Green environment lays foundation for sustainable urban development

Dong Nai is among the localities with a high rate of industrial wastewater treatment. Domestic waste is also well controlled, while forest coverage and biodiversity rank among the highest in the Southern region.

Representatives of the Dong Nai Economic and Industrial Zones Authority (DEIZA) exchange views with Chinese enterprises on industrial wastewater management and treatment. Photo: Hoang Loc

These outcomes partly reflect the province’s sustained efforts in environmental protection, thereby laying a crucial foundation for sustainable urban development, where economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental preservation.

Comprehensive control of emission sources

As one of the country’s major industrial hubs, Dong Nai has placed strong emphasis on environmental protection, with a more systematic and coordinated approach.

At present, the province has 43 operating industrial parks, of which 42 have invested in centralized wastewater treatment systems, accounting for nearly 98%. Notably, 38 industrial parks eligible for stable operation have installed automatic wastewater monitoring systems. In addition, specialized agencies conduct monthly sampling of treated wastewater in these parks to require adjustments whenever standards are exceeded promptly.

According to Pham Viet Phuong, Deputy Head of DEIZA, most industrial parks across the province have completed the investment, installation, and operation of automatic wastewater monitoring equipment, with data transmitted to regulatory agencies for supervision in accordance with regulations.

Regarding domestic waste, the province generates an average of more than 2,600 tonnes per day, 78% of which is collected and treated in accordance with regulations. Waste classification at source has been implemented for years, and by the end of 2025, nearly 60% of households had participated, while all agencies and organizations had complied.

Tran Trong Toan, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, said that under the adjusted Power Development Plan VIII, the province has five waste-to-energy projects. Some are currently being implemented and, once operational, will help reduce pressure on waste treatment, cut the volume of waste sent to landfill, and increase the amount of clean electricity generated.

Regarding domestic wastewater treatment infrastructure, five plants are currently in operation, but their capacity remains modest. To address this, the province is prioritizing the implementation of 7 drainage and wastewater treatment projects in rapidly developing urban areas, including Bien Hoa, Long Thanh, Trang Bom, and Long Khanh. Once completed, these projects will help significantly improve urban environmental quality.

In agriculture, particularly livestock farming, Dong Nai has taken a proactive step by relocating small-scale facilities out of residential areas and forming concentrated farming zones. Meanwhile, the management of mineral resources has also been tightened to curb illegal exploitation and protect the environment.

Nguyen Tuan Anh, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment (DoAE), assessed that Dong Nai is effectively controlling major emission sources, especially in industrial parks. Environmental monitoring systems have been implemented synchronously, covering water, air, and soil, thereby providing a comprehensive database for management.

Toward green and sustainable development

A notable highlight in ecological protection is protecting forest resources. Dong Nai has more than 370,000 hectares of forest and land designated for forestry development, with a forest coverage rate exceeding 25%, the highest in the Southeastern region. The province is also home to rich forest ecosystems, including Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve, Cat Tien National Park, and Bu Gia Map National Park, all of which feature high biodiversity and host numerous rare species of flora and fauna.

Dong Nai is implementing emission-reduction measures across seven key sectors, with a roadmap targeting a 20% reduction by 2030, a 45% reduction by 2035, carbon neutrality by 2045, and net zero emissions by 2050.

In recent years, the province has consistently incorporated sustainable development goals into its policies, strategies, and planning, ensuring that economic growth is closely linked with environmental protection.

According to the DoAE, in 2026 and the coming period, the province will focus on improving institutional frameworks, strengthening inspection and enforcement, and strictly handling environmental violations. It will also accelerate administrative reforms to facilitate green-oriented investments.

Potential pollution sources will continue to be strictly controlled, including industrial parks and industrial clusters, as well as residential areas and livestock activities. In addition, protecting water resources, particularly in the Dong Nai River basin, and ensuring environmental safety in mineral extraction will remain top priorities.

Regarding domestic waste management, Nguyen Thi Hoang, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee, stated during a working session with departments and enterprises in March 2026 that the province aims to gradually reduce reliance on landfills while encouraging advanced, environmentally friendly waste treatment technologies. Waste classification at source will continue to expand, gradually becoming a widespread community habit.

Alongside these measures, the province is implementing a carbon emission reduction project toward 2030, with a vision to 2050, aiming to cut emissions and achieve net zero progressively. This strategic step will enable Dong Nai to keep pace with global sustainable development trends and move toward becoming a sustainable urban center.

Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Vo Tan Duc affirmed that Dong Nai remains committed to rapid yet sustainable development, without trading the environment for short-term growth. Accordingly, environmental protection, efficient resource use, and improved quality of life for residents are integral to all policy decisions. The province prioritizes selective investment attraction, promotes green and circular economic models, and strengthens pollution control, aiming to build a modern, livable city in harmony with nature.

Taken together, these achievements and orientations demonstrate that Dong Nai is steadily laying a solid foundation for a modern urban area that coexists harmoniously with nature. This direction is not only inevitable but also provides the province with a long-term competitive advantage.

By H.Loc – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho