As Vietnam moves from a centrally planned to an open market economy; it is faced with critical environmental problems. With an annual average population growth rate of 5% and a GPD per capita of 10 to 12%, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is now experiencing a dramatic increase in solid waste: the volume of solid waste generated by different sources is estimated to increase by 25% every year!

After a one year preparatory phase, ENDA and its Vietnamese partners selected a village of the Binh Hung Hoa (BHH) commune and formulated a project aiming at:

• creating community dynamism for the poor in the area
• providing a better environment through waste collection, separation and recycling
• improving the living conditions of the poor in terms of economic welfare, education and sanitation.

The implementation of the project took three years. ENDA provided technical assistance, follow-up and assessment for the project regarding hygiene and health, economic and financial tools, waste water treatment, education and communication.

Emphasis was laid on the collaborative aspect of the project. The Women Union of HCMC was ENDA’s main official partner. However, three institutions also provided specialised technical support: the Environment Committee, the Public Sanitation Department and the Agriculture Department. Last but not least, ENDA worked with the People Committee of BHH, the Village Development Committee and with smaller but fundamental community groups, whose mobilising role was essential, such as the puppet group, the communication group, the women saving group, etc.

The Project Management Board consisted of representatives of ENDA, the Women Union and the People Committee of BHH. All activities and problems related to the implementation of the project were discussed in monthly meetings. Although this democratic process tended to lack efficiency when no consensus could be reached, it resulted in a number of substantial achievements.

Thus, a number of economic activities were successfully carried out via credit schemes. In particular, a small private plastic recycling workshop was opened, providing permanent employment for 15 young people. Ten saving credit schemes for women were also created, with a weekly compulsory or voluntary saving amount of at least 2,000 VND ; monthly meetings also provided the women with appropriate training on financial matters and integrated issues such as environment, sanitation, primary health care and family planning.

Environment and sanitation were also improved through the use of duckweed to clean waste water, the construction of latrines and collective wells and the creation of a small health clinic.

Environmental awareness was also encouraged through integration of environmental issues in schools programs for children, informal education via various media for children and adults (films, discussion groups, story writing, plays, puppet groups), training and exchanges of experiences.