Aus4Transport’s Sector Standards for social and environmental impact assessments are almost ready to see the light
IN BRIEF
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) continues to take important steps towards a greener and more inclusive Vietnam. MOT, through the Department of Environment (DOE), is on the final stages of revising the Sector Standards (TCCs) that will bring a streamlined process for environmental and social impact assessments of transport infrastructure projects in Vietnam.
The three administrations concerned: roads, railways and inland waterways, are already in the last stages of reviewing the Draft TCCSs, Toolkits and Related Learning Resources. Once this step is complete, the materials will be used in a MOT project for practical application and learning before distributing the Final TCCSs to all relevant stakeholders involved in transport infrastructure projects.
Transport infrastructure investment is a fundamental element of economic growth and social development for any country, as efficiently designed transport networks promote economic development, stimulate productivity, improve life quality and contribute to social welfare.
Despite the fact that new transport infrastructure development can bring significant benefits, it can also have high costs on the environment and the society. Mitigating environmental and social impacts has increasingly been a top concern in sustainable development. In recent years, it has also become an urgent matter for Vietnam, as the rapid socio-economic development of the country and the increased awareness of its citizens are pushing, now more than ever before, for greener and healthier long-term sustainable practices.
That is why, the Aus4Transport Program, the Australian Government initiative to assist the Government of Vietnam in the transport sector, is focusing its efforts to develop three sets of Sector Standards that will support road, rail and inland waterways transport infrastructure projects, ensuring all negative natural and social environmental impacts are considered and addressed before, during and after project implementation.
The Sector Standards are one of the key outputs of the Aus4Transport Environmental and Social Benefits and Costs of Transport Infrastructure Projects (ESIA) activity. They will provide a concrete procedure and guide to make project preparation and approval processes more efficient, to maximise investment and provide environmental and social benefits for Vietnam. The application of the sector standards by the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam (DRVN), Vietnam Railway Authority (VNRA) and Vietnam Inland Water Administration (VIWA), will enhance their ability to efficiently and accurately analyse and predict environmental risks and develop effective measures for social and environmental protection.
The ESIA activity aims to support technical staff and experts involved in transport development projects to acquire cutting-edge knowledge and adopt best international practices that are in line with the current related Vietnamese regulations, motivating them to undertake comprehensive, systematic and high-quality environmental and social impact assessments. The activity will also assist MOT leaders to access and utilise the results of these assessments to make informed decisions and support their stands in front of central agencies and private sector investors.
Aus4Transport, together with the Department of Environment and the involved administrations, are highly committed to the success of this activity that will help to bring Vietnam a step closer to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
