EIA models and capacity building in Viet Nam: an analysis of development aid programs

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 2004 · Environmental Impact Assessment Review

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2003.09.001· OSTI ID:20650616

Doberstein, Brent

There has been a decided lack of empirical research examining development aid agencies as 'agents of change' in environmental impact assessment (EIA) systems in developing countries, particularly research examining the model of environmental planning practice promoted by aid agencies as part of capacity building. This paper briefly traces a conceptual framework of EIA, then introduces the concept of 'EIA capacity building'. Using Viet Nam as a case study, the paper then outlines the empirical results of the research, focusing on the extent to which aid agency capacity-building programs promoted a Technical vs. Planning Model of EIA and on the coherence of capacity-building efforts across all aid programs. A discussion follows, where research results are interpreted within the Vietnamese context, and implications of research results are identified for three main groups of actors. The paper concludes by calling for development aid agencies to reconceptualise EIA capacity building as an opportunity to transform developing countries' development planning processes.

• OSTI ID: 20650616
• Journal Information: Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Journal Name: Environmental Impact Assessment Review Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 24; ISSN 0195-9255; ISSN EIARDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
PLANNING
VIET NAM