity emerges
to incorporate a planned ICZM Promotion and Support unit (see Strategic Component 2, objective
2.3 of the strategy) in Project 47 within MONRE.

Concerned ministries and sectors are recognizing the important role of ICZM in streamlining
development planning on the national, provincial, district and commune level. Because ICZM

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implementation is generally focused on district and commune level challenges and solutions, overall
National directives and guidance for the implementation of ICZM on provincial level are needed.

That is why a National ICZM Strategy, providing for solid coordination/facilitation of ICZM
activities, assuring cross-boundary intra-provincial, regional or international coordination and
cooperation is needed.

1.2 Aims of the ICZM strategy

The Vietnam Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy aims to:

• Provide an orientation up to 2030 for ICZM in Vietnam, addressing long-term issues, based on
the shared vision outlined in the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia
(Putrajaya Declaration) and formulated in line with chapter 4 of the Strategic Orientation for
Sustainable Development in Vietnam. The orientation gives a clear vision as well as the
translation of that vision into policy and policy implementation.
• Provide action framework for ICZM in the period until 2020 (institutional setting, improved
policy framework & legislation, facilitate development & implementation of ICZM at local
level).
• Facilitate ICZM by improving the coordination among ministries, sectors, agencies, and
organizations on National, Provincial, District and Commune level.
• Provide effective ICZM in the period until 2020, through a proper institutional setting, an
improved policy framework, and improved legislation.
• Provide and strengthen ICZM capacity at all levels of government.
• Raise awareness among decision makers and stakeholders by providing information on the state
of the coastal zone, policy framework, institutional setting and methods for ICZM regarding the
main coastal zone issues in Vietnam.
• Monitor and evaluate the status of implementation of the ICZM Strategy as a cyclic process.

1.3 Scope
A large number of countries and regions in the world developed strategies or strategic plans on
ICZM. These widely publicized documents provide a vital orientation for activities of exploitation,
conservation, restoration and sustainable development of natural resources and environment in the
coastal zones of these countries and regions. Several of these documents had useful elements
relevant to the Vietnamese situation and were used to formulate this strategy.

The drafting of a Vietnam coastal zone management strategy document can be seen first and
foremost as the result of discussions among all relevant stakeholders and will give a clear view on
how Vietnam wants to implement ICZM. In other words, it declares the official government policy
with regard to ICZM and sets out the way this should be implemented.

The Strategy is directed towards the introduction of the Vietnam ICZM objectives (distributed over
6 strategic components) until 2020 and proposes specific actions and tasks to achieve these goals,
concentrating on anchoring ICZM in the decision-making processes. The scope of the strategy
encompasses three pillars:

1. The conservation and wise-use of the natural resources;

2. Protection of the natural coastal values and
3. Supporting sustainable economic development and the livelihood of the population in the
coastal zone.

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Long-term main ICZM issues are defined for the year 2030 through its orientation. From this more
short term objectives are derived, first until the year 2020, to be updated regularly, following M&E
concepts.

It is envisaged that this proposed strategy framework will form the basis for the development of a
final Vietnamese National ICZM Strategy, outlining the Vietnamese ICZM orientation 2030, ICZM
objectives up to 2020 and an ICZM legal and institutional framework to seek Prime Ministerial
approval that would be available for the various sector authorities when preparing their ten-year
plans (2010-2020).

1.4 Main contents

Following the rationale, aim and scope in the introduction, the document describes the Vietnamese
coastal zone in terms of its land and sea boundary, human resources, natural resources and values
and its economic development perspectives in chapter two. Chapter three describes the main uses of
the natural resources of Vietnam’s coastal zone.

In chapter four it furthermore explains the threats that face the Vietnamese coastal zone like over-
exploitation of natural resources (for major resources such as, fisheries, mangrove, coral, wetland,
coastal forests), environmental pollution, poverty and illiteracy, natural disasters (flooding,
inundation, storm and storm surges, coastal erosion) and trans-boundary issues.

In response to better manage, prevent and or mitigate the existing and future threats and its
underlying causes, chapter five outlines an overall approach to reach the shared ICZM orientation
2030, overall ICZM objective for 2020 and guiding principles leading to sustainable development of
the coastal zone of Vietnam, based on the ICZM approach developed and tested by the MONRE
VNICZM Project.

Consequently, actions for implementation are outlined in chapter six. Different objectives are given
under six main strategic components, set to achieve the orientation 2030 and overall objective 2020.
For each objective, actions and monitoring indicators are proposed.

The last chapter describes how the strategy should be implemented particularly focusing on the
organisational matter, the role of the different stakeholders and the monitoring and evaluation
mechanisms.

2 The Coastal Zone of Vietnam

2.1 Definition of the coastal zone
The Coastal zone is a mixed area of coastal land and coastal sea, where the two have strong
interaction. It is characterized by complex hydrodynamic, morphological and ecological processes,
which are closely interrelated. As the coastal zone
has plentiful natural resources of many kinds, it is
can ensure the livelihood for increasing numbers of
Coastal zone
Terrestrial (natural) Marine people. Therefore, the coastal zone is characterized
environment environment by a high pressure of human activities, resulting in
accelerating unsustainable exploitation of natural
Coastal zone resources and deterioration of the coastal resource
(managerial)
base. Due to the high pressures and wide variety of
activities, the issues and concerns in the coastal
zones are much more diverse and complicated than
Human those in other areas.
activities
Figure 1 coastal spheres of interaction

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The coastal zone is defined in many ways, depending on the objectives of specific programs, plans
or actions. In this Strategy we define the coastal zone as follows:

Geographically it is the area of coastal land and sea, where the interaction between them is
significant.

In terms of Management the coastal zone is defined relatively, depending on the administrative
boundaries, management objectives and management issues.

These factors are considered for a certain period of time, set up for an ICZM project, program, plan
or strategy. Thus, the scope of the coastal zone is completely open, i.e. it could be modified in
accordance with the issues, legal context, as well as the concerns and management capacity of the
local government. The cyclic process of ICZM allows for this flexible approach.

Map 1 Coastal Zone

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Vietnam’s coastal zone defined within the framework of this Strategy and in geographical terms is
described as follows:

• On the land part, it consists of all the coastal districts (116 in totals), the island districts within
the Vietnam’s territorial waters (10) and some non-coastal districts, having strong interrelations
with the sea, usually through river estuaries (24). The list of the districts belonging to the coastal
zones is given in the Annex 1.
• On the sea part, it includes the Vietnam’s coastal water defined as the area for near shore and
onshore fishing proposed by the fishery sector1. Basically, such a seaward boundary of the
coastal zone is very close to the baseline (either in the inner or outer side). Thus, the marine part
of the coastal zone of Vietnam has an area of about 1 million km2, with the coastline of over
3260 km long and more than 3000 big and small islands. It is seen that the proposed marine area
of Vietnam’s coastal zone covers all the water areas managed and exploited by concerned
sectors (such as sea port development, marine transport, tourism and fisheries for onshore and
nearshore fishing) Vietnam’s coastal zone is shown in Map 1.

2.2 Main values of the coastal zone

The coastal zone provides a wealth of ecological and recreational values. With a long coastline and
different climatic, hydrological and morphological regimes, the coastal zone of Vietnam is endowed
with breathtaking landscapes like sand beaches, dunes, cliffs, swamp lands, mangrove forests,
lagoons, bays, islands and coral reefs.

Specifically the white and gently sloping sand beaches in Da Nang, Hoi An (Quang Nam), Nha
Trang (Khanh Hoa) and Vung Tau have been well-known to foreign tourists; Ha Long Bay with
thousands of green islands forms an unique landscape in the world and has been recognized as the
World’s Natural Heritage since 1994. In 2003, Phong Nha-Ke Bang was recognized as a world
natural heritage. This is a typical Karst area for Vietnam and the world.

The coastal zone also possesses a large variety of marine ecosystems, providing the local economy
and communities with abundant source of raw materials and food. These ecosystems are rich in
terms of biodiversity and primary production. Many of the species in these systems have high
economic value, especially sea fish, lobsters, shellfish, etc. and many of them are listed as rare and
precious species in the Red Book of Vietnam (37 species of fish, 5 species of lobster, 27 species of
mollusk and 3 species of cephalopod) and that of IUCN.

Many ancient historical and unique cultural sites can be found in the coastal zone. Cultural values
are illustrated in the lifestyle, philosophy and thinking of the Vietnamese. In coastal zones, in
addition to UNESCO recognized heritages like Ha Long and Phong Nha-Ke Bang with a
breathtaking landscape, the Vietnamese ancestors left behind a series of unique cultural values,
demonstrated in Hoi An, My Son and Hue. The Nguyen and Tay Son Dynasties built Hue into a
cultural centre. In addition to citadels, palaces, etc., in 1993, Hue was named a world cultural
heritage.

With over 70 stone and rock architectures built between the 7th and 13th centuries, My Son was a
centre of the Champa Kingdom. In December 1999, My Son was recognized as a world cultural
heritage for two reasons: a typical example of cultural interaction and a reflection of the historical
and cultural development of the Champa in the history of South East Asia.

Marine and coastal landscapes have become potential for developing eco-tourism, combined with
diving, fishing, cruising, explorations in primitive forests, and tours to coastal traditional trade
villages.

1
It is being revised and considered for approval, hence it would be described in details later.

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Oil and gas represent an important economic value for the people of Vietnam. The oil and gas
reserve of Vietnam is fourth placed among the ASEAN countries, after Malaysia, Indonesia and
Philippines. Besides oil and gas the coastal zone is rich in coal and other minerals like titanium,
sand, glass, kaolin and clay. According to Le Quy An 2004, 500 mines and quarries with 64
minerals are found in the coastal zone, including fuels, metals, non-metals, precious stones and
mineral water. Mineral sand of precious elements like titan and zircon have been found along the
coast.

2.3 Physical characteristics of the coastal zone

Vietnam is rather long and narrow, with a diverse topography. Its coastline extends from the
Chinese border in the north to the frontier with Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. In the north, the
highlands slope gradually in the direction of the eastern coast, forming wide plains intersected by
abundant rivers and streams.

In central Vietnam, the narrowest part of the country, the mountains and highlands extend closer to
the coast, extending into the sea or descending sharply to the coastal plain. Southern Vietnam is very
low lying, containing the broad, fertile delta of the Mekong River system.

In some areas, such as east of the Central Highlands and north of the Red River Delta, the mountains
extend directly into the sea. This creates a number of protected harbors suitable for shipping,
including those of the port cities of Da Nang, Qui Nhon, and Nha Trang. The rest of the coastal
areas are flatlands, formed through alluvial soils deposits of Vietnam’s rivers. This process has
created triangular, flat deltas, like the Red River and Mekong River.

Continental and east sea climate, the northeast monsoon in winter and the southwest monsoon
influence the Vietnam coastal zone in summer. It can be divided into 4 areas of distinctive climate.
Going down south, the average temperature gradually increases from 230C to 260C. This assures that
the coastal zone can completely meet the energy demand and provide favourable conditions for the
human livelihood and the development of fauna and flora. In general, rainfall is abundant all over
the country with annual rainfall exceeding 1000 mm almost everywhere. Most rainfall in the south
and center occurs during the summer months when monsoon winds come in from the sea. The
Mekong Delta has the longest rainy season.

Vietnam coastline is more than 3260 km long and is partitioned by many large rivers. On the
average, there is an estuary at every 30 km section of the coastline. This has created diverse nutrient
rich ecological systems in bays, lagoons and estuaries, providing conditions for a diverse and
abundant plant and animal life. Reaching the sea, the rivers create three types of characteristic
landscapes:

• Deltas developing towards the sea on subsiding zones, predominantly controlled by river
dynamics, where sedimentation exceeds erosion (e.g. Hong and Mekong river deltas). In the
coastal region with long shore drift of sand and high-energy waves, there are feather-shaped
deltas (e.g. Thu Bon, Ben Thuy or Phan Ri River deltas).
• Estuaries developing land inward, through a process predominantly controlled by sea (tide)
dynamics, on subsiding zones where there is insufficient sediment and the accumulation is
lower than the erosion (e.g. Bach Dang and Dong Nai estuary).
• Neutral river mouths developing in coastal areas with a seasonally alternation between the
sea and rivers, in relative subsiding zones rich in sand moving along the shore (e.g. from
Thanh Hoa to Binh Thuan and Vung Tau).

The sea area and coastal zone of Vietnam can be divided into three regions; the Bac Bo (Tonkin)
Gulf, Central Vietnam and South Vietnam. Each region has different marine characteristics. In the

11
northern and southern sea areas, the marine hydrological regime is strongly influenced by the
systems of big rivers, including the Red River and the Mekong River.

The tidal range decreases from Mong Cai (4.5 m) to Thuan An Mouth (0.5 m), then increased when
going down south (3.8 m) and lastly gradually reduces when going towards the Gulf of Thailand
(0.9 - 1.2 m). Along the coastline from Mong Cai to Thuan An, the tidal regime changes from
regular diurnal to irregular diurnal, then to irregular semi-diurnal; while along the rest of the
coastline, it changes from irregular diurnal to irregular semi-diurnal and finally to the regular
diurnal, but with a much smaller tidal range.

The average wave height increases from the north to the south (about 1 m); while it’s maximum
value gradually decreases. In the northeast monsoon season, the dominating wave directions are
northeast and north, with the average height within the range of 0.8 – 1 m and the maximum height
of 3.5 – 4.0 m. In the southwest monsoon season, the dominating wave directions are southeast and
south at the western coast of the Gulf of Tonkin, and west and southwest along the coast from Hai
Van to the Gulf of Thailand. The average wave height is about 0.7 – 0.9 m and the maximum height
is 3.5 m. In unusual conditions, the maximum wave height can reach up to 9 m.

The current in near shore areas has a high speed, which can reach 1.0 m/s. The current direction is
often parallel to the coastline, except at river estuaries. At river estuaries, lagoons and bays; the
current changes its direction and speed, depending on the coastal morphology and the river current.
The current speed may range within several cm/s to tens of cm/s. During floods, the current speed
can reach the value of over 2.0 m/s.

2.4 Biological characteristics of the coastal zone

The coastal zone of Vietnam possesses a wide variety of important marine ecosystems. These
ecosystems harbour more than 11,000 species (including over 1,200 species of phyto- and zoo-
plankton; 100 kinds of mangrove trees and plants; 350 species of seaweed; 400 species of corals;
2,500 species of fish and many kinds of molluscs, crustacean, and amphibians, 15 species of sea
grass, and over 6,000 benthic invertebrates.

Typical marine ecosystems of the coastal zones of Vietnam include river estuaries, mangrove
forests, swamplands, beaches, tidal flats, lagoons, coral reefs, seaweed, and soft bed tidal flats. The
area of these ecosystems has been estimated to reach about 10,960 km2.

