What are regulations on environmental zoning in Vietnam?

How many environmental zones are there according to the law in Vietnam?

Environmental zoning by strict protection zone, low-emission zone and other zones shall comply with criteria concerning environmental sensitivity and vulnerability to impacts of environmental pollution in order to minimize impacts of environmental pollution on the life and normal development of humans and creatures.

Strict protection zone includes:

- High density residential areas in urban areas include inner cities and inner district-level towns of special urban areas, urban areas of grades I, II and III according to regulations of law on urban classification;

- Surface water used for domestic purpose in accordance with regulations of law on water resources;

- Wildlife sanctuaries prescribed by regulations of law on biodiversity, forestry and fisheries;

- Protection zones 1 of historical and cultural sites/monuments prescribed by regulations of law on cultural heritage;

- Core zone of the natural heritage site (if any) prescribed by regulations of the LEP.

Low-emission zone includes:

- Buffer zone of strict protection zones specified in clause 2 of this Article (if any);

- Important wetlands defined as prescribed by law;

- Safeguard zones of surface water used for domestic purpose in accordance with regulations of law on water resources;

- High density residential areas which are inner cities and inner district-level towns of urban areas of grades IV and V according to regulations of law on urban classification;

- Water recreation areas under decision of the provincial People’s Committee;

- Other areas with environmental sensitivity and vulnerability to impacts of environmental pollution that need to be protected.

Other zones which are remaining areas in an administrative division.

Legal basis: Article 22 of the Decree 08/2022/ND-CP

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