Promoting sustainable resource extraction in Ca Mau through the circular economy model
On December 9, the University of Economics and Law (UEL), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), organized the closing workshop of the project “Mitigating Negative Environmental Impacts Related to the Extraction of Construction Materials and Landfilling, Especially Sand, in Ca Mau” under the “Fair for All” project, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and Oxfam.
An Overview of the Workshop
The workshop was attended by representatives of the Ca Mau Provincial Women’s Union, Women’s Unions and residents of the project communes, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Department of Construction, other relevant departments and agencies, representatives of local businesses, the Department of Legal Affairs – Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, as well as several universities and research institutes.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Vu Nam, Vice Rector of the University of Economics and Law, VNU-HCM, highly appreciated the spirit of multi-stakeholder partnership in the project among provincial authorities of Ca Mau, Women’s Unions at all levels, ministries and sectoral agencies, research institutes, and farmers in the two communes of Dat Mui and Chau Doc. He also acknowledged the meaningful changes in project design and implementation thinking, stemming from Oxfam’s and the Fair for All Project’s people-centered approach.
The workshop not only shared the project’s results and lessons learned, but also presented research on the green economy and circular economy, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and synthesized practical models and solutions for the construction materials extraction sector, thereby offering policy recommendations for Vietnam.
Dr. Hoang Nhat Thong, Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, shared insights on “Improving Policies and Laws on the Circular Economy: An Approach from the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Mechanism.” Vietnam is currently one of five countries/territories in Asia with EPR regulations, alongside Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan (China). The EPR mechanism is considered an important tool to promote the circular economy, environmental protection, emission reduction, resource security, and economic efficiency through material recovery, enhanced consumer awareness, and the creation of more green jobs, among other benefits.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Yen, Deputy Head of the Undergraduate Training Department, Hanoi Law University, presented on “Experiences in Resource Management and Utilization During the Transition to a Green Economy: International Experiences and Lessons for Vietnam.” The transition to a green economy brings numerous benefits to countries, including economic, environmental, and social gains. These benefits not only provide a foundation for sustainable economic development but also enhance national competitiveness in the context of globalization and climate change. Based on analyses of successful models, challenges, and experiences of several countries in managing, exploiting, and using natural resources during the shift from traditional economic models to a green economy, her presentation proposed orientations and policies for Vietnam to promote the green transition, ensure sustainable resource management, and contribute to long-term, stable, and environmentally friendly socio-economic development.
Dr. Nguyen Minh Tu, Senior Expert and Head of the Agricultural Circular Economy Group, Institute for Development Research and Circular Economy, VNU-HCM, presented research findings and proposed solutions for managing sand resources and alternative filling materials under a circular economy model.
The project “Mitigating Negative Environmental Impacts Related to the Extraction of Construction Materials and Landfilling, Especially Sand, in Ca Mau,” implemented by UEL, aims to raise environmental awareness and improve access to environmental justice for officials and residents in the two communes of Dat Mui and Song Doc, Ca Mau Province.
The project conducted practical research on sand resource extraction and filling materials in the province, from which it proposed effective management solutions based on the circular economy model. The research results were shared within the academic community and with relevant management agencies.
On that basis, the project worked with local authorities to design programs to raise public awareness of legal regulations on resource management and to apply circular economy principles in resource extraction and use, accompanied by mechanisms to protect the legitimate rights and interests of local officials and residents.
In the roundtable discussion session, representatives from the Song Doc Commune Women’s Union, the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment, Oxfam, the Institute for Circular Economy Development – VNU-HCM, and the Institute of International and Comparative Law – UEL shared perspectives on responsible business models, just transition, and local initiatives that help women and communities improve livelihoods in a green and sustainable manner.
The Fair for All project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and implemented by Oxfam in Vietnam. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of social organizations to participate in and contribute to green economic development, and to build more sustainable and inclusive value chains, in which vulnerable communities—especially women, ethnic minorities, and disadvantaged groups—can access sustainable livelihood opportunities and environmental protection.