Waste management has become a significant concern in Viet Nam, as waste generation is increasing at an unprecedented pace and is projected to triple over the next 15 years. Currently, the country does not have the capacity to effectively handle this waste: 70% is disposed of in landfills where the implementation of environmental standards is limited; while the rest is burned or discarded in nature, with much of it eventually ending up into the sea. The complex structure of solid waste management at the policy and governance level, together with the lack of reliable data and poor regional coordination worsen the situation. Citizens and businesses are not generally aware of the negative impacts improper waste management causes on human health, in addition to soil, air and water pollution; which calls for increased investment in education.

Similarly, Viet Nam has become a significant producer and consumer of plastic, with immediate negative consequences in terms of marine pollution, population wellbeing, and on the tourism and fishery industries. It makes up between 10, and 12 % of the total amount of solid waste generated in Viet Nam and the country produces approximately 1.8 million tons of plastic waste, every year.

The lack of reliable, up to date and localised data on waste management systems has been identified as a key challenge, preventing the development of sustainable solutions. Therefore, producing evidence-backed research ? including at the local level - will play a crucial role in the successful design of the small-scale project supported by the UNDP/GEF SGP. Currently, there is no baseline of what the collection and recycling rates of domestic waste are or its composition in most of the project sites. This mapping aims to fill this gap by supporting the NGOs/CSOs in consistently collecting and analysing information needed to make informed decisions. In line with UNDP/GEF SGP guidelines, the organisations will research waste management system in their locality, including the local governance structure and network, waste generation and characterisation, infrastructures; and they will survey waste collectors and traders.

With the support of the Government of Norway, UNDP is currently implementing a new project entitled Scaling-up a Socialised Model of Domestic Waste and Plastic Management, in five cities (Ha Long, Danang, Quy Nhon, Binh Thuan, Binh Duong). It aims to develop integrated, green and fair models to improve domestic waste and plastic management, in five Vietnamese cities. This objective will be met through the achievement of five key outcomes: (1) Five cities established effective small-scale models of domestic waste management; (2) Enhanced regulatory framework and capacity of the local authorities and stakeholders through the promotion of the circular economy approach; (3) Increased awareness and participation of all stakeholders in reducing single-use plastic and in improving waste management; (4) Increased income and safety of the waste picker groups; (5) Innovation and information platforms promoted.

The grant is aimed at supporting the grantee with efficient funding to formulate a full-fledged project proposal named ??Connecting resources for reduction of ocean waste in Phu Quy and Tuy Phong districts, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province? for submission to GEF SGP/NSC?s appraisal/approval. The grantee will use the fund to undertake baseline surveys, conduct consultations at relevant levels (communities, local authorities and potential stakeholders) and hire consultants to develop project documents. The expected results include:
- Data analysis and project design (objectives, expected results and outputs, planned activities) are well informed (by baseline surveys); baseline data is established to facilitate the end-of-project evaluation.
- Communities, local authorities and relevant stakeholders are fully consulted on the project?s relevance with local conditions and needs, possibilities to connect and integrate with on-going associated projects and programmes.
- A full-fledged project document is in place to submit for GEF SGP?s appraisal.