Forest ecosystem: varies from evergreen humid tropical rainforests to coniferous forests with a
wide variety of animals and plants, creating a valuable biodiversity for the coastal zone. Especially
some forests have been included in the list of national parks in need of special biodiversity
protection.
Island ecosystem: Vietnam has more than 3000 islands, mainly concentrated in the territorial waters
of Quang Ninh province and forming World Natural Heritage sites like Ha Long Bay. Some large
islands, such as Cu Lao Cham (Quang Nam), Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Con Dao and Tho Chu are
characterized with many precious ecosystems and endemic species.
Mangrove forest ecosystem: this type of ecosystem develops well at the areas of river estuaries and
coastal lands in the North and the South. It is very useful for limiting erosion, stabilizing
floodplains, combating waves and winds, protecting the coastline, providing nutrition, habitats and
nurtures for aquatic and wild animals, as well for filtering waste water and maintaining the
ecological balance.
Wetland ecosystem: this is the most special ecosystem in the coastal zone of Vietnam. It includes
river estuaries, mangrove forests, swamplands, tidal flats, lagoons, coral reefs, seaweed cover, and
soft bed tidal flats.

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Coral reef ecosystem: the territorial waters in the Gulf of Bac Bo (Tonkin Gulf) are very rich in
coral reefs, which are found the most around such large islands as Cat Ba, Bach Long Vi, Ha Long
bay, Long Chau. Bach Long Vi is the place where the biggest and most beautiful coral reef of the
Gulf of Bac Bo (Tonkin Gulf) is located.

There are also coral reefs in the central and southern seawaters, particularly around the islands from
Cu Lao Cham to Con Dao, and in the bays of Da Nang and Nha Trang.

At present there are about 1,122 km2 of coral reefs, distributed widely from the North to the South
and concentrated at the Central coastal water and the Paracel and Spratly archipelagos.
Approximately 2,000 species of benthos, fish and other aquatic beings live in the coral reefs.

Map 2 Biological Characteristics

The coral reefs are the habitats and nursery areas for aquatic animals, especially those of high
economic value such as lobster, grouper, etc. In addition, coral reefs also function to protect the
coastline and provide services for diving tourism.

13
Sea grass ecosystem: In Vietnam, 14 species of sea grasses belonging to 4 families, 9 branches
have been identified. Sea grass is mostly allocated at the coastal estuaries in the tidal areas of up to
3-6 m depth, e.g. in the territorial waters of Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Nam Dinh, Thua Thien Hue,
Khanh Hoa, Da Nang, Con Dao and Phu Quoc.

The seaweed ecosystem provides food for animals and plays a very important role in keeping the
ecological balance and conditioning the water environment. The seaweed cover can be considered as
the habitat and growing environment for many kinds of fish. It also regulates the wave energy,
changes the chemical composition of sedimentation and water in the border sea, stabilizing the
seabed and coastline, enriching water bodies as well as providing nurseries for aquatic animals. In
the coastal zones of Vietnam there are totally 15 species of seaweed recorded with the total area of
5,583 ha.

While coastal and marine ecosystems are represented in a number of Special Use Forests,
comprehensive planning for a national MPA system began only a few years ago. In 2001, Nha Trang
Bay was confirmed as Vietnam's first marine protected area (MPA). A national system of 17 MPAs
is being proposed, including the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site.

Map 3 Marine Protected and other conservation areas in the coastal zone

14
 2.5 People in the coastal zone
Coastal districts of Vietnam have a population of about 18 million people, accounting for nearly one
fourth of the total population of the country, while the area of the coastal districts occupies only 16%
of the total area of the country.

Map 4 Population Density

Though the population continues to grow in coastal provinces (43,842,100 people in 1999 and
45,875,200 in 2004), the growth rate is lower than the national average (76,325,000 in 1999 and
82,609,000 in 2004).

Coastal zones are witnessing a reverse trend. The population has dropped from 20.3 million in 1999
to 19.9 million in 2004. The causes are a redefinition of districts’ administrative borders and
migration to other areas. In 2004, population density was 328/km2 and is unevenly distributed: high
in northern delta, central delta and Mekong delta. Furthermore, the population concentrates in
coastal urban areas like coastal cities, towns and townships. In those areas with harsh climate, arid
soil and unfavorable conditions in Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, Ninh Thuan, Binh

15
Thuan and Kien Giang, population density is much lower. Those provinces are also vulnerable to
natural disasters such as floods, droughts and desertification.

About 50% of major urban towns of Vietnam are located in the coastal zone. 23.1% of the
population in the coastal zone is living in towns and urban areas, of which Da Nang and Ho Chi
Minh City have the highest percentage of urban residents. It is estimated that in 2010 the
urbanisation rate in the coastal towns and cities will be in the order of 35%, increasing to over 40%
in 2025.The living conditions of people in the coastal zone improved in recent years. Income and
expense level per person increased. Almost all coastal communes are supplied with electricity, have
a reasonable road system, schools and health care service centres.

However, most of the people currently living in the coastal zone are earning for their living from
agricultural production, fish catching and aquaculture (accounting for 58% in the coastal provinces).
Their livelihood is mainly relying on the marine resources and they are also the most vulnerable to
the sea-related natural disasters, such as storm and floods.

In the coastal provinces, the unemployment rate is still high (at about 6-7%) and the working time
rate is rather low (only about 72-76%). Especially, the number of qualified laborers is limited (only
7.8% of laborers are university or college graduates). Most of them are manual workers. However,
these are hard-working people, who would become good owners of multi-facetedly developed
coastal zones in the future as long as they are given opportunities to be trained.

There are several ethnics living in the coastal zone. They all have their own cultural background,
creating cultural diversity and richness, which is expressed through all dimensions of life such as
culinary practice, clothing, familial relations, festivities, habits, traditions, practices, languages.

Diverse ethnicity and religions in the coastal zones are on the one hand an advantage, and on the
other hand, a challenge for the development process, which should be based on the principle of
equity and respect of cultural characteristics of every group of people in the coastal zone. The
coastal zone of Vietnam has a long-standing history and typical cultural features based on the
ancient Vietnamese paddy-rice civilization, which is well harmonized with the Indian and Chinese
cultures.

3 Main uses of the natural resources of Vietnam’s coastal zone

The abundant natural resources of the coastal zone are the reason of its intensive inhabitation and
exploitation. The following paragraphs describe main uses of the coastal zone.

3.1 Intensifying socio-economic activities

The last ten years, thanks to the Doi Moi policy, the national economy of Vietnam in general and its
coastal zone in particular, achieved a strong growth and development. The economic growth rate is
over 7% and fairly stable.

Economic development has shifted to %

industrialization and urbanization. In 2004, 45
industry and construction accounted for 36.6% of 40
35
the economic output; services (including tourism 30
39.1%; agriculture, forestry and fishery 24%.)The 25
20
expected outputs for the year 2010 will be 40%; 15
43 %; and17% respectively–(see Figure 2). 10
5
0
Industry- Services Agricututr-
Construction Forestry-
Figure 2 GDP in 2004 and projected for 2010 2004 Fishries
2010

16
 3.2 Ports and shipping
Along the coastline, many places have ideal natural conditions for seaport development that could
contribute significantly to the marine
x 1000 T economy of the country. At present,
25000 there are 106 large and small ports
20000 with nearly 24,000 m of quays and 10
15000 trans-shipping zones. Total land area
10000 for storage and other activities at ports
5000 is up to 10 millions m2. There are 8
0 national multifunction ports, including
1990 1995 2000 2004 Cai Lan, Hai Phong, Cua Lo, Da Nang,
Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Min
Total tonnage
City and Can Tho. According to the
Volume of domestic sea transport statistical data of 2003; the fleet of
Volume of international sea transport Vietnam had 880 ships with a tonnage
of about 2,551,000.

Figure 3 Total load capacity and tonnage of Vietnam’s merchant marine fleet

Due to geographic and topographic features, the inland waterway transport concentrates mainly in 2
regions: Red River and Mekong River Deltas. The passenger transport in the South accounts for
83% of passengers and 90% of
passenger km. 140

120
In recent years, Vietnam’s marine,
inland waterway, road railway and 100
airway transport has developed in
a positive way, supporting 80

domestic transport and trading 60

with neighbouring countries.
Infrastructure in the coastal zone 40

is of high importance for coastal

zone development. 20

0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Figure 4 Amount of commodity circulated through seaports of Vietnam

It is important to note that the transport infrastructure system in remote areas is under developed, the
accident rate is still high, as is the transport cost in comparison with product price, and particularly
the associated environmental pollution, which has not been adequately addressed.

Apart from the three focal economic zones of Vietnam, including Ha Noi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh
in the North, Da Nang - Quang Nam - Quang Ngai - Dung Quat in the Central and Ho Chi Minh
City - Ba Ria - Vung Tau in the South of Vietnam, industrial zones are scattered throughout the
coastal provinces. These zones within or outside the economic zones are mostly concentrated in the
coastal zone near river ports, seaports and in areas with good transport systems.

17
 Map 5 Transport systems and routes in the coastal zone of Vietnam

3.3 Mining (Oil, gas, coal and minerals)

Oil and gas are among the most important mineral resources in the coastal zone and continental
shelf. Crude oil is fast becoming the most important export product of Vietnam, bringing revenue to
the country and contributing to the stabilization of the national budget. The oil and gas reserves of
Vietnam are fourth placed among the ASEAN countries, after Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines.

Distribution of oil and gas sources mainly concentrates in the southern sea and continental shelf of
Vietnam. At present, crude oil is being exploited in Tiger White, Dragon, Rang Dong and Dai Hung
offshore oil wells. Exploitation outputs of crude oil were more than 17.6 million tons in the year
2003 (3.05 billion m3 of gas). The objective for the year 2010 is that about 30 million tons of crude
oil would be produced.

18
 Map 6 Mineral Resources

The coal exploitation activities in the coastal provinces are concentrated in Hon Gai and Cam Pha
coalmine areas of Quang Ninh province. Coal output in 2003 was 18.3 million tons.

Almost all mineral deposits and building material mines are distributed in the coastal provinces, for
example: Titanium mines, with the total reserve of about 5 million tons. The building materials
consist of sand, glass, kaolin and clay, with the reserve of 20 million tons.

3.4 Fishing and aquaculture

Fishing and aquaculture development has created permanent jobs in fishing, aquaculture and
seafood processing for more than 3.4 million people, of which 484,000 people were working in
fishing, 102,000 people in seafood processing and 2,146,000 people in fisheries related services.
Seafood ensures to provide approximately 40% of resident's animal protein intake.

19
Fisheries export is over 10% of total national export value, ranking third after crude oil and
garments exports. Because Vietnam’s coast has many river mouths, lagoons, mangrove forests and
bays, its potential for development of aquaculture is significant.

Map 7 Allocation of aquaculture zones

Furthermore, the aquaculture sector in Vietnam is of fundamental importance for the livelihood of
the coastal population, as well as for export revenues.

Development of aquaculture is also seen as a condition to create jobs for the growing number of
fishermen that have to turn to other kinds of employment due to overexploitation of the stocks in the
coastal zone.

The potential for aquaculture production in Vietnam is illustrated by the Governments intention of
nearly doubling the production, to 1.1 million tons (562,000 tons in 1998) within the next decade.
As the catch of fish in marine waters can sustain at the level reached in recent years, i.e. close to 1.2

20
million tons per year, the 1999-2010 master plan focuses on developing coastal zone aquaculture
and farming of species that have a high export value. The goal is that additionally 2 million people
shall be employed in the aquaculture sector before 2010. Hence, aquaculture development is
considered important for livelihoods in coastal areas of Vietnam.

3.5 New economic zones

Currently, new economic zones in Vietnam’s coastal zone are being established (such as Chu Lai,
Dung Quat, Chan May-Lang Co). The coastal zone is a place, where minerals are extracted, such as
oil and gas on the continental shelf and various deposits (titanium, iron and glassware sand) at coast
and in the estuaries.

Map 8 Pressure from socio-economic development on the coastal zone

21
 3.6 Tourism
Tourism has been recognized as a key industry in contributing to Vietnam's economy, and the
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism was established for the sole purpose of directing and
controlling this industry. Foreign investment in Vietnam's tourism industry was usually in the form
of joint ventures. Total foreign investment continuously increases.

Map 9 Tourism

The Vietnamese government actively encouraged foreign hotel investment in three special zones,
which have great potential for the development of tourism and recreational service industry.

• Northern Tourism Area - large hotels and leisure complexes in Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Quang
Ninh; resorts along the beaches of Do Son, Bai Chay, and Ha Long, and in the mountains of
Tam Dao, Ba Vi, Ninh Binh, and Sa Pa.
• Central Tourism Area - tourist facilities in Da Nang, Hue, and Quang Tri, emphasizing cultural
adventure and nature-based activities.

22
• Southern Tourism area - deluxe hotels and resorts in Ho Chi Minh City, Bien Hoa, Ba Ria,
Vung Tau, and nearby areas, catering to the business and conference market.

Table 1. Hotel Room Needed in Vietnam by 2000 and 2010

The coastal zone of
Types of Hotels Year 2000 (Rooms) Year 2010 (Rooms) Vietnam has a great
Budget Hotel 25,270 51,200 potential of tourism and
Business/Luxury Hotel 13,760 28,240 adequate for developing
Total Room Needed 39,300 79,440 tourism with plentiful and
diverse products. The area
well-known for many clean and nice beaches and resorts with breathtaking landscapes and healthy
climate. Many ancient historical and unique cultural vestiges can be found here that indicates the
importance of the coastal zones.
Mil. visits
Marine and coastal landscapes have 20
become potential targets for
developing eco-tourism, combined 15
with sea swimming, fishing,
cruising, explorations in primitive 10
forests, and tours to coastal
traditional trade villages. 5

0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Foreign visitors Domestic visitor Total

Figure 5 Increase of tourist’s number

(Source: General Department of Tourism; Statistical data, 2005)

4 Threats to the coastal zone and its causes

The steady increase in population of Vietnam has amplified the pressure on the coastal resources,
leading to unsustainable forms of resource exploitation, increase in environmental pollution and
decrease in productivity of the resources. The main threats to the sustainability of the coast and its
resources are:

1. Unsustainable use of natural resources

2. Degradation of ecosystems
3. Environmental pollution
4. Natural and environmental disasters
5. Population pressure
6. Conflicts of interest between coastal stakeholders
7. Management and cooperation mechanisms in use and protection of the coastal zone
environment

4.1 Unsustainable use of natural resources

On of the biggest threats to the coastal zone natural resources is the constant over-exploitation or
use of destructive measures to exploit natural resources, resulting in a quickly diminishing natural
resource base, thus seriously impacting to the long term economy and community livelihoods. The
decline of natural resources and ecosystems is manifested by:

• A decline in biological and water resources

• A reduction of the ecosystems area
• A declining quality of living environment in ecosystems
• A steady degradation of farmland

23
Declining fish reserves
Fish reserves decreased from 4 million tons in 1990 to less than 3 million tons nowadays. Catching
capacity also decreased (from 0,92
Tons ton/cv in 1990 to 0,35 ton/cv in
400000
2002). The portion of fishes of
350000
high economic value significantly
300000
decreased. The average size of fish
250000
reduced and the species variety
200000 decreased.
150000
100000
Figure 6 Seafood catching over
50000
period 1991-2001
0 Source: Ministry of Fishery. Development
master plan of fishery sector, 2000-2010
Total production Total catching capacity Catching efficiency

Causes
The main causes leading to this decline are the increase in fish export, resulting in a yearly catch that
cannot be sustained by the available stock. Furthermore illegal and destructive fishing methods like
explosives, cyanic, electricity, etc. that not only reduce the sea resources but also damage the fish
habitats.

