Terms of Reference

Title:

05 national experts to undertake a feasibility study, including

recommendations, way forward and a roadmap for introducing an
Ecological Functional Zoning (EFZ) in Viet Nam
Project ID and title: 00085508/Strengthening Capacity on Natural Resources and
Environment Policy Development and Environmental Performance
(NREP)
Duration:
June - October 2015, with a total of 152 working days for 5
consultants (detailed below)
Duty station:
Home-based and Hanoi
Reporting:
UNDP Viet Nam and the National Project Director
1. Background
At its Meeting in May 2013, the Viet Nam Communist Party Central Committee passed
Resolution 24-NQ/TW on actively responding to climate change, strengthening natural
resource management and environmental protection. The Resolution specified the adoption
of functional zoning based on ecological characteristics, natural resources and potential
impacts of climate change as a basis for development planning, integrating land use and
marine spatial planning.

As detailed in Party Resolution 24-NQ/TW and in recent Government strategies, policies and
plans (such as the National Orientation Strategy for Sustainable Development in Vietnam, the
National Strategy for Environmental Protection 2011 2015 with Vision until 2020, and the
National Climate Change Strategy), while the country has lifted itself out of poverty over the
past two decades, rapid industrialization and population growth has led to poorly planned
development in some instances, resulting in pollution, resource depletion and environmental
degradation, which could all lead to economic and societal conflicts, problems that are now
being exacerbated by climate change. The Government has responded by introducing new
policies such as the Green Development Strategy, the revised Land Law and the new Law on
Environmental Protection (2014), but major reforms of the system of land use planning have
yet to be made.
The need for a better system of land use and marine spatial planning and natural resource
management to cope with current challenges is evident. In a recent meeting of the countrys
leading land use planning experts to discuss land use planning and a long-term land resource
strategy for Viet Nam, there was overwhelming agreement that current land use planning is
sub-optimal, and requires overhaul.1 A long-term land resource strategy was viewed as
overdue, given the demands being put on resource security, ecological integrity and food
security by a rising population, estimated at 150 million or more by the end of the century.
Land use planning was criticized as irrational, inconsistent and fragmented, lacking a
coherent, scientific and rational foundation. In contrast, functional zoning can provide the
necessary cohesion for integrating master-planning undertaken by different agencies in
different sectors at different levels, and avoid future conflicts.

Land use planning and building a long-term management strategy for land resources in Viet Nam. Institute
for Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE) Science Seminar. 1 October, 2013.

Functional zoning is essentially the spatial application of the ecosystem-based approach to

development. The ecosystem-based approach is the central foundation of the Convention on
Biological Diversity, to which Viet Nam is a signatory since 1994 (COP 5 Decision V/6, COP
VII Decision V/11), and this approach has been endorsed by Viet Nam in its National SocioEconomic Development Plan. Functional zoning involves the spatial classification and
delineation of land and water resources, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, critical ecosystem
functions of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, planned land and water resource use,
projected climate change impacts, and assessment of status and trends. Areas where resource
use and protection may be in agreement or in conflict are then identified, ranked and
evaluated, also in light of expected climate change impacts. The scoping of what is required
to introduce EFZ in Viet Nam and coming up with a realistic approach to EFZ is the
objective of this proposal.
The spatial application of the ecosystem-based approach to land use planning and land, water
and marine resource management to deliver functional zoning is being adopted by many
developed and developing countries, such as China (major function zoning, ecological
function zoning and marine functional zoning), Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru,
Surinam, Guyana and other Amazon Basin countries (ecological-economic zoning), Scotland
(Climate Change Act 2008 and Land Use Strategy 2011) and Australia (South East
Queensland Regional Landscape Planning Framework and Natural Resource Management
Plan 20092031, based on mapping ecosystem functions). In the UK, following the National
Ecosystem Assessment, the spatial application of the ecosystem-based approach to
development is currently being undertaken. It is also being used by many countries
undertaking local and regional marine spatial planning (eg in the Arctic, Baltic and
Mediterranean Seas).
While such a spatial functional analysis at national, regional and local levels is new to Viet
Nam, it will build upon and will clarify previous work done on economic and geographic
zoning. Circular No. 193/UB/VP of 11/2/1963 and Decision No. 270/CP of 30/9/1977
constitute the nations first legal basis on territorial zoning of various economic and
professional sectors, while Land and Forestry Laws and regulations have also delineated land
for certain uses, e.g. the agro-forestry zoning. In 2011 a preliminary assessment of forest
ecological stratification was undertaken on behalf of UN REDD that identified two
ecological zones, eight ecological regions and forty-seven ecological sub-regions, and a
recent (2013) study by WWF, Stockholm University and the Biodiversity Conservation
Agency of Viet Nam identified 4 main Ecosystems (terrestrial, wetlands, coastal and Others),
subdivided in 26 sub-systems.
2. Objective of the assignment
The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and chart the way forward for the
introduction of an FZ system in Viet Nam that will ensure a more scientific and cohesive
basis for national and regional land use and marine spatial and resource planning, to boost
green development, quality economic growth and international competitiveness by enabling
more efficient use of natural resources, optimized delivery of ecosystem services, guaranteed
ecological security, and an effective response to climate change.
3. Scope of work
3.1.

