ABSTRACT
Abstract: The coast of Vietnam is undergoing rapid transformation as a result of socioeconomic reform and environmental change. Increasing environmental stress and conict over resources stemming from accelerating rates of development and the emerging threat of climate change and sealevel rise converge in the coastal zone to create a substantial challenge to individual livelihoods and community well-being, a challenge that coastal managers and planners must confront. This chapter reviews recent trends in coastal zone management and climate policy in Vietnam, identifying opportunities and weaknesses. Over the past two decades, signicant progress has been made in developing a framework for integrated coastal zone management and, in parallel, a national strategy on climate change. Ensuring effective coordination between these two processes, hence capturing synergistic benets, would clearly be advantageous. Disaster risk reduction would provide a common focus of immediate relevance. Alongside the availability of resources, three particular issues that will determine the success of the process of policy development and implementation are highlighted: the importance of coordination, vertically and horizontally within society; the need for full participation; and the desirability of a exible, step-by-step approach (so that lessons can be learnt from experience). Models are available within Vietnamese experience suggesting that these issues can be tackled effectively.
INTRODUCTION