Water resources decline

Coastal provinces are vulnerable to droughts. Though not long, severe droughts lead to lack of water
for life and farming. Coastal provinces in the centre have witnessed signs of desertification and
drought since last decade. However, time and extent of drought vary from place to place. Central
South Delta is mostly affected by drought. Drought also gives rise to forest fire like the U Minh
forest fire, which damaged 4,423 ha. The Mekong Delta is also affected by the droughts, affecting
about 2 million. Furthermore 1.4 million ha is contaminated by salt intrusion. 235,000 ha of summer
autumn rice suffers from water shortage. A total cost for water pumping amounts to 23 billion
VNDs.
In Vam Co Dong River, the salt level reached 1.33% in Ben Luc, 76 km from the sea. In Vam Co
Tay, the salt level is 1.15% in Tan An, 80 km from the sea. More seriously, the whole Ben Tre has
been salt-contaminated. Hundreds of thousands of ha of fruit, coconut, sugar cane, etc., are being
threatened. (MONRE, 2005)

Causes
Main causes for declining water resources are climate change and uncontrolled use for a wide
variety of industrial, household and farmland uses. Droughts in central coast of Vietnam are a major
cause of environmental degradation.

Mineral resources decline

Due to the large-scale economic development, the mineral resources of the coastal zone are
exploited to the limit. It must however be realized that most of these resources are not renewable and
can only be harvested once.

4.2 Ecosystems degradation

Mangrove area
The total area of mangrove forest in Vietnam in 1943 was 408,500 ha. In 1962, the area had
decreased to 290,000 ha in, and by 2000, 155,290 ha were left. In the Northeast area (Quang Ninh),
the mangrove area decreased from 39,400 ha to 22,969 ha due to the destruction for urbanization,
industrial zone development, tourism and aquaculture in Hon Gai, Yen Hung, Tien Yen, Cam Pha.

24
In the Coastal North area, it increased from 7,400 ha to 20,842 ha. In the Central Coastal area, it
decreased from 14,300 ha to 3,000 ha due to the conversion of mangrove forest into agriculture,
industrial and urban lands. In the
Southeast Coastal area, it decreased
from 65,800 ha to 26,092 ha; it is Mangrove forest decline since 1943
mainly occurred in the areas of
Rung Sat, Bien Hoa, Can Gio, Ba 2000 155,290
Ria - Vung Tau as a result of
agricultural, aquaculture, industrial 1982 252,000

and urban development. In the Year

1962 290000
Southwest Coastal area, it strongly
decreased from 126,000 ha to
1943 408,500
82,387 ha due to the conversion of
land into aquaculture ponds and 0 100000 200000 300000 400000 500000
that for construction of irrigation Area(ha)
systems against flood and salinity
penetration to the rice fields. (Sources T Paul Maurand, 1943; Rollet, 1962; IFIP, 1982;
Institute of Forestry of Vietnam, 2000).

Figure 7 Mangrove Forest Decline

Although there are programs and projects on recovering/cultivation of mangrove forest in some
provinces, some mangrove areas are still disappearing due to aquaculture ponds and urban
development.

Causes
Main causes for the decline in mangrove area are the reclamation at the coast for example
aquaculture, urban development and destruction of forest for other economic development purposes.

4.2.1 Coral reefs

The area of coral reefs has decreased, in some areas on more than 30%. The fast growth of some
harmful species in the reefs and the degradation of coral fishes have been recorded. The hot spots of
coral degradation are Hai Phong – Quang Ninh, Coral quali ty in Vietnam
Nha Trang, and Con Dao.
Very good
Causes Bad 1% Good
26%
Main causes are from Hai Phong to Quang Ninh 31%

(coal extraction, chemicals used in seafood

fishing, waterway transport), Nha Trang (tourist
activities) and Con Dao (typhoons and higher sea Normal

water temperature). 42%

Source: World Resource Institute, 2002, Reefs at risk in

Southeast Asia

Figure 8 Quality of corals

4.2.2 Sea grass

Sea grass areas are degraded, especially by the area reduction (6,774.5 ha (63%) lost in 2003
compared to 1997), decrease of biodiversity and reduction of its recovering capacity. the hot spots of
sea grass degradation is Ha Long Bay and Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon. Causes are mainly
pollution related.

25
 4.3 Environmental pollution
The problem of pollution is quite serious in most coastal areas of Vietnam.

4.3.1 Water pollution

The pollution is caused by the use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture, which result in toxins
in the water, killing fish and declining marine biodiversity. Increase in industrial activities (more
than 10% per year) and their wastewater discharges cause heavy metal pollution. The concentration
of heavy metals in the sea areas near big Vietnamese cities and industrial zones (such as Vung Tau)
has a tendency to increase. Concentration of some toxic chemicals such as cadmium, cobalt, nickel,
copper, arsenic and mercury in some near shore water areas exceed the standard level. Coal mining
produces about 160 million tons of solid waste including soil, gravel and rock, as well as 30-60
million tons of wastewater annually, which enters the coastal zone environment.

The environmental monitoring data during the past 5 years show that the coastal water in some
places is polluted by suspended solids (particularly in the northern and southern Vietnam), nutrients
(particularly in Mekong delta), heavy metals (such as zinc) oil and Coliform. The sediment has a
sign of being polluted in some places, such as by oil in Cua Luc, Cadmium in some areas of Central
Vietnam and mercury in the Southern Vietnam coastal water.

At the areas of mining and mineral processing, Copper, Mercury and radioactive substances pollute
marine water and sediment. The environmental pollution hot spots are Hai Phong – Quang Ninh, Da
Nang – Dung Quat, Ganh Rai – Vung Tau, Rach Gia – Ha Tien and the most sensitive areas are
coastal waters of Red River and Mekong River deltas.

Causes
The pollution is caused by the use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture, which result in toxins
in the water, killing fish and declining marine biodiversity. Increase in industrial activities (more
than 10% per year) oil spill and their wastewater discharges cause heavy metal pollution.

• Most serious pollutants are oil leakage and waste (rubbish and water) dumped into the sea.
• This comes from spontaneous or unplanned socio-economic activities and the ignorance of
organizations and individuals.
• At the same time, investment into infrastructure and pollution prevention remains inadequate.

4.3.2 Soil pollution

The soil degradation has been steadily increasing both in its speed and gravity. 3.2 million ha of
degraded land lies in the plain and coastal land. Much of the land degradation results from both
natural and socio-economic conditions and upstream deforestation.

Causes
Soil environment at Vietnam’s coast has been badly affected by series of problems such as leaching,
erosion, degradation, poor fertility, salinisation, acidification, pollution, drought, desertification,
inundation, organic reduction, landslide, erosion of river banks and sea coast, and losing soil
productivity.

4.4 Natural and environmental disasters

Forecast capacity, prevention and handling of natural disasters (storms, floods, erosion and
aggradations) are limited due to inadequate planning (protective aforestation, dike enforcement,
irrigation system) and implementation of economic development plans in coastal and even inter-land
areas.

26
 4.5 Population pressure
Population pressure is caused by industrialization and urbanization. 60% of the population and 50%
of major towns are in coastal zones. Population density is much higher than the national average.
Population and labor force growth is also higher while natural resources are being exhausted.

4.6 Disputes and conflict of interests

Disputes and conflict of interests between sectors, agencies and individuals are growing without
effective solutions in place since many sectors, agencies, localities and communities are involved in
managing and exploiting the coastal resources. For example, offshore oil exploration and maritime
transport have exerted negative impact on fishing activities, tourism and environmental protection in
coastal zones.

4.7 Management and cooperation mechanisms

The most prominent and powerful inter-sectoral mechanism in sea management in Vietnam is a
combination of both executing socio-economic development policies and preservation of territorial
sovereignty, defense and security of the sea and islands. At the central-level, the Steering Committee
on the East Sea and Islands is chaired by a Deputy Prime Minister. The Standing Division is hosted
by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Many localities
adopt the same Steering Committee model, namely Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Nghe An, Quang Nam,
Da Nang, Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Ca Mau, Kien
Giang, etc.

In fact, sector management authorities have encouraged the adoption of unplanned exploitation and
utilization policies of natural resources in coastal zones. Some agencies have conflicting interests.
Most of sectors and coastal localities follow policies of investing in economic-technological
infrastructure and services for exploitation and utilization of sea and coastal resources. Such
conflicts emerge even in the planning period, demonstrated in lack of linkages between long-term
and short-term interests and those between sectors and localities. Meanwhile legal framework and
law enforcement are not in place to control those conflicts and disputes. Information sharing remains
inadequate due to lack of monitoring and strict sanctions. All those factors testify to the fact that
cooperation is not effective in managing exploitation and utilization of natural resources in coastal
zones. The VNICZM project in 2002 has indicated 6 major causes of the ill management of coastal
zones:

• Inadequate cooperation among management agencies

• Inconsistent or contradicting laws and law-enforcement regulations issued by Ministries and
agencies
• Lack of information and data
• Incompetent and un-qualified management staff
• Limited awareness of the communities, which are overshadowed by short-term benefits and fail
to grasp long-term ones
• Inadequate enforcement of legal regulations and implementation of master plans and long-term
development plans

Functions and tasks related to the coastal management are given to many different sectors and
agencies/organizations. Each sector focuses on its priority areas that leads to conflicts in the use of
land, sea and other resources and causes threats to the sustainability of the coastal zone.

In the consideration for approval of plans, the issues concerning coastal resources and environment
management are not considered in balance between sectors. This leads to limitations in the
implementation of the coastal development plans.

27
Many regulations are of principle nature and administrative management oriented; there is a lack of
regulations on technical matters. Based on its functions and tasks, each sector has to establish its
own regulations. This leads to the formulation of many regulations concerning coastal resource and
environment management. However, they are insufficient because the attention is not given to the
integrated planning and management of common natural resources and environment.

There is a lack of regulations on some specific subjects in the coastal zone, such as the aquaculture
area, buffer zone, protective forest, marine tourism site, eco-tourism site and zoning for
flood/inundation prevention and mitigation. There are no regulations on the planning of construction
on water or the use of specific water area, no regulations on permitted, prohibited and restricted uses
in planned areas.

Although a large number of plans and laws at the national level cover coastal zone issues and related
management arrangements, implementation and enforcement of these plans and laws is often weak.
This has two main reasons: a) these plans and laws are too ambitious or inconsistent; b) the local
capacity to implement the plans is weak.

There is a lack of data and information for the coastal area management, particularly those on
biological resources, environmental indicators and detailed satellite images. Many more types of
data are still needed to support coastal zone management, which cannot be generated easily due to
the lack of funds, equipment and expertise. The available data are not standardized, so it is difficult
to process and use them.

There is a lack of skills and knowledge on the assessment of coastal dynamics and impacts of
construction activities at the coast, environmental impact assessment, planning and implementation
of awareness raising activities, and development of integrated coastal management strategy and
action plans. This creates constraints to making decisions on the use coastal zone and its resources.

People and different organizations are often unaware of the problems and issues related to the use of
the coastal zone and its resources. As a result, many activities are taken, that may threaten the
sustainability of the coastal zone and its resources. Moreover, the officials also are often unaware of
the issues and their causes in the coastal zone. In other words, lack of public awareness also includes
a lack of awareness among officials in different authorities involved in coastal zone management.

In brief, main issues on the managerial, social and legal aspects, concerning the coastal zone, can be
summarised below:

• On the organization/management aspect: there is no single agency executing the unified

management of the use of common resources and environment in the coastal zone.
• On the social aspect: the participation of different stakeholders is inadequate; the perception of
people on the sustainable natural resources and environment management changes slowly
among target group.
• On the legal and regulation aspect: the legislatives documents concerning the coastal zone are
plentiful, but still inadequate.

There is a lack of a comprehensive solution and appropriate tools, facilities for effectively
integrating the laws, regulations policies and plans into the real life.

28
5 Establishing the orientation for 2030 and objectives for 2020
Figure 9 Approach to achieve the Orientation 2030
5.1 Guiding Principles Approach to achieve the Orientation 2030

ICZM in Vietnam will be

based on the principles Resources SHARED
outlined in the ICZM and ORIENTATION
OVERALL
OBJECTIVE 2020
approach that has been Values 2030
worked out and tested by
MONRE (particularly by
VEPA, VNICZM Project and Pressures Strategy
Components
and Objectives
IMO/PEMSEA Project) and Threats SC1 to SC6
other programs or
Activities
organizations.

According to that approach,

ICZM should be implemented through ICZM strategies and action plans at provincial, district and
commune level, to ensure sustainable utilization and environmental protection and conservation in
the maritime belt and coastal zone of Vietnam. Figure 9 shows the approach to be followed to
achieve the shared orientation 2030.

ICZM in Vietnam will be guided by the following principles:

• Implementation will be done through provincial strategies and action plans

• Important national interests will prevail over local interest (e.g. Strategic importance, RAMSAR
sites)
• Will be in line with the orientation 2030 and overall objective 2020
• Coastal resources should be developed in a sustainable way
• ICZM will follow an integrated management approach as developed by MONRE
• All rights of all coastal stakeholders will be respected
• In accordance with sustainable development strategic orientation of Vietnam
• In accordance with international conventions, ratified by Vietnam
• In accordance with existing relevant Vietnamese laws and policies
• Seek cooperation between and participation from various sectors, agencies, state organizations,
provinces, districts, NGOs, private sector and the community, as well as international
organizations, bilateral and multilateral donors should be secured
• Following ICZM approach and methodology, developed and consolidated by MONRE
• Activities within one province or district should not cause damage or pollute neighbouring
provinces or districts and their environment.

