Norway provides US$1.3 million for waste management project in Vietnam
The Government of Norway will provide US$1.3 million for a project to scale up integrated and inclusive waste management models by empowering the informal sector and fostering the circular economy in Vietnam.
The Norwegian Embassy in Vietnam and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) recently signed an agreement for the project. This three-year project is aimed at deploying and testing interventions, including direct support for informal waste workers and a management model in the fishery sector.
It will also foster an ecosystem-level approach of value chains through the establishment of the Material Recovery Facility, which will be piloted in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province.
The project is a continuation of the first phase of the successful Norway-funded project, “Scaling Up a Socialized Model of Domestic Waste and Plastic Management”, in five localities, Quang Ninh, Binh Duong, Binh Thuan, Binh Dinh and Danang.
“We are very happy with the success of Phase 1 of the project and to see the project being expanded. It is great that more local communities, particularly women, will take part in the common efforts to tackle plastic waste and build a circular economy. This is very important in the context of the post-pandemic green recovery,” said Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Grete Lochen.
“Norway takes pride in our partnership with UNDP Vietnam and the Government of Vietnam to take action to combat plastic waste, build back greener and leave no one behind."
Phase 2 of the project responds to the need for scaling up local waste and recycling collection centers that respect environmental and social standards, while engaging the informal sector in waste collection and segregation.
Through the project, the community capacity for waste management will be enhanced when supported by an effective enabling environment and the adoption by municipalities and businesses of the circular economy principles.
“We believe that by bringing together sustainable and inclusive waste management models, innovation and policy advice, the new phase of the project will further accelerate the achievement of a low-carbon and circular Vietnam,” said Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam.
Saigon Times