Grassroots Environmentalism in Vietnam: How Communities Can Initiate Change
Abstract
Severe environmental degradation brought about by Vietnam's rapid expansion into an export driven market economy threaten the continued economic growth and social stability of the nation and must be reversed. The Government of Vietnam has proven unable to enforce environmental regulations, but evidence shows that citizen initiated, community based movements have been effective in coercing industry and governmental action to remedy environmental problems. The United States should assist Vietnam in adopting environmentally sustainable business and social practices by promoting citizen initiated environmental movements. To support this position, the author describes the scope of the environmental degradation, the state of Vietnam's regulatory system, the characteristics of effective community based environmentalism and the role of extra-local actors as advocates for local movements. The author concludes by drawing connections between the efforts of the state and non-state actors and makes recommendations for the United States Government to assist Vietnam in reversing environmental degradation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA594022
Entities
People
- Christian D. Boll
Organizations
- Naval War College