5.2 Shared Orientation 2030

The shared orientation for ICZM in Vietnam is based on the shared vision outlined in the
Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (Putrajaya Declaration 12 December
2003, signed by Environment Ministers of 12 PEMSEA participating countries). It is formulated in
line with chapter 4 of the Strategic Orientation
for Sustainable Development in Vietnam Orientation 2030
(Vietnam Agenda 21). The shared orientation
also relies on the desired outcomes on the The Coastal Zone of Vietnam developed and
coastal zone of Vietnam as described above. managed in a sustainable way through
integrated coastal zone management by
It furthermore takes into account the different 2030, to preserve its role as an equitable
development goals and views expressed in source for peoples’ livelihood, safety and
Agenda 21 and different National Strategies economic prosperity for all present and
on Socio-economic Development (2001- future generations to come.
2010), on Comprehensive Poverty Reduction

29
and Growth (2002), on Environment Protection (to 2010) and Orientations (towards 2020), on
Marine Economic Development (to 2020), on Disaster Mitigation and Management (2001 to 2020)
and on National Water Resources Management (2005).

The SDSEA states ” The sustainable resource systems of the Seas of East Asia are a natural heritage
for the people of the region, a medium of access to regional and global markets, and a safeguard for
a healthy food supply, livelihood, economic prosperity and harmonious co-existence for present and
future generations”.

Ecosystems and natural resources in the coastal zones of Vietnam are valuable heritages for the local
people as well as the whole nation and country. They provide access to domestic and international
markets, ensure food supplies and livelihood for the population and revenue for the economy, and
are the places for many generations to live together in peace.

In order to succeed, the orientation 2030 needs the political will and cooperation of all relevant
Departments and Sectors, Political and Societal Organizations, Coastal Provinces and Districts,
Commune and Town PCs and last but not least the Coastal Zone Communities. It also needs the
proper institutional setting of an ICZM Promotion and Support Unit within MONRE (including
provincial and district units) with adequate resources (money and people) that will have the task to
facilitate and coordinate the implementation of this ICZM strategy with all stakeholders involved.

5.3 Desired outcomes of shared orientation

The desired outcomes can be defined from strategies and plans of different sectors, concerning the
use and protection of common resources and environment in the coastal zone:

• Marine and coastal resources, such as coral reefs, seas grass areas, mangroves, coastal protective
forests, etc. to be protected and, where possible, restored.
• Internationally important wetlands, such as lagoons, estuaries, islands and marine ecological
zones, to be put under sound management and developed into high biodiversity zones of
continued international importance.
• Natural coastal landscapes to be kept intact as long-term attractive places for international
tourism and local recreation. Typical cultural and historical values to be kept and maintained.
• Environment to be safe for human health and ecosystems.
• Substantial damages due to natural disasters, especially floods, to be prevented.
• Stable and sustainable development of economic sectors.

5.4 Overall objective 2020

The overall objective of the Vietnam ICZM Strategy is based on the belief in the shared orientation
2030. It voices the immediate mission and essential commitment of all stakeholders involved in
ICZM on how to implement the strategy up to 2020
and ultimately achieve the shared orientation in Objective 2020
2030.
To achieve sustainable development
The overall objective of the Vietnam ICZM Strategy through integrated management of the
gives reason and function to the stakeholders to Vietnam Coastal Zone by creating
achieve effective ICZM implementation. It is inter-sectoral, interagency and inter-
focused on the different activities in the Coastal governmental coordination and
Zone that are outlined in the strategic components
cooperation mechanisms.
and its specific objectives. The overall objective is
straightforward, to achieve sustainable development
through integrated management of the Vietnam Coastal Zone, requesting all stakeholders to work

30
together in harmony towards implementing the Vietnam ICZM Strategy 2020 and achieving the
shared orientation 2030, regardless of Sectoral, Departmental, Provincial and District boundaries.

The overall objective will be achieved through implementation of specific objectives as part of the
strategy, which can be presented as follows:

1. Ensuring the integrity of the Coastal Zone of Vietnam, through improved policies,
legislation and public change in ICZM perception
2. ICZM Mechanisms at National Level developed and implemented
3. Capacity on ICZM strengthened at national, provincial, district and commune level
4. ICZM technical tools such as integrated communication plan, coastal use zoning, integrated
information management system, integrated environmental monitoring programme,
environmental investment and sustainable financing mechanism developed and operational
throughout the Coastal Zone
5. ICZM strategies and actions plans at Provincial, District and Commune level developed and
implemented
6. International and regional ICZM conventions and action plans developed, ratified and
implemented

5.5 Reporting and validity of the Strategy

The Strategy has been drafted as a long-term policy and covers the period 2006 –2020. The strategy
will be reviewed and if needed reformulated and adapted every 5 years.

Every year a report of the activities and strategy progress is sent to the appropriate National
Government level official. After every 5 years an evaluation report is prepared that critically
examines the effectiveness and efficiency of the policy implementation and contains
recommendations for updating or adaptation of the Strategy.

The responsible ICZM unit regularly reports to the Government on the progress via the multi-
sectoral steering and coordination committee, concerning implementation progress (detailing
through Strategic Component 2; Development of ICZM mechanisms at national level).

6 Objectives and actions up to 2020

This chapter outlines the objectives and action plans per objective in order to achieve the desired
outputs mentioned in chapter 5.4. They are divided over 6 strategic components.

6.1 Ensuring the integrity of the Coastal Zone

Presently there are many legal documents related to the coastal zone, but not one of them is fully
comprehensive. Specific regulations adjusting important parts of the coastal zone are still lacking
like regulations for aquaculture areas, eco-tourism and flood control. Many of the existing legal
documents just stop at the level of general principle, showing preference to administrative aspects
and lack specific technical instructions and linkages between sectors and activities in the zone itself.

This Strategic Component describes the actions to be taken to develop policies, needed ICZM
legislation, and public awareness programs for ICZM. ICZM legislation would be the legal
foundation and guide to ensure that ICZM policies are effectively applied in the reality of resources
management, environmental management and development activities in the coastal zone.

31
Strategic Component 1 Ensuring the integrity of the Coastal Zone

Objectives 1.1 Develop, approve and implement an ICZM policy for Vietnam
1.2 Develop a legislation on ICZM and have it approved by the
Government
1.3 Change the public awareness and perception on ICZM for all
stakeholders
1.4 Carry out specific research and or studies

Actions (Obj. 1) 1.1.1 Form a multi-sectoral task force on ICZM policy development
1.1.2 Make an inventory of available ICZM policies developed by
different organizations, programs and/or projects
1.1.3 Write a clear policy on ICZM
1.1.4 Facilitate the approval process of the ICZM policy by the VNG

Actions (Obj. 2) 1.2.1 Constitute an ICZM multi-Sectoral legislation task force

1.2.2 Make an inventory on all available legislation related to the
coastal zone
1.2.3 Develop regulations defining the coastal zone in terms of land
and marine boundaries
1.2.4 Develop regulations on the mandate, functions and
responsibilities of ministries, provincial departments, sectors and
agencies managing and utilizing the coastal zone
1.2.5 Develop regulations on the use of the coastal zone according to
zoning mapping
1.2.6 Develop regulations for ICZM coordination, cooperation,
operation and stakeholder involvement mechanisms
1.2.7 Develop procedures, tools and instructions for ICZM
1.2.8 Develop criteria and procedures for ICZM monitoring and
evaluation
1.2.9 Develop regulations defining the mechanisms of Human
Resources Development and financial resources for ICZM
1.2.10 Write the national legislation on ICZM based on approved policy
and developed regulations
1.2.11 Facilitate the approval process of the ICZM legislation by the
VNG

1.3.1 Make an inventory of available PA/PR strategies and approaches

Actions (Obj. 3)
on ICZM (national and international)
1.3.2 Develop a national public awareness strategy/approach on ICZM
1.3.3 Develop guidelines for incorporation of public awareness
programs in provincial strategies and action plans
1.3.4 Develop detailed PA programs (incl. Financing) and materials on
ICZM, based on existing PR/Extension materials and programs
1.3.5 Implement the National and Provincial Programs

1.4.1 Constitute a research/study group (with national and

Actions (Obj. 4) international participation) on ICZM in Vietnam under a relevant
University
1.4.2 Make an inventory of available Vietnam ICZM research
1.4.3 Make an inventory of needed ICZM studies and research needed
1.4.4 Develop an ICZM studies/research program
1.4.5 Develop a financial plan for the program, ensuring national as
well as international financing
1.4.6 Implement the ICZM study/research Program

32
 6.2 Development of ICZM mechanisms at national level
All of the objectives and actions mentioned under Strategic Component 1 contribute to the
implementation of the ICZM policy in Vietnam. But the crucial factor is of course who will be
responsible for these measures and tasks? In other words, who should develop and implement the
Strategy? Strategic Component 2 describes the objectives to be achieved and actions to be taken to
develop the institutions to implement ICZM (including the mandates and tasks that relate to the
policy instruments) taking into account the existing Vietnam institutional set up.

Strategic Component 2 Development of ICZM mechanisms at national level

2.1 Establish and operationalise a Multi Sectoral Steering Committee

Objectives (MSSC) closely linked to other relevant National Steering
Committees and or National Councils
2.2 Establish and operationalise a multi-disciplinary technical
advisory group (TAG) linked to the ICZM center and working
under MSSC
2.3 Establish and operationalise an ICZM unit within MONRE (with
CZMUs at local level, See SC 5).2
2.4 Develop proper horizontal and vertical coordination mechanisms
between the MSSC, TAG, ICZMC, PPC, other relevant
organizations, and local CZMUs.
2.5 Develop a financial plan for the ICZM institutions, ensuring
national as well as international financing
2.6 Develop and implement mechanisms for inter-Provincial and
District coordination and cooperation
2.7 Develop mechanisms for M&E of the ICZM strategy success

2.1.1 Make an inventory of sectors and organizations that need to be in

Actions (Obj. 1)
the MSSC
2.1.2 Develop MSSC working modalities, responsibilities and mandate
2.1.3 Acquire VNG approval for MSSC constitution
2.1.4 Constitute and operationalise the multi-sectoral steering and
coordination committee

Actions (Obj. 2) 2.2.1 Make an inventory of needed technical disciplines in ICZM

2.2.2 Develop Task descriptions, responsibilities and mandate for the
TAG
2.2.3 Identify suitable experts per discipline
2.2.4 Acquire VNG approval for multi-disciplinary TAG constitution
2.2.5 Constitute the multi-disciplinary technical advisory group

2.3.1 Decide the institutional setting of the Unit based on ICZM PSU
Actions (Obj. 3)
Feasibility Report (alternative 1 to 4)
2.3.2 Develop mandate functions, task descriptions and Unit program
2.3.3 Assess and provide needed human and financial resources for the
Unit based on ICZM PSU Feasibility Report
2.3.4 Acquire VNG approval for ICZM Promotion and Support Unit
establishment
2.3.5 Establish the Center and make it operational

2.4.1 Establish a working group with representatives from all relevant

Actions (Obj. 4)
stakeholders

2
In line with the Feasibility Report for the establishment of an ICZM promotion and support unit in MONRE

33
 2.4.2 Assess existing horizontal and vertical coordination mechanisms
within existing setting
2.4.3 Propose effective horizontal and vertical coordination
mechanisms for the new ICZM institutional set-up
2.4.4 Acquire approval for coordination mechanisms proposal
2.4.5 Facilitate coordination mechanism implementation

2.5.1 Assess financial requirements for the new ICZM organizational

Actions (Obj. 5)
set-up based on results objective 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3
2.5.2 Propose financial plan
2.5.3 Acquire donor financing for initial period of 5 years
2.5.4 Acquire VNG budget approval after 3 years

2.6.1 Make an inventory of existing and potential inter-boundary

Actions (Obj. 6)
Provincial and District conflicts
2.6.2 Assess these existing and potential conflicts
2.6.3 Propose improved coordination and cooperation mechanisms to
mitigate conflicts
2.6.4 Incorporate mechanisms at appropriate organization and level

2.7.1 Develop monitoring and evaluation methods and planning

Actions (Obj. 7)
schemes
2.7.2 Develop a set of indicators and criteria to provide a basis for
monitoring and evaluation
2.7.3 Develop database of indicators and reporting format of evaluation
results
2.7.4 Operationalise monitoring and evaluation mechanism
institutionalised for strategy success

6.3 Capacity strengthening on ICZM at National, Provincial, District and Commune

level
If ICZM is to be implemented at all levels, the availability of adequate number of well-trained
people will be a prerequisite. This strategic component deals with actions to be taken to strengthen
the capacity of the different organizations involved in ICZM and training on academic, vocational
and community level. It is important to realize, that the developed different training programs are in
line with Vietnam’s existing education strategy.

Strategic Component 3 Capacity strengthening on ICZM at national and local level

Objectives 3.1 Carry out a capacity and training needs analysis on all levels
3.2 Develop and implement an ICZM capacity building/HRD strategy
and program on national, provincial, district and commune level
3.3 Develop an Interfaculty on ICZM with international exchange
possibilities
3.4 Develop a vocational training curriculum and material on ICZM
3.5 Develop a Community training program linked to the ICZM
awareness campaigns
3.6 Develop a financial plan for the different programs, ensuring
national as well as international financing

Actions (Obj. 1) 3.1.1 Identify suitable HRD organizations

3.1.2 Prepare a ToR and proposal for the ICZM Training Needs
Assessment (TNA)
3.1.3 Acquire donor support for TNA implementation (tender
procedure)

34
 3.1.4 Implement TNA

3.2.1 Establish a Capacity building/Human Resources Development

Actions (Obj. 2)
(CB/HRD) strategy workforce
3.2.2 Develop a CB/HRD strategy based on outcome objective 3.1
3.2.3 Develop a CB/HRD program for academic, vocational and
community level (including financing proposals)
3.2.4 Implement CB/HRD strategy and program

Actions (Obj. 3) 3.3.1 Assess current ICZM academic program at national universities
3.3.2 Establish a committee on ICZM education with representatives of
relevant universities (National and international)
3.3.3 Develop a program for ICZM interfaculty
3.3.4 Develop Vietnam ICZM curriculum based on available project
and university material for all education levels
3.3.5 Implement the academic interfaculty program

3.4.1 Make an inventory of vocational training institutions,

Actions (Obj. 4)
implementing ICZM related training
3.4.2 Identify the most appropriate institute per coastal province
3.4.3 Develop in close cooperation with these institutes a vocational
training program including Training of Trainers (ToT) for ICZM
3.4.4 Implement vocational ICZM training and ToT program

3.5.1 Establish a community training task force with representatives of

Actions (Obj. 5)
PPC, DPC, commune, ICZM units and relevant projects
3.5.2 Make an inventory of available ICZM related training programs
and material for communities
3.5.3 Develop a community training and ToT program for ICZM
(including financial plan)
3.5.4 Assess which parts of the program could be financed by
international donors
3.5.5 Apply for donor support
3.5.6 Acquire VNG budget support for the program
3.4.7 Implement community training program for ICZM

3.6.1 Make a cost analysis of the overall CB/HRD program for ICZM,
Actions (Obj. 6) based on the academic, vocational and community training
programs for the coming years
3.6.2 Develop a financial plan for the program
3.6.3 Assess which parts of the program could be financed by
international donors
3.6.4 Apply for donor support
3.6.5 Acquire VNG budget support for the program

6.4 Development of ICZM tools and guidelines

Up to date knowledge and information on the coastal zone in terms of current conditions and future
trend is essential for ICZM. At the national level a focal point for knowledge, data and information
is required that supports all other agencies on all government levels as well as non-government
stakeholders. This Strategic component outlines actions geared towards the development of ICZM
technical tools and a focal point for ICZM reference within the ICZM unit.

