VIETNAM?S COASTAL MANAGEMENT: GOVERNANCE, EFFECTIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

Vietnam is a major maritime country with about 3,200 kilometres of coastline. Along with rapid development, coastal areas have been exposed to multiple issues including ecosystem degradation, pollution and resources use conflict. In order to solve these problems, many coastal resources management approaches have been implemented in Vietnam including integrated coastal management (ICM) and the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). My research, firstly, reviews the status of coastal zone and coastal management in Vietnam. Secondly, it evaluates the progress of ICM and the effectiveness of MPAs using a theory-based evaluation methodology with indicator-based frameworks. Thirdly, the results of the ICM and MPA effectiveness evaluations are both correlated to a study of perception of success and failure factors attributing to the sustainability of ICM and MPA by project stakeholders in order to identify key factors that can improve coastal management in Vietnam. Finally, the research formulates recommendations on a governance framework that effectively integrates MPAs and ICM for more effective coastal management.