Environmental capacity-building in a transitional economy: the emergence of EIA capacity in Viet Nam

Abstract

This article traces results of research conducted on the changing role of EIA and emergence of EIA capacity in Viet Nam. It reviews literature on the typical position of EIA in the development planning processes of developing countries. The role for EIA in Viet Nam's environmental planning challenge is chronicled over three distinct time periods. EIA capacity-building efforts by development aid agencies are introduced, and the present status of EIA in Viet Nam and limits to its effectiveness are discussed. There exist a series of unmet EIA capacity-building needs in Viet Nam, including defining a shared ‘vision’ for EIA among development aid agencies and Vietnamese development planners, and developing a mechanism to harmonize EIA capacity-building efforts with such a vision.

Keywords:

• environmental impact assessment
• capacity building
• Viet Nam
• development aid
• developing countries