The National Assembly convened to discuss the oversight report and draft resolution on the implementation of environmental protection policies and legislation since the Environmental Protection Law of 2020 came into effect.
Delegate Thach Phuoc Binh (Vinh Long) remarked: “For the first time, we are placing nature on equal footing with humanity, viewing environmental protection as a foundation for growth, not the price we pay for it.”
However, he also acknowledged that while pollution control efforts have improved, they remain unsustainable.
According to Binh, the urban waste collection rate has reached 97%, yet only 18% of wastewater is treated. Nearly 60% of solid waste is still being buried, mainly in rural areas and small towns. Landfills like Nam Son (Hanoi), Khanh Son (Da Nang), and Tan Long (formerly Tien Giang, now Dong Thap province) remain long-standing environmental “hotspots.”
In Hanoi, fine dust levels at times have far exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, endangering the health of millions. Binh cited that organic pollution remains high in river basins such as Cau, Nhue-Day, and Bac Hung Hai, while the budget for waste treatment is only around 1.2% of the total state budget – lower than in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Delegate Thach Phuoc Binh proposes issuing climate bonds and tax incentives for companies investing in clean technology. Photo: National Assembly
Only about 15% of households separate waste at source, and many businesses still consider environmental costs a “burden” instead of an “investment in the future.”
“All of this shows Vietnam’s environment is nearing its limit. Without strong transformation, remediation costs will far exceed prevention costs,” Binh emphasized.
He argued it’s time to consider the environment a key indicator of national governance capacity, not merely a technical task. He proposed that the National Assembly incorporate indicators like “green GDP,” “low-carbon growth,” and the “environmental health index” into national development benchmarks.
He also called for the government to enact a national green finance policy, issue climate bonds, establish local green funds, and provide tax incentives for businesses investing in clean technology.
“One dollar invested in the environment today will save dozens in healthcare and disaster recovery tomorrow,” Binh concluded.
He recommended a shift in management from “control” to “smart monitoring,” with greater decentralization to local authorities under the principle: “local decision - local action - local accountability.” Technology, he added, is the extended arm of public responsibility.
Binh stressed that environmental protection is not a trade-off for growth, but the very foundation of sustainable development. He warned: “If we don’t act decisively now, all our economic achievements will be swept away by polluted waters and suffocating air.”
Call to investigate the use of rare hardwoods for furniture
Delegate Nguyen Lan Hieu says preserving natural forests is the most urgent task. Photo: National Assembly
Delegate Nguyen Lan Hieu (Gia Lai) noted that while the oversight report emphasized reforestation, the more urgent need is to preserve existing natural forests.
“These long-standing trees are the lungs of our land. They are essential in retaining soil and water, and in preventing increasingly frequent and severe landslides and floods across the country,” Hieu said.
He pointed out that natural forests have continued to shrink year after year, with no signs of reversal. This reality highlights the need to carefully reconsider plans to convert forests for economic development, especially as projections suggest more land may be allocated for this purpose in the next decade.
Hieu urged the oversight report to provide clearer data on forest protection efforts, including how much forest area will be repurposed, what the replanting plans are, and which tree species will be used.
“Importantly, there must be an investigation into the use of rare hardwoods for furniture such as beds, tables, and chairs,” Hieu proposed. He emphasized the need for concrete data to prove that Vietnam is genuinely committed to forest protection and has made measurable progress.
He emphasized that to protect forests, one must tackle the root causes: logging for furniture and clearing land for development. He cited international practices, noting that countries like Norway have enacted anti-deforestation laws, while China has made significant improvements in forest planting and protection.
The environment must not lag behind growth
Delegate Nguyen Ngoc Son: A minimum of 1% of the national budget should be allocated to environmental protection. Photo: National Assembly
Delegate Nguyen Ngoc Son (Hai Phong) emphasized that the environment is a foundational, irreplaceable factor. Natural resources, climate, and ecosystems are the “raw inputs” for all production, living, and service activities. Losing the environment means losing the capacity to sustain production, quality of life, and social productivity.
“The environment defines sustainability, not the speed of growth,” Son stated. A country may increase GDP rapidly over 5–10 years, but if it comes with declining air quality, polluted waterways, deforestation, and land degradation, the cost will cancel out the gains.
He stressed that a strong environmental foundation is key to attracting high-quality investment that doesn’t cause long-term damage. A weak environment would exclude Vietnam from the global green supply chain. In contrast, a green economy with a livable environment offers a “competitive advantage in the new era.”
Therefore, Son said, economic and social development cannot be sustainable if environmental protection is always treated as a secondary or reactive task.
He noted that the environment has not been properly funded. Currently, the environmental budget accounts for only about 0.7% of the total state budget, and in many localities, less than 0.3%. This is insufficient for environmental monitoring, waste management, awareness campaigns, or inspections.
He recommended increasing public investment in environmental protection and establishing a minimum spending requirement of 1% of the national budget, with transparent monitoring.
Vietnamnet.vn
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