D2. Right to full and effective participation
The roles and responsibilities of ministries and agencies in ensuring the full and effective participation of stakeholders in land use, forest and environmental impact assessment (EIA), related activities are as follows:
In terms of land use, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) (previously Minintry of Natural Resource and Environment – MONRE) is responsible for chairing and assisting the government in developing national land use plans and submitting them to the government for approval. PPCs are also responsible for developing provincial land use plans and submitting them to the Prime Minister for approval.[1]
In terms of forestry, MAE (previously Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development-MARD) is responsible for developing the national forestry plan and submitting it to the Prime Minister for approval[2]; conducting consultation, appraisal and ensuring the participation of relevant stakeholders. The Viet Nam Forestry Administration (VNFOREST) is responsible for developing and submitting to the Minister strategies, plans, long-term, medium-term and annual development plans; programs, projects and proposals under the management of the Department in the field of forestry and forest protection.[3]
For national master plan and plan, the planning authority is responsible for consulting with relevant ministries, ministerial-level agencies, People's Committees at all levels of relevant localities, and other relevant agencies, organizations, communities, and individuals.[4] For provincial land use planning, the planning agency is responsible for consulting with relevant departments, provincial Fatherland Front Committees, Commune People's Committees, relevant agencies, organizations, communities, and individuals. [5]
Forest Management Boards and forestry companies are responsible for developing site-level plans, ensuring the participation of relevant stakeholders.
For projects that must conduct environment impact assessments, it is necessary to consult with the communities, individuals directly affected by the investment project, and agencies and organizations directly related to the investment project. [6]
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) (previously Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment - MONRE) is responsible for developing detailed regulations on the appraisal of environmental impact assessment reports such as: organization and operation of the appraisal council, forms, documents, appraisal profile, and appraisal result reports. MAE and Provincial People's Committees (PPC) are responsible for appraising environmental impact assessment reports of investment projects under their responsibilities.[7] Departments of Agriculture and Environment (DAE) are responsible for participating in the appraisal of social environmental impact assessment reports within their locality.
[1] Article 69, 72 Law on Land 2024
[2] Article 12, Law on Forestry 2017
[3] Decision No 138/QD-BNNMT dated 1st March 2025 regulates on function, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Viet Nam Forestry Administration
[4] Article 19, Law on Planning 2017
[5] Article 70, Law on Land 2024
[6] Article 33, Law on Environment Protection 2020
[7] Article 35 Law on Environment Protection 2020 and Article 38 Decree No 136/2025/ND-CP dated 12 June 2025 regulating on decentralization in agriculture and environment.