Green Growth Does Not Necessarily Slow down Development Rate

Discussed in the recent conference Green Growth in Hanoi, the report presented an analysis frame, which included factors of climate, land and sea in the necessary economic growth planning for the continuation of poverty reduction. According to the report, green growth is necessary, efficient and suitable with payment capacity – which is the core to gain sustainable development. The main concerns are of political barriers, habits and inherent standards and lack of appropriate financial tools, which are the key obstacles to green growth.

 

In addition, the innovation requires multi-sector measures which combine economics, political science and social psychology, thereby economic-political limitations, inherent behaviours and social practices can be overcome and necessary financial tools can be developed. It was stated in the report that green growth has naturally not covered all people groups in the society but can be designed in such direction.

 

The report encourages the Governments to change their approaches to growth policies and consider not only what the economies produce but also what are used and polluted in production process. The report stated that, determination of value of cultivated land, minerals, rivers, oceans, forests and biodiversity and ownership delegation would create a motive that is strong enough to encourage governments, departments and individuals to manage those resources more comprehensively, effectively and sustainably. World Bank strongly supports the inclusion of natural capital in the national account and will seek countries’ commitments on this issue in the Summit Rio+20 next month.

 

Beside the report on Green Growth, WB introduced the book “Eco2 Cities”. Vietnam is one of the first countries to join WB’s programme “Eco2 Cities”. Accordingly, the cities and regional centers will be supported in planning, management and investment activities in highly sustainable systems, including compatible, multi-functional systems with long term benefits.

 

In Vietnam, the economic dynamism has led to rapid development and changed the urban faces. Vietnam is considered one of the countries with rapid growth rate in South East Asia. The urban population is estimated to increase from 28 percent currently to 38 percent in 2015 and 50 percent in 2025. This is the chance for Vietnam to direct its development in the direction of improving life quality actually and sustainably and promote the cities comprehensively and for long term.

 

Mr Andre Bald, the Infrastructure Specialist of WB, who is responsible for the programme Eco2 Cities said that Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong are two first cities to adopt Eco2Cities approach. “Given the support of the City People Committee and Department of Transport, the programme has adopted new and creative method to introduce integrated planning for cities, land use and transportation, aiming at life quality improvement and increase of economic competitiveness in these cities. Two years ago, HCMC hosted the regional conference on Eco Cities and thereby created motive for activities in this field.”

 

The WB’s initiative of Eco2 Cities is a large forum providing practical supports which can be expanded in analysis and activities so that cities in developing countries can harmonize benefits from economic and ecological sustainability.