Third Workshop on Environmental Impact Assessment - Abstracts

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Introduction

The aim of the "Third Workshop on EIA" was twofold: 1) to present and discuss the first drafts of the "General Guideline Book for EIA of Development Projects" and the "Guideline Book for EIA of Tourism Development", prepared by the project team; 2) document preliminary results of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) study of the Master Plan of Ha Long City, and at the same time provide a platform for other relevant projects in the area.

The Third workshop was successfully organised on September 25th, 1998. 70 experts from ministries, local governments, educational and research institutions participated. Also, about 20 international experts joined.

The Project Advisory Committee has the honour to present the published "Proceedings of the Third Workshop on EIA", including 8 scientific papers, supported by a summary and conclusion section.

The proceedings address the following issues:

• General Guideline Book for EIA of Development Projects;
• Guideline Book for EIA of Tourism Development;
• Land Use Changes and GIS establishment for SEA in Ha Long City;
• Status reports by other projects in the Quang Ninh - Hai Phong region.

I express my sincerest thanks to all participants of the Third workshop. In particular, I would like to warmly thank Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Sinh, the Director of the National Environmental Agency (Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment) for his active contribution to this workshop. Also, we are in debt to the peer reviewers who, prior to the workshop, submitted 30 reports on the draft guideline books. In all, this enabled a most interesting, constructive and productive debate.

Again, I take the opportunity to invite Vietnamese and international experts to continue to join the series of workshops to support the development of Environmental Assessment in Vietnam.

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The basis for the establishment of a General EIA Guideline Book, appropriate to Vietnamese conditions

Abstract

A main objective of the EU-Project "Capacity Building for Environmental Management in Vietnam" is the establishment of a General EIA Guideline Book. The main principles for the compilation of the General EIA Guideline Book are: 1) to comply with the Vietnamese legislative and regulatory framework on EIA; and 2) to merge with EIA trends in South-East Asia, as well as in the world. Also, the Guideline Book should cover both procedural and technical aspects.

To support the development of a sound and coherent basis for the establishment of a General EIA Guideline Book, the following issues are discussed in the report: 1) A comparative review of selected current EIA procedures and general guidelines. In this part, four EIA procedures have been analysed. The content of seven steps for a modern EIA procedure (screening, scoping; preparation of preliminary EIA Report; preparation of ToR; detailed EIA/ EIA Study; EIA appraisal and impact monitoring) is presented. Also, two general guideline books have been analysed and six guideline books, analysed by Brew D. and Lee N., 1996, were used. Lessons drawn from this analysis are outlined. 2) An overview of existing EIA procedure and EIA legislation and regulations in Vietnam. The five steps of the current EIA procedure are derived from the existing legislation and regulatory documents: screening; preparation of a preliminary EIA report for projects for which an EIA report needs to be established; preparation of a report to guarantee that environmental standards are met; preparation of a detailed EIA report; EIA appraisal. A list of EIA legislative and regulatory documents is also presented in this part. 3) A proposed EIA procedure and contents of the General EIA Guideline Book. The suggested EIA procedure complies with the existing EIA procedure and consists of five steps: screening; scoping; detailed EIA; EIA appraisal and impact monitoring. The Terms of References for the development of the Guideline Book are also presented in this part.

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Draft version of the Environmental Impact Assesment Guideline Book for Tourism Development

Abstract

This paper outlines tourism development and its environmental concerns. It emphasises on the characteristics of tourism sector, the classification of tourism forms, potential environmental impacts of tourism development, and Vietnamese environmental legislation for tourism.

The document also provides a comprehensive presentation on procedural and technical guidance for EIA that can be used for tourism sector in Vietnamese condition:

• Screening;
• Scoping;
• Detailed EIA analysis;
• Preparation of EIA report;
• Appraisal of EIA report;
• Post-project Management and Monitoring;
• Strategic Environmental Assessment for Tourism Development;

The guideline book also presents standard forms for each EIA step, such as screening and evaluation of EIA reports of tourism projects

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Land Use Changes and GIS database development for Strategic Environmental Assessment in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam

Abstract

Halong Bay is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, with unique natural scenery of thousands of limestone islands. It is also an area of conflicting issues, which all matter in a sustainability context. Quang Ninh province, bordering the P.R. of China, is part of the strategic economic development triangle Hanoi-Haiphong-Quang Ninh. It is the heart of Vietnam's coal industry. Also, Halong Bay is a prime tourism area. Finally, Halong Bay is the scene where a major deep-sea port at Cai Lan is proposed. Current planning is ad hoc and uncoordinated, with little environmental consideration. Halong Bay provides a fine example of (environmental) conflicts to be analysed in a framework of competition for control of resources. Actual conflicts of interest, between ministries, institutions and interest groups, and between the central and local governments, will intensify in the future. The authors report on database development, based on the application of remote sensing and GIS techniques. The effort aims to support local and national authorities with a systematic and scientific basis for decision-making. This is exemplified through a Strategic Environmental Assessment of development planning. Also, the database provides a means to objectify present environmental conflicts. The database constitutes a major structural information source, with a high potential for expansion, both in thematic, spatial and temporal scope. The report presents database design, tools and methods applied, and data used. The database is composed of physical, socio-economic and biological/ecosystems components. Data are generated from remote sensing images (LANDSAT TM and aerial photography), existing maps, statistical data, and fieldwork. The database is complemented with Geographical Positioning System field photos. The physical component is finalised. Overlay of the "Master Plan of Ha Long City" on thematic data layers (e.g. land cover/use maps) enables a preliminary impact analysis. Statistical computations document significant potential environmental impact and land cover changes, in particular for the mangrove areas. The socio-economic and biological/ecosystems components are being added to allow full impact assessment. Modelling of interactions between human activities and the environment aims to generate impact scenarios of different development alternatives. The ultimate aim is to support improved planning.