35
Strategic Component 4 Development of ICZM tools and guidelines

Objectives 4.1 Develop M&E criteria and indicators for ICZM

4.2 Develop guidelines for ICZM implementation
4.3 Develop a National ICZM GIS database
4.4 Develop a knowledge and information reference system
4.5 Set-up and maintain a database/network of CZM specialists
4.6 Develop a website for the ICZM Promotion and Support Unit

4.1.1 Assess M&E criteria and indicators used by different

Actions (Obj. 1)
organizations, ministries and projects
4.1.2 Organize a workshop on the M&E in Vietnam’s coastal zone
4.1.3 Based on the workshop outcome develop a proper M&E system
for the ICZM Promotion and Support Unit
4.1.4 Develop ICZM indicators that measure the state of the coastal
zone and the effectiveness of ICZM at all levels

4.2.1 Make an inventory of available ICZM related guidelines and tools

Actions (Obj. 2)
in Vietnam
4.2.2 Assess which tool and guidelines to be developed and refined
4.2.3 Develop and refine ICZM guidelines and tools based on 4.2.2

4.3.1 Make an inventory of available GIS systems containing ICZM

Actions (Obj. 3)
information
4.3.2 Make a cost analysis of setting up and maintaining a database for
the coming years
4.3.3 Acquire financing for the GIS database
4.3.4 Set up an ICZM GIS meta-database in the ICZM Promotion and
Support Unit

4.4.1 Make an inventory of available knowledge systems related to

Actions (Obj. 4)
ICZM
4.4.2 Develop a knowledge and information reference system based on
VNICZM system
4.4.3 Develop a virtual network options for provincial linkages
4.4.4 Set up the system within the ICZM Promotion and Support Unit
4.4.5 Implement and maintain the system

4.5.1 Make an inventory of available CZM specialists in Vietnam and

Actions (Obj. 5)
the SEA region
4.5.2 Contact specialists for inclusion in database
4.5.3 Set up a CZM specialist CV database at the ICZM Center
4.5.4 Maintain database on a yearly basis

Actions (Obj. 6) 4.6.1 Design a Vietnam ICZM website

4.6.2 Develop virtual network options for provincial websites linkage
4.6.3 Maintain and update the website

6.5 Implementation of ICZM at provincial and district level

Reforms at the national level can provide a sound policy framework and effective incentives to
implement ICZM, but interventions at provincial and district level are what enable most people in
the coastal rural areas to seize opportunities and cope with the challenges posed by the sometimes-
hostile marine environment.

36
It is at these levels that solutions should and can be found. So it is of the utmost importance that
implementation of ICZM at provincial and district level is properly organized and managed, based
on sound national policies, directives and support. This Strategic component provides actions to
facilitate and support proper ICZM implementation at the provincial and district level.

Strategic Component 5 Implementation of ICZM at provincial and district level

5.1 Establish Coastal Zone Management Units at Provincial and

Objectives
District level and make them operational
5.2 F acilitate development of proper horizontal and vertical
coordination mechanisms between the Provincial/District
CZMUs, PPC and other relevant organizations
5.3 Facilitate and guide development and implementation of
strategies and action plans at local level

5.1.1 Analyze needed human and financial resources for the ICZM
Actions (Obj. 1)
units at provincial and district level
5.1.2 Develop task descriptions and unit program (incl. finance and
HRD)
5.1.3 Acquire VNG approval for ICZM units establishment
5.1.4 Establish the unit and make it operational

5.2.1 Develop coordination mechanisms between ICZM related

Actions (Obj. 2)
programs and/or projects
5.2.2 Based on the outcome of Objective 4, SG 2 assess existing
horizontal and vertical coordination mechanisms
5.2.3 Propose effective horizontal and vertical coordination
mechanisms for the new provincial/district set-up
5.2.4 Acquire approval for coordination mechanisms proposal
5.2.5 Facilitate coordination mechanism implementation

5.3.1 Develop clear guidelines and directives for the development of

Actions (Obj. 3) provincial ICZM strategies and action plans, based on 4 available
provincial strategies
5.3.2 Facilitate the development and implementation of the provincial
strategies and actions plans through by TAG
5.3.3 Monitor and evaluate provincial strategies and action plans effect

6.6 International and Regional cooperation

Vietnam is participating in a series of international treaties related to the protection of marine and
coastal environment and resources and has signed the regional “Sustainable Development Strategy
for the South Asian Sea”(approved by the 12 member countries of the PEMSEA Regional Program
on 12 December 2003 in Putrajaya, Malaysia). This strategic component outlines action on
international and regional cooperation related to ICZM.

Strategic Component 6 International and regional cooperation

Objectives 6.1 Expand international and regional cooperation on ICZM

6.2 Develop and implement regional/sub-regional action plans

Actions (Obj. 1) 6.1.1 Establish ICZM donor coordination committee linked to ISGE
6.1.2 Develop Mechanism (Networks) for effective coordination with
international and regional programs on ICZM by extending the

37
 National ICZM mechanism in line with SC2
6.1.3 Effectuate participation at important international ICZM related
conventions and seminars
6.1.4 Ratify International conventions

Actions (Obj. 2) 6.2.1 Take initiatives on regional ICZM development

6.2.2 Develop and implement regional/sub-regional action plans
6.2.3 Follow up on the implementation of SDS (PEMSEA) and other
regional initiatives

7 Strategy implementation
The Strategy implementation requires an effort of every relevant sector at all levels, compliance
with the principles and satisfactory organization, verification and evaluation in accordance with the
ICZM approach.

7.1 Institutional requirements

Vietnam’s administration is organized along sectoral and territorial lines without taking into
consideration typical features of each locality. Specialized state authorities execute sectoral
management. Local authorities in administrative regions carry out territorial management. To unify
the two dimensions, 4 levels of organization exist; Government, Provincial People’s Committees,
District People’s Committees and Commune People’s Committees.

Sea-related issues, mostly economic issues, are dealt with via an inter-sectoral mechanism. At each
level (central, provincial and district), a Steering Committee is responsible for a specific sea-related
management issue (e.g. Flood and Storm Control and Rescue, Sea and Island-related Activities,
Tourism, etc. Each committee is a provisional organization, developed by the general authorities to
coordinate inter-sectoral activities. Those inter-sectoral organizations are established to deal with
strategic and policy issues and coordinate inter-level and inter-sector activities. The effectiveness of
these organizations depends on division of responsibility and authorities of the implementing agency
in the Steering Committees, which act on behalf of the Government (central level) or People’s
Committee to assemble relevant sides to address issues of mutual interest.

In order to implement the action plan outlined in chapter 7, the establishment of an ICZM
mechanism is a prerequisite, as:

• The sea cannot be kept for individual use and has impact on all sectors in sea environment;
therefore different sectoral planning must be integrated
• ICZM is a multi-sectoral management coordination mechanism to promote sustainability in
exploitation and utilization of coastal resources for socio-economic development, ecological
diversity maintenance and prevention of natural disasters and environmental problems. ICZM
requires a permanent dialogue and coordination mechanism to address coastal issues,
particularly to develop and implement strategic plans and action plans, to carry out training and
raise the awareness of agencies to ensure a balance between socio-economic development and
sustainable preservation of the environment and natural resources
• Attention has to be paid to existing and future interest groups, forecast demand of coastal
communities and follow an integrated strategic plan to maximize resources for multi purposes.
ICZM has been recognized, as the most appropriated mechanism to address challenges in coastal
zones by encouraging changes in human behavior to adapt to changing socio-economic
environment, to balance interests and finally achieve desired objectives
• An ICZM mechanism provides in-depth analysis and integrated strategic planning ensuring
higher economic benefits in the long-term, as compared to individual sectoral development and
planning

38
An ICZM Unit in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment should therefore be
established in line with one of the proposed alternatives of the Feasibility Report on the
establishment of an ICZM Promotion and Support Unit (draft 2006).

7.2 Immediate supportive actions

• Disseminate the Strategy to relevant ministries, sectors, agencies, donors, civil society,
communities and other stakeholders in order to create support, raise awareness and increase
participation
• Develop a Strategy implementation plan: specifying activities proposed in the Strategy,
assessing and prioritizing plans/programs/projects/tasks for short, medium and long terms (along
with institutional mechanisms, organization structure, procedures, progress, budget and budget
sources and specific evaluation indicators, etc)
• Allocate and attract financial sources and formulate an initial investment plan for the Strategy
implementation: mainstream investments for the tasks specified in the strategy into annual and
longer term investment plans: define opportunities and take the advantage of sources of
assistance and international (bilateral and multilateral support)
• Develop a monitoring and evaluating mechanism for the Strategy implementation: set up
evaluation criteria as well as relevant process and organization arrangements

7.3 Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders

Different sectors, agencies, organizations, communities and other stakeholders must work together
to develop and implement national action plans on ICZM, which should be harmonised with the
sector programs and action plans. Here below are the tasks of different stakeholders:

• The Government: approve the Strategy, give steering guidance, coordinate and
monitor the implementation of the Strategy by the ministries, sectors and provinces.
• MONRE: Act as the contacting point to disseminate and implement the contents of
the Strategy; coordinate with other ministries, sectors and PPCs of the coastal
provinces/cities to study, add and/or mainstream the tasks/activities proposed by the
Strategy into the development plans of the ministries, sectors and provinces/cities.
• Concerned ministries/sectors: Mainstream the tasks/activities proposed by the
Strategy into the development plans of their own; identify and implement tasks/contents
relating to their ministries/sectors and corresponding to the content of the Strategy; actively
participate in seeking for opportunities of environmental investments; cooperate and support
other ministries and sectors for joint implementation of the Strategy.
• PPCs of coastal provinces/districts/cities: Add and/or mainstream the
tasks/activities proposed by the Strategy into the development plans of their
provinces/districts/cities; mobilize related resources of the provinces/districts/cities,
especially the community’s participation in implementation of the Strategy.
• Research and consulting agencies: Provide knowledge, experience and
consultancy to facilitate the implementation of the Strategy; make available scientific
information to assist in policy making and decision making; train and improve scientific and
technical knowledge for the staff and community.
• Concerned social organizations: Propagate, educate, mobilize and organize the
community so that the community actively participates in implementing the tasks proposed
in the Strategy and any other activities relating to the Strategy.
• Community: Support and actively participate in implementing the Strategy-related
tasks and activities in their local areas, especially those activities relating to protection of

39
 resources and environment, information and promotion, review and supervision of the
implementation of the Strategy.

7.4 Monitoring and evaluation

7.4.1 Establishment of evaluation indicators

The indicators for evaluating the integrated coastal zone management activities can be divided into 3
major groups as follows:

• Indicators of process and sustainability, helping to consider the effectiveness and

ability of sustaining integrated coastal management activities
• Indicators of pressure on natural resources and environment, assessing the level of
contribution made by the activities proposed in the Strategy to mitigate the degradation of
resources and environmental pollution
• Indicators for ecological and environmental impacts, evaluating the level of risk,
quality of environment and ecosystems

Specific indicators for each activity will be defined and used to evaluate the effect of such activity,
as well as the whole process of implementing integrated coastal zone management in Vietnam. A
proposed list of indicators is shown in Annex 2.

7.4.2 Mechanism of monitoring, evaluation and reporting

The criteria/indicators should be agreed upon by the stakeholders and institutionalised before and
during the implementation of the Strategy.

These criteria/indicators will be considered for different milestones (one year, 2 years or 5 years)
and compared with the baseline values to see the level and progress of completing separate
components, objectives, tasks/activities as well as the entire Strategy.

The ICZM Program/project Steering Committee, through the Program/Project Management Board,
will organize monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities on the following bases:

1. The system of evaluation criteria and indicators

2. Work plans for the ICZM tasks and activities
3. Monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports
4. Periodical financial reports
5. Minutes of meetings by the Program/Project Steering Committee and the Program/Project
Management Board
6. Independent midterm and completion evaluation of the program/project

40
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24. VINAMARINE, 2004. Master plan on marine transport development for Vietnam until
2010 and orientation for 2020.
25. VINAMARINE, 2005. Project on Participation in international convention on the
establishment of Damage Compensation Fund for oil pollution by ships (FC 92)
26. VNICZM Project/CCP, 2004. Report on ICZM Center definition study.
27. Washington, D.C. SDS/ENV, 1998. Strategy for Coastal and Marine Resources
Management in Latin America and the Caribbean; Paper No ENV-129, December 1998.
28. WB, DANIDA, NEA, 2003. Vietnam Environment Monitor 2002.
29. World Resource Institute, 2002, Reefs at risk in Southeast Asia.
30. Wright G., 2003. VNICZM Project Phase 1 Evaluation report.

