The importance of environmental zoning
Multiple studies show that as a country’s economy rises, so do instances of environmental pollution. A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis mentions that increasing levels of GDP per capita coincide with the growth of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Another article from the journal Sustainable Cities and Society states the positive relationship between secondary industry growth—the sector that turns raw materials into finished goods—and smog pollution.
Governments everywhere understand the importance of economic growth to the long-term well-being of their citizens. But focusing solely on increasing industrial activity while neglecting the environment will result in the rise of health issues. A variety of studies have already shown the link between pollution and increased risk for physical and mental disorders.
It is essential, therefore, to balance economic growth and environmental protection. Governments rely on environmental zoning to achieve different goals, including ecosystem protection, area conservation, and cultural preservation. Because there is limited to zero pollution, these designated areas improve air quality and increase nearby land value.
Vietnam’s environment
According to a study by the United Nations Environment Program, the country ranks 150th in the world regarding the percentage of the land area totally or partially protected by national authorities. This number is lower than the nearby countries of Cambodia (14th), Laos (84th), Thailand (86th), and the Philippines (101st). Its largest nature reserve—Cúc Phương—is the country’s first national park.
According to a report from UNICEF, public spending on environmental initiatives was pegged at 1.5% of general government spending in 2020, over VND25 trillion. Most of the budget goes to liquid and solid waste management programs, while less than 10% is allocated for “climate action.”
How Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP seeks to protect the country’s natural resources
The Decree defines the difference between strict protection zones and low-emission zones.
Strict protection zones usually include high-density residential urban areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and cultural heritage sites. In contrast, low-emission zones comprise water recreation areas and wetlands. Businesses operating in these areas that do not meet the government’s environmental protection requirements must convert how they manage their operations.
The Decree also mentions the contents required for businesses seeking an environmental license. These include:
- The investment project’s general information. Details like the project owner’s name, the authorities that have appraised the project, the process in which the project is implemented, and the way a facility uses materials like fuels, metals, and water.
- Compliance of project with local and national environmental laws.
Businesses aiming to engage in solid waste treatment must specify what equipment is used in their operations. On the other hand, firms looking to import scrap metal for production shall disclose information like their production technologies and impurity treatment schemes.
The Decree specifies other requirements for firms engaging in practices like:
- Mineral mining. The report requires an environmental remediation plan.
- Sand and gravel extraction. The report assesses the impact of extraction activities concerning the river’s bed and banks.
Other highlights:
- The licensing authority will consult with affected People’s Committees regarding investment projects that discharge at least 10,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day into rivers, lakes, and seas.
- Businesses must reduce or terminate production if the trial operation of wastewater works exceeds environmental standards. A review of the wastewater treatment must be conducted to identify problem areas and apply remedial measures.
Why is this important?
The number of people living in urban areas is set to be greater than those residing in rural areas before 2040, according to URBANET. The cities that will receive most of these rural migrants will be Ho Chi Minh City (expected to increase its population to 11 million by 2030) and Hanoi (6.4 million by 2030).
As a city’s population increases, so do the strain on its infrastructure. Besides roads, bridges, and ports, infrastructure encompasses investment in wastewater processing and treatment systems. The Vietnamese government states that untreated water sources have multiple unwanted contaminants present, including viruses and bacteria, as well as heavy metals.
Exposure to wastewater and its products increases the risk of people catching diseases, including gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and infections in other body areas like the eyes or skin.
Besides easing the strain on local water infrastructure, businesses investing in wastewater treatment facilities can also obtain multiple benefits, including:
- An improved working environment for employees
- Increased employee morale
- Enhanced reputation among the public
- Potential decreased operational costs due to water recycling