National Consultant (Team Leader) - Resource Planning Specialist (NC-TL:

days)

40

Lead the Team and work as the focal point of the Team for synthesizing all
technical inputs, maintaining work schedules, and reporting in a timely manner to
the PMU. Prepare an Inception Report for the assignment, including methodology
and work plan of the full team, and submit to PMU for approval. (3 days)

Conduct a literature review of the zoning of land and marine areas for different
purposes in Viet Nam, with special emphasis of areas in possible conflict, and
synthesize major findings for the application of EFZ (5 days)

Review of international experiences with EFZ, with relevance to Viet Nam

conditions (5 days)

Review the current land use planning and marine planning system to:
a. Detail the current legal basis for applying FZ to land use and marine spatial
planning, and identify gaps and barriers and how these may be overcome.
b. Identify areas of concern or conflict that may be addressed by FZ, and prepare
a set of options for applying FZ that may address these concerns for
discussion with stakeholders.
(Total of 8 days)

3.2.

Following the literature review assessment, consult with major stakeholders and
identify gaps and obstacles to be overcome in designing and implementing a
suitable FZ system for Viet Nam (3 days).

Prepare a roadmap for the design and implementation of a suitable functional

zoning system based on ecological characteristics, water resources and potential
impacts of climate change as a basis for development planning, integrating land
use planning and marine spatial planning, with focus on areas of possible
conflicting use or that are vulnerable (4 days).

Synthesize the results of the above tasks to produce a report on land use planning
and marine spatial planning and resource planning and the potential of using EFZ
(4 days).

Synthesize individual reports of the other NCs, and prepare a draft consolidated
Report for presentation at a National Stakeholder Consultation Workshop (5
days).

Incorporate stakeholder and peer-review comments in a Final Report (3 days)

National Consultant - Water Resource Planning Specialist (NC-WR: 28 days)

Under the Direction of the Team Leader, the water resource planning specialist shall
undertake the following tasks
-

Compile a list of relevant Government plans, laws, and regulations dealing with
water resources planning, and summarize these. (2 days)

Detail the current legal basis for applying FZ to water resources planning and
identify gaps and barriers and how these might be overcome. (3 days)

3.3.

Assess internal and external transboundary water resources planning and

management issues in relation to applying FZ. (4 days)

Compare and contrast approaches taken to water resources planning in the

different watersheds and eco-regions. Identify key issues needing to be resolved
relating to applying FZ. (4 days)

Compile a list of relevant Government plans, laws, and regulations dealing with
the impacts of climate change on water resources. Assess their relevance to the
application of FZ in Viet Nam, identify gaps and barriers to applying FZ, and how
best to address them. (3 days)

Provide inputs for a roadmap for the design and implementation of a suitable
functional zoning system based on ecological characteristics, water resources and
potential impacts of climate change as a basis for development planning,
integrating land use planning and marine spatial planning, and with special
attention to areas of possible conflicting use or that are vulnerable. (2 days)

Summarize the results of all previous tasks in a full report (4 days)

Present main results of the report at a National Stakeholder consultation

Workshop. Incorporate stakeholder comments for inclusion in a final report on
Water Resources Planning. (3 days)

Input in and assist in synthesizing the final Team Report. (3 days)

National Consultant - Ecosystem Services Specialist (NC-ES: 28 days)

-

Under the direction of the Team Leader, consult key stakeholders and conduct a
review of published and unpublished literature to identify and evaluate resources
in Viet Nam in Vietnamese and English that may assist in the future design of an
appropriate FZ system for Viet Nam with respect to ecological characteristics
(ecological functional zoning- EFZ). Specifically, create an inventory of and
evaluate all available information (all relevant maps, reports, data etc) relevant to
applying EFZ in Viet Nam including:
-

land use classification units

soil types and classes
agro-ecological zoning
coastal / marine and island zoning and spatial planning
FORMIS
REDD + ecological stratification studies
key legacy, emerging and likely future ecological problems, including
direct and indirect drivers;
priority ecological functions of various mapped eco-regions; and
current status and trends of ecological infrastructure in each eco-region.