41
9 Annexes
Annex 1 Administrative units of the Vietnam coastal zone

Name of districts Area Population (2004) Province

(km2)
Coastal districts
1. Vung Tau 140.1 211200 Ba Ria-Vung Tau
2. Xuyen Moc 642.2 120300 Ba Ria-Vung Tau
3. Tan Thanh 337.9 88700 Ba Ria-Vung Tau
4. Long Dien 77 110500 Ba Ria-Vung Tau
5. Dat Do 189.6 62800 Ba Ria-Vung Tau
6. Bac Lieu 175.8 131900 Bac Lieu
7. Vinh Loi 653.3 188100 Bac Lieu
8. Dong Hai 538.8 129100 Bac Lieu
9. Binh Dai 400.6 126700 Ben Tre
10. Ba Tri 355.4 192500 Ben Tre
11. Thanh Phu 411.8 130800 Ben Tre
12. Quy Nhon 216.4 239900 Binh Dinh
13. Hoai Nhon 413 209400 Binh Dinh
14. Phu My 549.4 178600 Binh Dinh
15. Phu Cat 678.5 184900 Binh Dinh
16. Tuy Phuoc 284.9 181300 Binh Dinh
17. Phan Thiet 206.5 189900 Binh Thuan
18. Tuy Phong 795 123231 Binh Thuan
19. Ham Thuan Nam 1051.8 85900 Binh Thuan
20. Ham Tan 941.5 154700 Binh Thuan
21. Bac Binh 1825.3 112000 Binh Thuan
22. U Minh 758.9 81100 Ca Mau
23. Tran Van Thoi 700.2 182300 Ca Mau
24. Dam Doi 782.1 168200 Ca Mau
25. Nam Can 532.9 70700 Ca Mau
26. Phu Tan 446 109600 Ca Mau

42
27. Ngoc Hien 743.3 77300 Ca Mau
28. Hai Chau 24.1 205100 Da Nang City
29. Thanh Khe 9.3 157900 Da Nang City
30. Son Tra 60.8 107200 Da Nang City
31. Ngu Hanh Son 36.5 47900 Da Nang City
32. Lien Chieu 83.1 68900 Da Nang City
33. Nghi Xuan 220 99400 Ha Tinh
34. Can Loc 378.2 180500 Ha Tinh
35. Thach Ha 399.5 179800 Ha Tinh
36. Cam Xuyen 635.6 153200 Ha Tinh
37. Ky Anh 1058.5 167300 Ha Tinh
38. Do Son 31 30600 Hai Phong City
39. Kien Thuy 164.3 172800 Hai Phong City
40. Tien Lang 189 149200 Hai Phong City
41. Hai An 88.4 69900 Hai Phong City
42. Can Gio 704.2 59000 Ho Chi Minh City
43. Nha Trang 250.7 331100 Khanh Hoa
44. Van Ninh 550.1 117800 Khanh Hoa
45. Ninh Hoa 1195.6 213600 Khanh Hoa
46. Cam Ranh 690.1 198100 Khanh Hoa
47. Rach Gia 97.7 188100 Kien Giang
48. Hon Dat 1019.8 136100 Kien Giang
49. Chau Thanh 277.6 130600 Kien Giang
50. An Bien 466.2 131500 Kien Giang
51. An Minh 710.5 120400 Kien Giang
52. Kien Luong 895.5 70500 Kien Giang
53. Ha Tien 88.5 36800 Kien Giang
54. Giao Thuy 232.1 194500 Nam Dinh
55. Nghia Hung 250.5 198200 Nam Dinh
56. Hai Hau 230.2 279100 Nam Dinh
57. Cua Lo 28.1 43500 Nghe An
58. Quynh Luu 607.1 341600 Nghe An

43
59. Dien Chau 304.9 278600 Nghe An
60. Nghi Loc 379.1 210100 Nghe An
61. Kim Son 207.5 163500 Ninh Binh
62. Phan Rang -Thap Cham 79.4 148200 Ninh Thuan
63. Ninh Hai 571.2 113500 Ninh Thuan
64. Ninh Phuoc 795.4 123700 Ninh Thuan
65. Song Cau 487.3 87700 Phu Yen
66. Tuy An 435.4 126400 Phu Yen
67. Tuy Hoa 896.7 247900 Phu Yen
68. Tuy Hoa 64.4 96900 Phu Yen
69. Dong Hoi 155.5 130600 Quang Binh
70. Quang Trach 612.3 192700 Quang Binh
71. Bo Trach 2123.1 164600 Quang Binh
72. Quang Ninh 1190.9 87800 Quang Binh
73. Le Thuy 1410.6 138400 Quang Binh
74. Hoi An 60.7 77300 Quang Nam
75. Dien Ban 214.3 187600 Quang Nam
76. Duy Xuyen 297.8 123300 Quang Nam
77. Thang Binh 384.8 180500 Quang Nam
78. Nui Thanh 533 135600 Quang Nam
79. Tam Ky 92 103730 Quang Nam
80. Binh Son 463.9 171500 Quang Ngai
81. Son Tinh 343.6 186400 Quang Ngai
82. Tu Nghia 227.3 167500 Quang Ngai
83. Mo Duc 212.2 135700 Quang Ngai
84. Duc Pho 381.9 142200 Quang Ngai
85. Ha Long 129.9 187500 Quang Ninh
86. Cam Pha 335.8 155800 Quang Ninh
87. Mong Cai 515 72400 Quang Ninh
88. Tien Yen 617.1 43000 Quang Ninh
89. Hoanh Bo 823.6 40000 Quang Ninh
90. Hai Ha 494.6 49500 Quang Ninh

44
 91. Dam Ha 289.9 31000 Quang Ninh
92. Yen Hung 331.9 132600 Quang Ninh
93. Vinh Linh 626.4 88400 Quang Tri
94. Gio Linh 473 72100 Quang Tri
95. Trieu Phong 354.9 102700 Quang Tri
96. Hai Lang 489.4 98300 Quang Tri
97. Vinh Chau 462.6 139400 Soc Trang
98. Long Phu 455.3 171300 Soc Trang
99. Cu Lao Dung 236.1 58000 Soc Trang
100. Thai Thuy 256.8 260900 Thai Binh
101. Tien Hai 225.9 204200 Thai Binh
102. Sam Son 17.9 53739 Thanh Hoa
103. Nga Son 150.5 140500 Thanh Hoa
104. Hau Loc 141.5 171500 Thanh Hoa
105. Hoang Hoa 224.6 246000 Thanh Hoa
106. Quang Xuong 227.6 257100 Thanh Hoa
107. Tinh Gia 457.3 215900 Thanh Hoa
108. Phong Dien 953.8 99800 Thua Thien- Hue
109. Quang Dien 163.1 89900 Thua Thien- Hue
110. Huong Tra 520.9 109400 Thua Thien- Hue
111. Phu Vang 280.3 169900 Thua Thien- Hue
112. Phu Loc 728.1 143100 Thua Thien- Hue
113. Go Cong Dong 357.8 179800 Tien Giang
114. Chau Thanh 335.7 148200 Tra Vinh
115. Cau Ngang 328.7 127700 Tra Vinh
116. Duyen Hai 384.1 84000 Tra Vinh
Districts without coastlines, yet included in Vietnam coastal zone
1. Ba Ria Town 90.6 78800 Ba Ria-Vung Tau
2. Mo Cay 352 266500 Ben Tre
3. Giong Trom 311.4 182400 Ben Tre
4. Ham Thuan Bac 1282.5 147600 Binh Thuan
5. Cai Nuoc 395.1 136600 Ca Mau

45
6. Nhon Trach 410.9 105700 Dong Nai
7. Ha Tinh 56.2 77300 Ha Tinh
8. Ngo Quyen 12 170600 Hai Phong City
9. Thuy Nguyen 242.8 284400 Hai Phong City
10. Nha Be 100.4 63600 Ho Chi Minh City
11. Go Quao 424.3 134400 Kien Giang
12. Can Duoc 218.1 161900 Long An
13. Can Giuoc 209.9 154400 Long An
14. Vinh 64 215400 Nghe An
15. Uong Bi 240.4 94500 Quang Ninh
16. Ke Sach 342.9 158000 Soc Trang
17. Huong Thuy 457.3 88400 Thua Thien- Hue
18. Go Cong 32.1 51200 Tien Giang
19. Go Cong Tay 272.3 160500 Tien Giang
20. Tra Vinh 64 71100 Tra Vinh
21. Cang Long 283.2 156600 Tra Vinh
22. Cau Ke 245.8 116200 Tra Vinh
23. Tieu Can 220.1 102100 Tra Vinh
24. Tra Cu 367.3 163100 Tra Vinh
Island districts
1. Con Dao 75.2 3300 Ba Ria-Vung Tau
2. Phu Quy 16.4 21000 Binh Thuan
3. Cat Hai 323 27185 Hai Phong City
4. Bach Long Vi 4.5 202 Hai Phong City
5. Kien Hai 38.7 24800 Kien Giang
6. Phu Quoc 593.1 70200 Kien Giang
7. Ly Son 10 18100 Quang Ngai
8. Van Don 551.3 39800 Quang Ninh
9. Co To 46.2 5100 Quang Ninh
10. Con Co 2.2 400 Quang Tri

46
 Annex 2 Logical framework

Intervention logic Objective Verifiable Indicators Sources and Means of Assumptions

Verification
Orientation 2030 The Coastal Zone of Vietnam is developed and managed in a
sustainable, environmental friendly and integrated manner by
2030, to preserve its role as an equitable source for peoples’
livelihood, safety and economic prosperity for all present and
future generations to come.
Overall Objective Sustainable development through integrated management of the
2020 Vietnam Coastal Zone by creating inter-sectoral, interagency
and inter-governmental coordination and cooperation
mechanisms achieved
Outputs Integrity of the Coastal Zone of Vietnam ensured, through Policies and legislation on ICZM approved by
improved policies, legislation and public change in ICZM VG by year 20xx
perception Public aware….
ICZM Mechanisms at National Level developed and ICZM mechanisms developed and operational
implemented by year 20xx
Capacity on ICZM strengthened at national, provincial, district Capacity strengthened at:
and commune level National level x % by 20xx
Provincial level x % by 20xx
District and commune level x% by 20xx
ICZM technical tools for communication, integrated ICZM technical tools developed by 20xx
planning/zoning, GIS, MIS and decision support system ICZM technical tools operational by 20xx
developed and operational throughout Coastal Zone
ICZM strategies and actions plans at Provincial, District and x % strategies and action plans under
commune level developed and implemented implementation by 20xx
x % strategies and action plans implementation
by 20xx
All strategies and actions plans developed and
under implementation by 20xx
International and regional ICZM conventions and action plans Regional plans implemented by 20xx
developed, ratified and implemented International conventions ratified by 20xx

47
 Intervention logic Objective Verifiable Indicators Sources and Means of Assumptions
Verification
Activities ICZM policy developed, approved and implemented National ICZM policy developed by 20 ICZM policy document
Strategic National ICZM policy approved by 20xx PM Decision letter no.
Component 1 Multi-Sectoral task force on ICZM policy development formed Taskforce formed by date Taskforce meeting minutes
Ensuring the Draft policy documents
integrity of the Inventory of available related policies developed by different Inventory on ICZM policies ready by date Policy inventory document
coastal zone organizations, programs and or projects made
Clear policy on ICZM written Policy on ICZM written by date Draft ICZM policy doc.
ICZM policy approval process by the VNG facilitated Facilitation approval process PM Decision letter no.
Legislation on ICZM developed and approved ICZM legislation developed by 20xx ICZM legislation document
ICZM legislation approved by VN in 20xx Politburo resolution no.
ICZM multi-Sectoral legislation taskforce constituted Taskforce constituted by date Constitution letter PM
Taskforce meeting minutes
Inventory of all available legislation related to Coastal Zone Inventory on coastal related legislations ready Coastal legislation inventory doc.
carried out by date
Regulations defining the Coastal Zone in terms of land and Regulations on CZ boundaries developed by Document on regulations on CZ
marine boundaries developed date boundaries
Regulations on the mandate, functions and responsibilities of Regulations on mandate, functions and respon- Document on regulations on
ministries, provincial departments, sectors, agencies managing sibilities of ministries, provincial departments, mandate, functions and
and utilizing the coastal zone developed sectors, agencies developed by date responsibilities
Regulations on the use of coastal Zone according to zone map Regulations on CZ use developed by date Document on regulations on CZ
developed use
Regulations for ICZM coordination, cooperation, operation and Regulations on ICZM coordination, coopera- Document on regulations on ICZM
stakeholder involvement mechanisms developed tion, operation and stakeholder involvement coordination, cooperation,
developed by date operation and stakeholder
involvement
Procedures, tools and instructions for ICZM developed Procedures, tools and instructions for ICZM Document on Procedures, tools and
developed by date instructions for ICZM
Criteria and procedures for ICZM monitoring and evaluation Criteria and procedures for ICZM M&E Document on Criteria and
developed developed by date procedures for ICZM M&E
Regulations defining the mechanisms of HRD and financial Regulations on HRD and financial resources Document on regulations on HRD
resources for ICZM developed for ICZM developed by date & financial resources
The national legislation on ICZM based on approved policy and National legislation on ICZM written by 20xx Draft National legislation on ICZM
developed regulations written
ICZM legislation approval process by the VNG facilitated Facilitation approval process Politburo resolution no.

48
Intervention logic Objective Verifiable Indicators Sources and Means of Assumptions
Verification
Public awareness and perception on ICZM changed ICZM implemented in CZ by all PA surveys on ICZM
stakeholders by 20xx Implemented action plans
Inventory of available PA/PR strategies and approaches on Inventory of available PA/PR strategies and Inventory document on PA/PR
ICZM (national and International) made approached carried out approaches and strategies
National Public awareness strategy on ICZM developed National Public awareness strategy on ICZM National PA strategy document
developed by date
Guidelines for incorporation of Public Awareness programs in Guidelines for incorporation of PA programs PA guidelines document
Provincial strategies and action plans developed in Provincial strategies and action plans
developed by date
Detailed PA programs (included financing) and materials on Proper PA programs and materials on ICZM PA programs
ICZM, based on existing PR/Extension materials and programs developed by date PA materials
developed
National PA strategy and Provincial Programs implemented National PA strategy and Provincial Programs National PA strategy
implemented by 20xx Provincial Program implementation
reports
Specific research and or studies implemented x % Specific research and or studies Research papers
implemented by date or per year? Study papers
Research/study group (with national and international Research/study group on ICZM and coastal Constitution letter PM
participation) on IZM and coastal zone related issues in zone related issue constituted by date
Vietnam under a relevant University constituted
Inventory of available Vietnam ICZM and coastal zone related Inventory of available ICZM and coastal zone Inventory document on ICZM and
research made related research carried out by date coastal zone related issue research
carried out
Inventory of needed ICZM and coastal zone related studies and Inventory of needed ICZM and coastal zone Inventory document on needed
research needed made related studies and research carried out by date research
ICZM and coastal zone related studies/research program ICZM and coastal zone related studies/research ICZM and coastal zone related
developed program developed by 20xx studies & research program
document
Financial plan for the program, ensuring national as well as Financial plan developed by date Financial plan as annex of program
international financing developed document
The ICZM and coastal zone related study/research Program Specific research and or studies 20xx Research and study papers
implemented implementation starting on date?

