From April 8–15, 2025, the Institute of Natural Resources and Environment – Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) conducted a field survey in five buffer zone communes of Xuan Thuy National Park (Nam Dinh Province). The activity was part of the project “Energy Transition and Environmental Sustainability,” funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) through Expertise France.
The trip aimed to explore the current state of energy use, community awareness of socio-environmental challenges and opportunities in sustainable energy development, and the pathway toward the Net Zero 2050 target – Vietnam’s strong commitment made at COP26.
Led by Dr. Nghiem Thi Phuong Tuyen, the research team worked with various provincial departments and agencies, including the Sub-Department of Environmental Protection, Forest Protection Sub-Department, Department of Marine and Mineral Resources, and Planning and Finance Division under the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Nam Dinh Province.
At the commune level, the team collaborated with local authorities to conduct surveys in the five buffer zone communes: Giao Hai, Giao An, Giao Lac, Giao Xuan, and Giao Thien. The team organized focus group discussions with 150 representatives from local organizations and households, and conducted interviews with 300 households.
Preliminary findings indicate that residents in the buffer zone communes primarily use a combination of electricity and gas. Only a very small number of households use solar panels for daily activities, with a few applying this energy source to shrimp farming. Access to clean energy remains hindered by financial, technical, and awareness-related barriers. However, most community members expressed a willingness to transition if supported with appropriate, economically beneficial, and user-friendly models.
Photo: Community group discussion on energy use changes and potential impacts of four energy scenarios on local ecosystems and ecosystem services.
Photo: Household survey.
The research team will use the survey findings to analyze community perceptions of socio-environmental challenges and opportunities associated with the expansion of renewable energy production. The goal is to promote a sustainable energy transition while ensuring livelihood security and environmental protection.
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