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A report for the seminar on options for comprehensive development in the Quang Ninh and Hai Phong Coastal Region

Abstract

The "Seminar on Options for Comprehensive Development in the Quang Ninh and Hai Phong Coastal Region" was organised in Ha Long City and Hanoi on April 6-8, 1999. This paper outlines the executive summary of the background report developed by the World Bank. The executive summary outlines the power and potential of the region. It describes the East Asia crisis as a challenge and an opportunity. Next, four complementary pillars for comprehensive development are discussed: 1) empowering industry and trade; 2) creating livable and efficient urban areas; 3) promoting sustainable tourism; and 4) managing the environment and conserving nature. Finally, the executive summary outlines options for action and the role of the international community. It also presents a strategy for comprehensive development. It is argued that a successful strategy for comprehensive development will be one that: 1) efficiently allocates scarce resources; 2) mobilises new resources of finance; and 3) supports balanced development. A preliminary assessment of the potential elements of a Comprehensive Development Initiative for the Quang Ninh and Hai Phong Coastal region has been made. The proposed Initiative would build upon the governments's existing efforts and include five areas for action that would support quality growth and lead to realisation of comprehensive development. The potential areas for action under the Initiative could include: 1) strengthened strategic planning to ensure sustainable development; 2) expanding public-private partnerships for increased employment growth; 3) support for priority investments; 4) preventive actions to avoid major future costs; and 5) diversification of the investment strategy.

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Recommendations of the seminar on options for comprehensive development in the Quang Ninh and Hai Phong Coastal Region

Abstract

This paper outlines a set of recommendations, resulting from the "Seminar on Options for Comprehensive Development in the Quang Ninh and Hai Phong Coastal Region". Following an introduction of the background and the scope of the seminar, and a discussion of the importance of key planning and management measures for the coastal area, recommendations are outlined for three major sectors: 1) trade and industry; 2) urban development; 3) nature and tourism. The final part outlines themes for comprehensive development: 1) selecting and managing efficient investment; 2) creating an enabling environment for the non-state sector; 3) making efficient institutions; 4) ensuring the social and environmental sustainability of development; 5) shared vision and partnership.

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Ha Long Bay Environmental Pollution Study

Abstract

The Ha Long Bay Environmental Pollution Study is a component of a World Bank funded "Water Supply and Sanitation Project" for four cities in Vietnam. The objectives of this larger project are to meet immediate "Water Supply and Sanitation Needs in Ha Long City", and the other cities by the year 2000 and to meet long-term needs by 2015. In support of this objective, via a grant from the Government of Japan, this study was undertaken. The client for the project was the DoSTE of Quang Ninh. The objectives of the study were to: 1) inventory pollution sources and develop a pollution database; 2) estimate the dilution capacity of the Bay: 3) advise on the importance of wetlands and the effects of land reclamation activities on water quality; 4) provide institutional support and equipment to Quang Ninh Depaterment of Sciences, Technology and Environment.

The final report, which was released in February 1998, provides a detailed background of the project site and context, introduces the objectives, describes the implementation of the project, and presents the major project findings. Next, pollution abatement strategies, pollution short- and long-term action plans and wetlands management strategies and actions plans are proposed. The final chapter present lessons learned and summarises the project recommendations. The report is supported by several appendixes.

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Cai Lan Port Expansion Project

Abstract

The Vietnamese Government, with assistance from the Japanese Government, proposes to construct new deep water port at Cai Lan, located in Cua Luc Estuary, adjacent to Ha Long Bay. As part of the approval process an EIA is required.

A draft EIA report was finalised by ESSA Technologies Ltd. in May 1998. This report outlines the executive summary. Following an introduction, the base line conditions are described. The next section covers the anticipated environmental Impacts. The final section describes the planned mitigation measures.

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Phase II of the Capacity 21 Project on "Environmental Issues in Investment Planning" (VIE/97/007): A General Work Plan for the Implementation of the Pilot project on Urban Planning in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province

Abstract

Phase 1 of the Capacity 21 Project on "Environmental Issues in Investment Planning" (VIE/97/007) was completed by the end of 1997. It had 2 immediate objectives: 1) to strengthen Central Government capacity to integrate environmental issues into investment decision making; 2) to design demonstration models for the integration of regulatory, economic and voluntary approaches for addressing priority planning problems.

