PROMOTING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS IN VIETNAM: FOUNDATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT-ENVIRONMENTAL DISPUTES

Abstract

A major challenge faced by a country which is encouraging high levels of foreign direct investment, is to do it in a way which encourages that investment, without harming the society and culture within which it seeks investment. Environmental protection is a key area - and the role of the public in Environmental Impact Assessments within the context of the legal and societal challenges is the theme of this article.