49
 Intervention logic Objective Verifiable Indicators Sources and Means of Assumptions
Verification
Activities MSSC closely linked to other relevant national NSCs and or Multi-Sector Steering committee established VGN approval letter,
Strategic NCs established and operational by 20xx resolution
Component 2 Inventory of sectors and organizations that need to be in the Inventory potential MSSC sectors and Inventory document
Development of MSSC made organizations carried out by date
ICZM mechanisms MSSC working modalities, responsibilities and mandate Working modalities, responsibilities and Document on working
at national level developed mandate MSSC developed by date modalities, responsibilities
and mandate
VNG approval for MSSC constitution acquired VGN approval for MSSC constitution acquired VGN approval letter
by date
MSSC constituted and operational MSSC constituted by date Minutes first MSSC meeting
A multi-disciplinary technical advisory group linked to the TAG established by 20xx VGN approval letter,
ICZM Unit and working under MSSC established and resolution
operational
Inventory of needed technical disciplines in ICZM made Inventory needed technical disciplines carried Inventory document
out by date
Task descriptions, responsibilities, mandate for TAG developed Task descriptions, responsibilities and mandate Document on tasks,
TAG developed by date responsibilities and mandate
Suitable experts per discipline identified Suitable experts identified by date List experts
VNG approval for multi-disciplinary TAG constitution VGN approval for TAG constitution acquired VGN approval letter
acquired by date
Multi-disciplinary TAG constituted and operational TAG constituted by date Minutes first TAG meeting
ICZM Promotion and Support Unit within MONRE (units ICZM Promotion and Support Unit VGN approval letter,
at local level, SC 5) established and operational3 established by 20xx Treasury account opened
Decide the institutional setting of the Unit based on ICZM PSU Institutional setting within MONRE and name PM resolution
Feasibility Report (alternative 1 to 4) of Unit decided upon by date
Mandate, Functions, Task descriptions and Unit program Mandate, Functions, Task descriptions and Program document for
developed Unit program developed by date ICZM Unit
Needed Human and financial resources for the Unit assessed Human and financial resources needs for the HR and financial document
and provided for based on ICZM PSU Feasibility Report Unit analysed by date
VNG approval for ICZM Unit establishment acquired Approval for ICZM Unit establishment VGN approval letter
acquired by date

3
In line with the Feasibility Report for the establishment of an ICZM promotion and support unit in MONRE

50
Intervention logic Objective Verifiable Indicators Sources and Means of Assumptions
Verification
The Unit established and made operational Unit established and operational by 20xx First quarterly report
Treasury Account and Seal
Proper horizontal and vertical coordination mechanisms Horizontal and vertical coordination Coordination meeting
between the MSSC, TAG, ICZMU, PPC, other relevant mechanisms on all levels developed by date minutes
organizations, and local CZMUS developed
Working group with representatives from all relevant Working group on coordination established by Working group minutes
stakeholders established date
Existing horizontal and vertical coordination mechanisms Existing horizontal and vertical coordination Assessment report on
within existing setting assessed mechanisms assessed by date existing mechanisms
Effective horizontal and vertical coordination mechanisms for Effective horizontal and vertical coordination Document on mechanisms
the new ICZM institutional set-up proposed mechanisms proposed by date
Approval for coordination mechanisms PM approval letter
Approval for coordination mechanisms proposal acquired
proposal acquired by date
Facilitation coordination mechanism Coordination meeting
Coordination mechanism implementation facilitated
minutes
A financial plan for the ICZM institutions, ensuring Financial plan developed by date Financial plan
national as well as international financing developed
Financial requirements for the new ICZM organizational set-up Financial requirements for the new ICZM Financial requirements
based on results objective 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 assessed organizational set-up assessed by date assessment report
Financial plan proposed FP proposed by date Draft financial plan
Donor financing for initial period of x years Donor financing agreement
Donor financing for initial period of x years acquired
acquired by date
VNG budget approval after x years acquired VNG budget approval acquired by 20xx PM resolution
Mechanisms for inter-Provincial and District coordination Mechanisms developed by date Proposal on mechanism
and cooperation developed and implemented
Inventory of existing and potential inter-boundary Provincial Inventory of existing and potential inter- Inventory report
and District conflict made boundary Provincial and District conflict made
by date
Existing and potential conflicts assessed Existing and potential conflicts assessed by Assessment report on CZ
date conflicts
Improved coordination and cooperation mechanisms to mitigate Improved coordination and cooperation Proposal conflict mitigation
conflicts proposed mechanisms to mitigate conflicts proposed by mechanisms
date
Mechanisms at appropriate organization and level incorporated Mechanisms at appropriate organization and PM resolution
and operational level incorporated by 20xx

51
Intervention logic Objective Verifiable Indicators Sources and Means of Assumptions
Verification
Mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation of the ICZM Mechanisms developed by date Proposal on mechanism
Strategy success developed
Monitoring and evaluation method and planning scheme Monitoring and evaluation method and Report on M&E method and
developed planning scheme developed by date planning
A set of indicators and criteria to provide a basis for monitoring A set of indicators and criteria to provide a Indicators and criteria list
and evaluation developed basis for monitoring and evaluation developed
by date
Database of indicators and reporting format of evaluation Database of indicators and reporting format of Indicator database
results developed evaluation results developed by date operational
Evaluation report format
proposal
Monitoring and evaluation mechanism institutionalised and Monitoring and evaluation mechanism Cyclic procedure repeated
operational institutionalised and operational by date yearly

52
 Intervention logic Objective Verifiable Indicators Sources and Means of Assumptions
Verification
Activities Capacity/training needs analysis on all levels carried out Needs analysis carried out by date Needs analysis report
Strategic Suitable HRD organizations identified List of suitable HRD
Suitable HRD organizations identified by date
Component 3 organizations
Capacity ToR and proposal for the ICZM TNA prepared ToR and proposal for the ICZM TNA prepared Proposal and ToR TNA
strengthening on by date
ICZM at National Donor support for TNA implementation (tender procedure) Donor support for TNA implementation (tender Donor agreement
and local level acquired procedure) acquired by date
TNA implemented TNA implemented by date TNA report
ICZM capacity building/HRD strategy and program on ICZM capacity building/HRD strategy and CB/HRD strategy and
National, Provincial, District and Commune level developed program developed by date and implemented program
and implemented by 20xx Training reports
CB/HRD strategy workforce established CB/HRD strategy workforce established by date Letter Minister
Minutes first meeting
ICZM CB/HRD strategy based on outcome objective 3.1 ICZM CB/HRD strategy developed by date CB/HRD strategy
developed
CB/HRD program and curricula for academic, vocational and CB/HRD program for academic, vocational and CB/HRD program
community level (including financing proposals) developed community level (including financing proposals)
developed by date
CB/HRD strategy and program implemented CB/HRD strategy and program implemented by Training reports
date
Vietnam ICZM curriculum based on available project and Vietnam ICZM curriculum developed by date Curriculum ICZM for
university material for all education levels developed different education levels
Interfaculty on ICZM with international Interfaculty program
Interfaculty on ICZM with international exchange
exchange possibilities developed by date and First student enrolments
possibilities developed and implemented
implemented by 20xx
Current ICZM academic program at national universities Current ICZM academic program at national Assessment report
assessed universities assessed by date
Committee on ICZM education with representatives of relevant Committee on ICZM education established by PM resolution
universities (National and international) established date
Program for ICZM interfaculty developed Program for ICZM interfaculty developed by date Interfaculty program report
Academic interfaculty program implemented Academic interfaculty program implemented by First student enrolments
20xx

53
Intervention logic Objective Verifiable Indicators Sources and Means of Assumptions
Verification
Vocational training program and material on ICZM Vocational training program and material on Training Program, material
developed iczm developed by date, implemented by 20xx First enrolment
Inventory of vocational training institutions, implementing Inventory of vocational training institutions, Inventory report
ICZM related training made made by date
Most appropriate institute per coastal province identified Most appropriate institute per coastal province List of appropriate institutes
identified by date
A vocational training program, including ToT for ICZM in Training program
A vocational training program developed by date
close cooperation with these institutes developed ToT Program
Vocational ICZM training and ToT program implemented Vocational training program implemented 20xx First enrolment
Community training program linked to the ICZM Community training program developed by Training program
awareness campaigns developed date and implemented by 20xx First training reports
Community training taskforce with representatives of PPC, Community training taskforce with PM resolution
DPC, commune, ICZM units and relevant projects established representatives established by date
Inventory of available ICZM related training programs and Inventory of available ICZM related training Inventory report
material for communities made programs, material for communities made by date
Community training and ToT program for ICZM (including Community training and ToT program for ICZM Community training and ToT
financial plan) developed (including financial plan) developed by date program document
Parts of the program to be financed by international donors Parts of the program to be financed by Financial assessment report
assessed international donors assessed by date
Applied for donor support Applied for donor support by date Donor agreement
VNG budget support for the program acquired VNG budget support acquired by date PM resolution
Community training program for ICZM implemented Community training program for ICZM First training reports
implemented by date
Financial plan for the different programs, ensuring national Financial plan for the different programs Financial plan
as well as international financing developed developed by date and approved by date PM resolution
Cost analysis of the overall CB/HRD program for ICZM, based Cost analysis of the overall ICZM CB/HRD Cost analysis document
on the academic, vocational and community training programs program for coming x years made by date
for the coming x years made
Financial plan for the program developed Financial plan developed by date Financial plan
Parts of the program to be financed by international donors Parts of the program to be financed by Donor assessment
assessed international donors assessed by date
Applied for donor support Applied for donor support by date Donor financing application
VNG budget support for the program acquired VNG program budget support acquired by date PM resolution

54
 Intervention logic Objective Verifiable Indicators Sources and Means of Assumptions
Verification
Activities M&E criteria and indicators for ICZM developed M&E criteria and indicators for ICZM Document on M&E
Strategic developed by date criteria and indicators
Component 4 M&E criteria and indicators used by different organizations, Assessment report
M&E criteria and indicators assessed by date
Development of ministries and projects assessed
ICZM tools and Workshop on the M&E in Vietnam’s coastal zone organised Workshop on the M&E in Vietnam’s coastal Workshop report
guidelines zone organised by date
Based on the WS outcome, a proper M&E system for the ICZM Based on the WS outcome, a proper M&E M&E system proposal
Unit developed system for the ICZM Unit developed by date
ICZM indicators that measure the state of the coastal zone and ICZM indicators that measure the state of the ICZM indicator report
the effectiveness of ICZM at all levels developed coastal zone and the effectiveness of ICZM at
all levels developed by date
Guidelines for ICZM implementation developed Guidelines for ICZM implementation ICZM Guidelines
developed by date ICZM Tools
Inventory of available ICZM related guidelines and tools in Inventory of available ICZM related guidelines Inventory report
Vietnam made and tools in Vietnam made by date
ICZM guidelines, tools needs for development and refinement ICZM guidelines, tools needs for development Assessment Report
based on inventory assessed and refinement assessed by date
Guidelines/tools refined and or developed Needed guidelines/tools refined and or Developed guidelines/tools
developed by date Refined guidelines/tools
National ICZM GIS database developed National ICZM GIS database developed by Operational ICZM GIS
date database
Inventory of available GIS systems containing ICZM Inventory of available GIS systems containing Inventory report
information made ICZM information made by date
Cost analysis of setting up and maintaining a database for the Cost analysis of setting up and maintaining a Cost analysis document
coming 5 years made database for the coming 5 years made by date
Financing for the GIS database acquired Financing for GIS database acquired by date Financial approval VNG
ICZM GIS/RS database in the ICZM Unit set up ICZM GIS/RS database in the ICZM Unit set Operational ICZM GIS/RS
up by date database within Unit
Knowledge and information reference system developed Knowledge and information reference Operational reference
system developed by date system
Inventory of available ICZM knowledge systems made Inventory of available ICZM knowledge Inventory report on
systems made by date knowledge systems
Knowledge and information reference system based on Knowledge and information reference system Reference system plan
VNICZM system developed based on VNICZM system developed by date

55
Intervention logic Objective Verifiable Indicators Sources and Means of Assumptions
Verification
Virtual network options for provincial linkages developed Virtual network options for provincial linkages Virtual network in place and
developed by date operational
System within the ICZM Unit set up System within the ICZM Unit set up by date System set up in Unit
System maintained and implemented System maintained and implemented by date System on line
Database/network of CZM specialists set up and Database/network of CZM specialists set up Database/network
maintained by date and maintained Network reports
Inventory of available CZM specialists in Vietnam and the SEA Inventory of available CZM specialists in Inventory report
region made Vietnam and the SEA region made by date
Specialists for inclusion in database contacted Specialists for inclusion in database contacted List of contacted and
by date available specialists
CZM specialist CV database at the ICZM Unit set up CZM specialist CV database at the ICZM Unit Database/network
set up by date
Database maintained on a yearly basis Database maintained on a yearly basis by date Network reports
A website for the ICZM Unit developed Develop a website for the ICZM Unit Website design and plan
developed by date and on line by date Website on line
Vietnam ICZM website designed Vietnam ICZM website designed by date Website design report
Virtual network options for prov. websites linkage developed Virtual network options for prov. websites Provincial websites can link
linkage developed by date to national site
Website maintained and updated Website maintained and updated by date Website online

56
 Intervention logic Objective Verifiable Indicators Sources and Means of Assumptions
Verification
Activities Coastal zone management units at provincial and district Coastal Zone Management Units at Approval letter CZMUs
Strategic level established and made operational Provincial established by date and District CZMU reports
Component 5 level and made operational by date Meeting minutes
Implementation of Needed Human and financial resources for the ICZM units at Needed Human and financial resources for the HRD/Financial analysis
ICZM at provincial provincial and district level analysed ICZM units at provincial and district level report
and district level analysed by date
Task descriptions & unit program (& Finance HRD) developed Document on task
Task descriptions & unit program (& Finance
descriptions
HRD) developed by date
Unit program document
VNG approval for ICZM units establishment acquired VNG approval for ICZM units establishment VNG approval letter
acquired by date
Units established and made operational Units established and made operational by date CZMU reports
Meeting minutes

Facilitate proper horizontal and vertical coordination Proper horizontal and vertical coordination Mechanisms report
mechanisms between the Provincial/District CZMUs, PPC mechanisms between the Provincial/District Coordination meeting
and other relevant organizations developed CZMUs, PPC and other relevant minutes
organizations developed by date and
implemented by date
Coordination mechanisms between ICZM related programs and Coordination mechanisms between ICZM Document on project
or projects developed related programs and or projects developed coordination mechanisms
Based on the outcome of Objective 4, SG 2 existing horizontal Based on the outcome of Objective 4, SG 2 Assessment report on
and vertical coordination mechanisms assessed existing horizontal and vertical coordination existing mechanisms
mechanisms assessed by date
Effective horizontal and vertical coordination mechanisms for Effective horizontal and vertical coordination Document on proposed
the new provincial/district set-up proposed mechanisms for the new provincial/district set- mechanisms
up proposed by date
Approval for coordination mechanisms proposal acquired Approval for coordination mechanisms Approval letter
proposal acquired
Coordination mechanism implementation facilitated Coordination mechanism implementation Coordination meeting
facilitated by date minutes

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 Intervention logic Objective Verifiable Indicators Sources and Means of Assumptions
Verification
Development and implementation of strategies and action Development and implementation of Number strategies and
plans at local level facilitated and guided strategies and action plans at local level action plans under
facilitated and guided by date implementation
Clear guidelines and directives for the development of Clear guidelines and directives for the Guidelines and Directives
provincial ICZM strategies and action plans, based on 4 development of provincial ICZM strategies
available strategies developed and action plans, based on 4 available
strategies developed by date
Development and implementation of the provincial strategies Development and implementation of the Strategies and action plans
and actions plans through TAG facilitated provincial strategies and actions plans through
TAG facilitated by date
Provincial strategies/action plans effect monitored and Provincial strategies/action plans effect Effect monitoring reports
evaluated monitored and evaluated by date

