This was a training course under the capacity building program for staff and officers of all VASI units. In this training course which aimed at introducing integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) approach and related knowledge, more than 50 trainees were trained in ICZM information need, coastal profiling, ICZM planning and zoning etc.
The lectures delivered by Ms. Ho Thi Yen Thu provided the trainees with both academic and practical dimensions of ICZM application at different levels, with a special focus on the local level. With state-of-the-art technical knowledge and critical analyses from ICZM practices, illustrated by MCD activities in various coastal areas such as Nam Dinh and Khanh Hoa provinces, Ms. Ho’s lectures enabled the trainees to appreciate the rationales and benefits of ICZM application as well as ICZM patterns when implemented in real life.
In the conclusion of the lectures, Ms. Ho contended that community participation is one of the most critical factors for success of natural resources and environment management initiatives. She also emphasised that due to the multiple use feature of the coastal zone, it is critical to build up and maintain cooperation and coordination between the related stakeholders while ensuring a fair benefit arrangement between all including the community through applying ICZM, towards sustainable development of the coastal zone.