1.

Waste

⁃ According to Clause 18, Article 3 of the Law on Environmental Protection

2020, Waste is solid, liquid, gaseous or other materials discharged from production, business,
service, daily life or other activities.

⁃ Importance

+ Waste directly affects human health and the environment: Polluting water, land, air sources,
spreading diseases, affecting the natural landscape, ecosystem imbalance...
+ Potential resources: Waste is a resource that can be reused and recycled if managed
properly, this is also the saving of natural resources.

Waste management

⁃ Waste management can be understood as the collection, transportation,

treatment, recycling, removal or verification of waste materials.

⁃ Importance

+ Protect human health, environment or aesthetics.

+ Contributing to the recovery of resources mixed in waste such as precious metals, plastic
and paper. This helps to reduce the amount of waste introduced into the environment but also
saves natural resources and production costs.

Waste management classification

⁃ Waste management classification is a cycle in which waste is divided into

various parts. Sorting can take place manually at home or be collected by the service or
classified automatically by machine.

⁃ Importance

+ Helps reduce the amount of waste to the environment significantly. Save more expenses
such as collection, transportation and handling.
+ Building a sense of waste sorting and leaving garbage in the right place makes waste
treatment simpler and easier.

-> The concept of waste, waste management and waste classification is an extremely
important aspect in the context of environmental protection and sustainable development. It
helps to raise awareness of community, rationally use and protect our resources.
 2.
Vietnam's environmental law is designed to address the country's growing environmental
challenges and align with global environmental standards. The key characteristics of
Vietnamese environmental law include:

⁃ Comprehensive Legal Framework

+ Law on Environmental Protection (LEP): The cornerstone of Vietnam’s environmental

legislation is the LEP, which provides a broad framework for managing environmental issues
across various sectors.
+ Regular Updates: The LEP is periodically updated to incorporate new environmental
challenges, technological advancements, and international commitments.

⁃ Focus on Sustainable Development

+ Balancing Growth and Environment: Vietnamese environmental law emphasizes

sustainable development, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of
environmental degradation.
+ Clean Technologies: The law encourages the adoption of environmentally friendly
technologies and sustainable practices in industries and agriculture.

⁃ Public Participation and Awareness

+ Community Involvement: Public participation is a fundamental principle, with mechanisms

for community involvement in environmental decision-making processes, such as
environmental impact assessments (EIA).
+ Education and Outreach: The law mandates programs to raise public awareness and
education on environmental protection, aiming to foster a culture of sustainability.

⁃ Polluter Pays Principle

+ Economic Responsibility: This principle ensures that those who cause pollution are
financially responsible for managing and mitigating its impact. This includes paying for
clean-up, restoration, and preventive measures.
+ Environmental Taxes and Fees: Economic instruments like taxes, fees, and fines are used to
enforce the polluter pays principle, incentivizing businesses to reduce their environmental
footprint.

⁃ Regulatory Enforcement and Compliance

+ Government Oversight: Various government agencies are designated to enforce

environmental laws, with clear responsibilities for monitoring, inspection, and enforcement.
+ Penalties for Non-Compliance: There are strict penalties for violations of environmental
regulations, including fines, business closures, and criminal charges for severe offenses.

⁃ Integration with International Standards

+ Global Commitments: Vietnam's environmental laws are increasingly aligned with

international environmental conventions and treaties, such as the Paris Agreement on climate
change.
+ International Cooperation: The country collaborates with international organizations and
adopts best practices to improve its environmental governance and compliance with global
standards.

⁃ Specific Provisions for Waste Management

+ Classification and Handling: The LEP provides detailed guidelines on waste classification,
including municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, and industrial waste, with specific
handling and disposal requirements.
+ Waste Management Plans: It mandates the development and implementation of
comprehensive waste management plans at national and local levels.
+ Recycling and Reuse: The law promotes recycling and the reuse of materials to reduce
waste and conserve resources.

⁃ Emphasis on Industrial Responsibility

+ Environmental Management Systems: Industries are required to implement environmental

management systems and conduct regular environmental audits to ensure compliance.
+ Pollution Control: There are stringent regulations for controlling industrial emissions and
waste discharge, with mandatory reporting and monitoring.
+ Penalties for Industrial Violations: Severe penalties are imposed on industries that fail to
comply with environmental standards, including fines and operational shutdowns.

⁃ Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

+ National Strategies: The law incorporates national strategies for climate change mitigation
and adaptation, emphasizing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing
resilience to climate impacts.
+ Renewable Energy: It promotes the development and use of renewable energy sources as
part of its climate action commitments.

⁃ Biodiversity and Natural Resource Conservation

+ Protected Areas: Vietnamese environmental law includes provisions for the establishment
and management of protected areas to conserve biodiversity.
+ Sustainable Use: Regulations are in place to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources,
including forests, water, and marine resources.

Vietnamese environmental law is characterized by its comprehensive and evolving

framework aimed at addressing the country's environmental challenges. It emphasizes
sustainable development, public participation, the polluter pays principle, and strong
regulatory enforcement. The alignment with international standards and specific provisions
for waste management, industrial responsibility, climate change, and biodiversity
conservation highlight Vietnam’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable
development. Despite the robust legal framework, ongoing efforts are needed to overcome
enforcement challenges and enhance compliance for effective environmental protection.

3.
Environmental pollution is a critical issue worldwide, and Vietnam is no exception. While
some argue that Vietnam’s environment is more polluted than other countries, others
disagree. In my opinion, Vietnam faces significant environmental challenges, but its pollution
levels are comparable to other developing nations rather than being exceptionally high.
Vietnam’s rapid industrialization and urbanization have undeniably contributed to
environmental pollution. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City experience severe air
pollution due to traffic congestion, industrial activities, and construction dust. The World
Health Organization (WHO) has reported that air quality in these cities frequently exceeds
safe levels, posing health risks to residents. This situation, however, is similar to other rapidly
developing countries, such as India and China, where urban areas also struggle with high
levels of air pollution.
Water pollution is another significant issue in Vietnam. Industrial discharge, agricultural
runoff, and domestic waste contribute to the contamination of rivers and lakes. The Red River
and the Mekong Delta, vital for agriculture and fishing, are notably affected. According to
Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), many water bodies
are contaminated with harmful chemicals and heavy metals. However, water pollution is a
common problem in many developing countries with intensive agricultural and industrial
activities, indicating that Vietnam’s situation is not uniquely severe.
On the other hand, Vietnam has been proactive in addressing environmental issues through
legislation and public initiatives. The Law on Environmental Protection (LEP) provides a
comprehensive legal framework for pollution control, waste management, and resource
conservation. This law aligns with international standards and reflects Vietnam’s commitment
to improving environmental quality. While enforcement remains a challenge, Vietnam’s
efforts are comparable to other nations striving to balance economic growth with
environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, while Vietnam faces significant environmental pollution challenges, its
situation is comparable to other developing countries undergoing rapid industrialization and
urbanization. The government’s proactive measures and alignment with international
standards demonstrate a commitment to improving the environment, suggesting that Vietnam
is not exceptionally more polluted than other countries in similar stages of development.