Intervention logic Objective Verifiable Indicators Sources and Means of Assumptions

Verification
Activities International and regional cooperation on ICZM expanded International and regional cooperation on No. of conventions and
Strategic ICZM expanded by date regional meetings attended
Component 6 ICZM donor coordination committee linked to ISGE ICZM donor coordination committee Coordination committee
International and established established by date minutes
regional cooperation Mechanism (Networks) for effective coordination with Mechanism for effective coordination with Document on mechanisms
international and regional programs on ICZM developed by international and regional programs on ICZM
extending the National ICZM mechanism in line with SC2 developed by date
Participation at important international ICZM related Participation at important international ICZM Convention and seminar
conventions and seminars effectuated conventions and seminars effectuated by date reports
International conventions ratified International conventions ratified by date Ratified conventions
Ratified conventions implemented ICZM strategy implemented Monitoring Reports
Regional/sub-regional action plans developed and Regional/sub-regional action plans No. Plans developed
implemented developed and implemented by date No. Plans Implemented
Initiatives on regional ICZM development taken Initiatives on regional ICZM development Number of initiatives
taken by date
Regional/sub-regional action plans developed and implemented Regional/sub-regional action plans developed Number of plans
and implemented by date
Implementation follow up on regional SDS (PEMSEA) and Implementation follow up on SDS and other Monitoring reports
other regional initiatives carried out regional initiatives carried out by date PEMSEA reports

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Annex 3 Work plan for the development of the ICZM Strategy for Vietnam

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Annex 4 Proposed ICZM performance indicators
Indicators for process and sustainability of ICZM
ICZM mechanism
Mechanisms of stakeholders
consultation/ public awareness &
participation
Capacity building
Information/data collection,
analysis and management issues
prioritization
Mechanism of applying science
and technology to management
Strategic management
plans/specific plans to solve the
defined priority management
issues
Monitoring, evaluating and
reporting system
Integration of ICZM programs
into national and local
development and management
programs
Laws/regulations ICZM-oriented
amendments
- ICZM office is established
- Steering committee is established
- Work plan is developed and approved
- Financial and resources allocation plan developed
- Communication plans developed and implemented
- A network of communicators is established
- Activities/documents on public awareness are
conducted/published
- Participation in regional and international training
courses
- Participation in in-country training courses
- Periodical PPC meetings, consulting and exchange
workshops among stakeholders
- Meetings of core group of communicators and technical
advisory multi-sectoral working groups
- Environmental profile is developed
- Issues/opportunities are identified and prioritized
- Integrated information management systems are built
- Technical advisory group is established
- Scientific information about marine and coastal
resources and environmental is used to support decision
making process
- Information sharing among agencies, departments and
sectors is strengthened
- Integrated environmental monitoring program is
developed
- ICZM strategy and Action plan are developed and
approved.
- Coastal use zoning is developed and approved
- Other programs/plans/activities are developed and
approved
- Operational guidelines are developed and applied
- Progress, outputs, milestones monitoring based on the
Work plan is carried out
- Monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports are
made and submitted
- Monthly financial reports are made and submitted
- Meetings of PSC and PMO are organized
- National/provincial legislation recognizes ICZM as an
approach to coastal zone management is adopted and
approved
- Number of legal documents related to ICZM
implementation is approved and enforced
- Budget is allocated in order to enforce policies related
to ICZM
- Communities are involved in the enforcement of
ICZM related laws
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Sustainable financial systems
supporting ICZM
Involvement of multi-sectoral
stakeholders in the
implementation of the ICZM
Strategy and action plan
Mechanism for creating, sharing
and broadening knowledge
Indicators of mitigating pressure in the coastal zone
Pollution mitigation
Reduction of habitats
alteration/loss
Efforts in natural resources
protection
Over-/illegal fishing reduction
Increasing access to clean water
and hygienic
Hazards of risks at the coast
reduction
Indicators of ecological/environmental impacts
Improved environmental quality
Level of risks caused by main
pollutants
- Annual budgets from provincial/national governments,
departments and sectors are allocated to implement
ICZM
- Mechanisms to attract investments from private
organizations/external financial sources are established
- Experts and resources are involved in the
implementation of the ICZM Strategy and action plan
- ICZM is integrated into provincial/national education
and training system
- Number of coastal provincial authorities acquiring
experience in ICZM of the demonstration sites
- Pollutants’ concentrations
- Domestic waste water
- Hazardous/non-hazardous industrial wastes
- Urban solid wastes
- Run-off-water over urban/agricultural area
- Wastes from the sea, including: boats, ships, offshore
works, aquaculture, ect.
- Annual investments in environmental facilities and
services
- Annual investment in cleaner production technologies
- Changes in the area of significant habitats, such as
mangrove forests, coral reefs, sea grass beds,…
- Number of alien species intruding in the environment
- Areas designated as marine protected areas
- No fishing areas (km2)
- Fishing zoning and related regulation (No. of fishing
days/month)
- Annual fishing yield (million tons/year)
- Fishing capacity - number of fishing boats
- Illegal fishing activities – Number of illegal fishing
cases
- Number of people having access to clean water
- Change in Area/population of vulnerable coastal land
- Annual human and property losses/damage caused by
environmental risks
- Damages caused by the risks are compensated
- Indicators of environmental quality improvement can
be observed visually, such as coastal sea water, beaches
and others
- micro-organisms
- nutrients
- organic substances
- oil
- heavy metals
- POP
- other parameters
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Improved biodiversity
Population growth rate of coastal
communities
Job opportunity
Women’s participation
Number of poor households in
coastal communities
Reduction of the impacts of
multi-use conflicts
Risks to coastal community
health
- Diversity of species
- Species composition
- Productivity
- Area (of forest coverage, mangroves, coral reefs, sea
grasses, tidal flat,…)
- Total population in the project area (persons)
- Population density in the project area (number of
persons/km2)
- Population in coastal urban areas (persons)
- Jobs
- Jobs by sector
- Sectoral contribution to GDP
- Unemployment rate
- Jobs allocation by gender
- Percentage of poor households
- Average annual incomes of households
- Number of coastal areas are used by different sectors
- Number of agencies, departments, sectors and
authorities using different coastal areas
- Number of accidents related to community health
caused by environmental degradation such as water
related diseases, poisoned seafood, ect.
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Annex 5 National legal and policy documents related to coastal resources and
environmental management

I. Legal documents

1. Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 1992

2. National Law on Environmental Protection, 1993, revised in 2005
3. Law on water resource, 1998.
4. Law on Forest Protection and Development, 1991.
5. Land Law, 2003.
6. Fisheries Law, 2003.
7. Law on Petroleum, July 6, 1993
8. Vietnam's Maritime Code of June 30, 1990, adopted by the National Assembly of the Socialist
Republic of Vietnam on June 30, 1990 and effective from January 1, 1991
9. Ordinance on resources tax (modified), 1998
10. Ordinance of 28 March 1997 on Border Guards
11. Ordinance of 28 March, 1998 on Maritime Police
12. Ordinance No. 05/1998/PL-UBTVQH 10 dated 16 April, 1998 of National Assembly Permanent
Committee on the resource taxation (amended)
13. Ordinance on Protection and Development of Aquatic Resources of April 25, 1989, adopted by
the State Council on May 2, 1989
14. Decree No. 30-CP dated 29 January 1980 by the Government on the Status of foreign Vessels
Operating in Marine Areas of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
15. Decree No. 195-HDBT of June 2, 1990 of the Council of Ministers on the implementation of the
aforesaid Ordinance
16. Decree No. 242-HDBT of August 5, 1991 of the Council of Ministers stipulating the marine
scientific research on the sea areas of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam by foreign partners and
means
17. Decree No. 18-HDBT of January 17, 1992 stipulating on the list of rare and precious forest
fauna, flora and animal and their management and protection
18. Decree 14-CP dated March 02 1993 by the Government Enacting Provisions on the Policy to
Give Loans of Farmer Households for Development of Agriculture, forest and Fishing and Rural
Economy
19. Decree No. 73-CP, 25 1993 by the Government Providing Detailed Provisions on the
Classification of Types of Land for Taxation of the Use of Agricultural Land
20. Decree No. 175-CP of October 18, 1994 of the Government detailing the implementation of the
Law on Protection of the Environment
21. Decree No. 26-CP of April 26, 1996 of the Government promulgating the Regulation on
Sanctions against Administrative Violations in the field of Protection of the environment
22. Decree No. 48-CP of August 12, 1996 of the Government promulgating the Regulation on
sanctions against administrative violations in the field of protection of aquatic resources,
replacing Decree No. 85-CP of November 22, 1993 of the Government promulgating the
Regulation on Sanctions against Administrative Violations in the field of Management and
Protection of Aquatic Resources
23. Decree No. 55-CP of October 1, 1996 of the Government on the activities of foreign warships
on visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
24. Decree No. 84-CP of December 17, 1996 of the Government on the implementation of the Law
on Petroleum of 1993
25. Decree No. 02/1998/ND-CP of 6 January 1998 detailing the implementation of the Ordinance of
28 March 1997 on Border Guards
26. Decree of Government No.18/2006/ND-CP of Feb. 10th, 2006 on dealing with cargoes on
vessels which have sunk

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27. Decree of Government No.49/1998/ND-CP of July 13th, 1998 on fishing by persons and entities
in the maritime zones of Vietnam.
28. Decree No. 19/98/CT-TTg of Prime Minister on the urgent measures to protect and combat
forest fires
29. Circular No. 01/NN/KL/TT of MARD guiding the implementation of the Protocol No. 77/CP
issued on 29 November, 1999 on the treatment of administrative violations in forest protection
and management field
30. Circular No. 153/1998/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance dated 26 November, 1998 guiding
the implementation of Protocol No. 68/1998 of the Government of Vietnam dated 3 September,
1998 on the detailed resource taxation.
31. Decision No. 129/8/2001/QD-TTg of Prime Minister dated 29 August, 2001 approving the
National Oil Spill Contingency Plan for the period 2001-2010
32. Decision No. 864-TTg of Prime Minister dated 22 December 1995 approving the Biodiversity
Action Plan of Vietnam
33. Decision No. 400/TTg of August 07 1993 by the Prime-Minister on Taxes on Marine Fisheries
Exploitation and Exportation in Truong Sa Marine Areas
34. Decision No. 327-CT dated September 15, 1992 by Chairperson of Minister's Board, Directions
and Policies on Vacant Land, Bare Mount and Hills, forests, Marine Parks and Water Surfaces
35. Decision No. 415-TTg of Prime Minister dated 10 August 1994 promulgating the regulation of
organization and performance of the inspection activity in aquatic resource protection
36. Decision No. 245/98/QD-TTg of Prime Minister dated 21 December, 1998 on the fulfillment of
the government management of forest and forestry land at different levels
37. Directive No. 200/TTg dated 29 April, 1996 of Prime Minister on the assurance of clean water
and environmental sanitation for rural areas
38. Directive No. 478/TTg dated 30 July, 1996 of Prime Minister on the strengthening the
government management of water resource
39. Directive No. 359-TTg of Prime Minister dated 29 May 1996 on the urgent measures to protect
and develop wild animals
40. Directive No. 286-TTg of Prime Minister dated 2 May 1997 on the strengthening urgent
measures to protect and develop forests
41. Directive of Primer Minister No. 01/1998/CT-TTg of 02 January 1998 prohibiting the use of
noxious substances, explosives, ammunition and electric current for catching aquatic resources
42. Directive No. 36/CT-TW dated 25 June 1998 on strengthening the environmental protection in
the industrialization - modernization period of the Country
43. MOSTE Minister's Directive No. 395/1998/QD-BKHCNMT of April 10th, 1998 on the issuance
of the regulations on environmental protection in searching, exploring, developing fields,
exploiting, storing, transporting, refining petroleum and other related services
44. Protocol No. 68/1998 of the Government of Vietnam dated 3 September, 1998 on the
implementation of the Ordinance No. 05/1998/PL-UBTVQH 10 on the resource taxation
45. Protocol No. 179/1999/ND-CP of the Government of Vietnam dated 30 December, 1999
regulating the implementation of the Law on water resources.
46. Protocol 52/CP of the Government of Vietnam dated 8 July, 1999 on the regulations for
management of investment and construction
47. Protocol No. 12/CP of the Government of Vietnam dated 5 May, 2000 on amendment of the
52/CP Protocol
48. Protocol No. 91/CP of the Government of Vietnam dated 17 August, 1994 promulgating
regulations on urban planning management.
49. Protocol No. 375/CV-KG/TW of the National Instructing Committee, guiding the
implementation of the 36/CT-TW Decree

II. Policy documents

1. Report of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, No. VIII on Socio-
economic Development Strategy, the 9th National Congress of Communist Party of Vietnam,
April 2001.

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2. Directive No. 36/CT-TW of the Politburo of Vietnam on the enhancement of environmental
protection during the period of industrialization and modernization, 25 June 1998.
3. National Strategy for Environmental Protection for 2010 and orientation to 2020, Feb. 2004.
4. National Plan for Environment and Sustainable Development (NPESD), 1991-2000.
5. National Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) (Approved by the Government according to Decision
No. 854/TTg; 22 December 1995).
6. National Program on Marine Protected Areas Planning (submitted by MOSTE for approval).
7. National Policy on Economic Development of Vietnam’s Renewable and Non-renewable
Marine Resources.
8. Decision No. 327-CT on 15/9/1992 on the orientation and policy for bare land green covering,
marine parks and surface water resources.
9. National Oil Spill Response Plan for the Period 2001-2010 (approved by the Government
following the Decision of Prime-Minister No. 129/2001QD -TTg on 29 August 2001).
10. Strategic Orientation for sustainable development of Vietnam. Agenda 21 Office of Vietnam,
2004.
11. Policies and master plans of relevant sectors.

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Annex 6 Important international conventions and treaties related to marine and
coastal environmental protection, signed or ratified by the Vietnamese
Government

1. Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage, 1972 (the
World Heritage Convention).
2. Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973-1978 (MARPOL)
3. Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 (ratified by 150 countries at the UN Summit in Rio de
Janeiro on environment and development).
4. Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1992 (CLC 92)
5. Convention on the conservation of immaterial cultural values, 2003
6. Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and Their
Disposal (Basel Convention), 1989
7. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat,
RAMSAR, 1971 (Amended by Paris Protocol on 3 December 1982)
8. Montreal Protocol on the ozone layer depletion, 1987 (amended in London 27-29 June 1990,
Copenhagen 23-25 November, 1992 and Vienna, 5-7 December, 1995)
9. Rio De Janeiro Declaration, 1992, which was agreed at the conclusion of UNCED
10. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 1973
(CITES Convention)
11. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 (UNCLOS -1982)
12. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1992

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