Sustainable Development - New Pressure on the Environment

Sustainable Development - New Pressure on the Environment

The report of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of 2004 has highlighted the successes of Vietnam in MDGs and other targets for 2005-2010. It also pointed out new challenges including pressure against the environment caused by rapid economic development and urbanisation.

Quality growth and MDGs have been emphasised in the 2001-2010 development strategy, 2001-2005 State plan and comprehensive strategy of poverty reduction. There are, however, certain obstacles and gaps in the implementation. Some big projects were approved without adequate consideration for environmental protection. Agricultural projects tipped over productivity against sustainable development and urbanisation against the interests of the poor. In the period from 1997-2004, natural calamities caused a loss of over US$1.3 billion and every year some one million Vietnamese require relief assistance.

Participation in environment protection

To ensure sustainable development, measures should be taken to preserve natural resources. The participation of the people is most crucial in both implementation and supervision. Households have now long-term interests in the development of forests. The policy would help the government achieve the target of 5 million hectares of forest for the 2001-2010 development strategy.

• Lan Anh