In September 1999, under the overall guidance of the Central Project Office in the Department of Science, Education and Environment of the Ministry of Planning and Investment, a COLENCO team started the implementation of the three pilot studies in Hanoi, Quang Ninh and Lam Dong (Phase 2).

The purpose of the pilot projects is to identify the barriers to the achievement of the objective to ensure environmental protection (including sustainable development) is considered in all decisions regarding development planning and investment, and to assist with the formulation of procedures, policies and standards to overcome these barriers.

This report provides a state of the art of the implementation of the pilot project in Ha Long City (Quang Ninh Province). Following an introduction, the report documents the project activities, a rapid problem assessment and the specific objectives of the pilot project. The reports also outlines the possible outputs and highlights the proposed milestones for the pilot project.

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Summary and Conclusions

Introduction

The Third workshop, which was co-organised with the National Environmental Agency (NEA) of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE), builds upon the results of the First and Second Workshops, also organised within the framework of the project "Capacity Building for Environmental Management for Vietnam".

The rationale for the organisation of a string of workshops is to secure continued scientific and societal feedback on interim project output.

The aim of the Third Workshop was twofold. First to review the first drafts of the two EIA guideline books developed by the project team. Second, to present the preliminary results of the SEA case study in Ha Long City (Quang Ninh).

EIA Guideline Books

The draft guideline books were distributed early in September 1998. Prior to the workshop, 19 written peer review reports were received on the General Guideline book, 11 reports on the Guideline book for Tourism development projects.

The morning session was entirely devoted to the review of the two first drafts of the EIA guideline books. First, Dr Tran Van Y presented the "General Guideline Book for EIA of Development Projects". Next, Dr. Tran Ty presented the "Guideline book on EIA for Tourism Development Projects". Finally, the results of the peer review were disclosed and discussed under the guidance of Dr. Ngoc Sinh, Director of the National Environmental Agency.

General Guideline book

The need for a General Guideline EIA book was stressed at the workshop. In general, the first draft was assessed as a good, useful, informative and up-to-date manuscript. The guideline book complied with the Vietnamese institutional and legal frameworks, with the option to merge step by step with worldwide trends in EIA, and the Asian region in particular. The current disadvantages of the EIA process in Vietnam were identified and the proposed EIA process served as a constructive base for discussion to improve EIA practice in Vietnam. The technical guidelines have been developed in detail.

The main comments and recommendations for improvement were the following:

• the guideline book addresses both legal steps, and proposals to improve the existing procedure. Paragraphs dealing with proposals for improvement should be separated from the current legal requirements;
• the flow chart should be refined;
• more attention should be paid to specific target groups and public involvement in particular;
• language should be "Vietnamised".

Tourism Guideline Book

The need for a general tourism guideline book was also stressed. In general, the first daft is welcomed as comprehensive and detailed.

Main comments and recommendations for improvement were the following:

• the coherence with the General EIA Guideline book should be improved;
• the structure of the text and the relative volume of the chapters/subchapters should be balanced;
• the guidelines should address the construction/operation/decommissioning phases of projects;
• health aspects of tourism developments are insufficiently developed;
• a glossary of terms should be included.

In all, the peer review and the workshop provided a scientific and societal framework for the revision of the first drafts of both guideline books.

Draft SEA case study of the Master Plan of Ha Long City (Quang Ninh province)

The afternoon session of the Workshop focused on Ha Long City (Quang Ninh) Dr. Nguyen Dinh Duong presented a report on the database development for Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Master Plan of Ha Long City, based on the application of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems.

Also, most interesting contributions were presented by relevant activities in the project area. The contribution by Mr, Shane Rosenthal (World Bank) documented the scheduled "Seminar of Options for Comprehensive Development in the Coastal Area of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong". Mr. Dennis Long presented the results of two major project executed by ESSA Technologies Ltd: 1) the "Ha Long Bay Environmental Pollution Study" and the "EIA for Cai Lan Port". Finally, Mrs Nguyen Ngoc Ly provided a state of the art on the pilot project on "Urban planning in Ha Long City", as part of phase 2 of the UNDP/MPI capacity 21 project (VIE/97/007).

In all, this afternoon session proved most productive.

First, it enabled an up to date picture of the complex issues in the area. The presentations on recent and planned projects in the wider Hai Phong and Quang Ninh coastal were particularly informative.

Second, it became clear that the establishment of a GIS database answers an urgent need in this region. Such a database constitutes a major information source and analysis tool, with a high potential for expansion, both in thematic, spatial and temporal scope. It can be put to use by different actors, be it scientists, administrators and decision-makers. If successfully established and managed, in the future it may present a platform to be put to use by other national and international initiatives.

Substantial progress with the development of the database has been achieved, including a preliminary analysis of the impact of the Master development plan for Ha Long City in terms of land use changes. GIS can be useful in cross sectoral an regional development planning, for example in coastal zones, and in an SEA framework it may prove particularly useful in the evaluation of cumulative impacts.

As such, the project aims to contribute to the development of a systematic and scientific basis for decision making.

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