(9 days)
-

Collect and review all relevant laws and sub-legal documents to assess the legal
and administrative status quo for implementing EFZ, summarize these and note
any institutional and regulatory barriers and gaps for effective FZ implementation.
(4 days)

Evaluate and synthesize the above literature review results, consult with major
stakeholders and identify gaps and obstacles to be overcome to design and
implement a suitable EFZ system for Viet Nam. (3 days)

Prepare a roadmap for the design and implementation of a suitable EFZ system
based on ecosystems planning. (2 days)

Summarize the results of all previous tasks in a full report (3 days)

Summarize the results of the report for presentation at a National Stakeholder

consultation Workshop. (2 days)

Incorporate stakeholder comments for inclusion in a final report on Ecosystems in

EFZ (2 day)

Input in and assist in synthesizing the final Team Report (3 days)

3.4.

National Consultant - Climate Change Impact Assessment Specialist (NC-CC: 28

days)
- Under the Direction of the Team Leader, for input into stakeholder roundtable
discussions:
a. With the guidance of the NC-TL and NC-WR compile a list of relevant
Government plans, laws, and regulations dealing with the impacts of
climate change on land and water resources. Assess their relevance to the
application of FZ in Viet Nam, identify gaps and barriers to applying FZ,
and how best to address them. (3 days)
b. Compile, consolidate and summarize the available climate change
scenarios and vulnerability assessments for different sectors and regions
Viet Nam, and analyze these with particular reference for use in EFZ in
Viet Nam (4 days)
c. with the assistance of the NC-GS, assess how best to approach the spatial
mapping of the vulnerability of land and water resources and critical
ecosystem functions to projected climate change hazards as part of
effectively applying FZ. (4 days)
d. with the assistance of the NC-GS, assess issues arising from the current
use (or lack of use) of spatial data for climate change adaptation and
mitigation planning and assess spatial data requirements and capacity for
applying effective FZ in this context. (3 days)
e. With the assistance of the NC-ES, assess how FZ may best reflect impacts
of climate change on ecosystem function. (3 days)

3.5.

Summarize the results of all previous tasks in a full report (4 days)

Summarize the results stakeholder discussion of the above, for presentation at a

National Stakeholder consultation Workshop. (2 days)

Incorporate stakeholder comments in a Final Report on CC impact on EFZ (2

days)

Input in and assist in synthesizing the final Team Report (3 days)

National Consultant - GIS Specialist (NC GS - 28 days):

Assist the Team Leader and Team members in identifying and utilizing spatial
data. (2 days)

Create an inventory and assess relevant spatial data in Viet Nam, including
satellite imagery, and in collaboration with the Team, analyze the capacity of
existing data sources to spatially delineate ecological function zones. (5 days)

Identify spatial data information gaps for implementing FZ, and suggest costeffective ways of overcoming these information gaps. (3 days)

Identify any institutional and regulatory obstacles in obtaining, sharing and using
spatial data related to FZ determination. (2 days)

Prepare a report on the use of spatial data in EFZ to serve as an input to the NC TL for implementation of the assignment.(3 days)

Conduct a presentation at the Stakeholder Consultation Workshop and other

workshops/meetings organized by the PMU on the draft report and gather
comments from all related parties. (2 days)

Incorporating stakeholder comments in the on Spatial data in EFZ Final Report.

(2 days)

Input in and assist in synthesizing the final Team Report. (3 days)

Methodology: The selected consultants will, under the leadership of the Lead Consultant,
propose and discuss with PMU, UNDP and ISPONRE the approach in undertaking the
assignment. This shall include: i) desk review; ii) consultations and interviews with relevant
GoV officials, institutions, relevant experts, universities, NGOs, private sector, and donors as
to be agreed with the PMU. The methodology and workplan of the assignment shall be
reflected in the Inception Report.
1. Duration of assignment
Duration and Timing: June - October 2015
- National Consultant (Team Leader) - Resource Planning Specialist
(NC-TL: 40 days)
- National Consultant - Water Resource Planning Specialist (NCWR: 28 days)
- National Consultant - Ecosystem Services Specialist (NC-ES)- 28
days)
- National Consultant - GIS Specialist (NC02 - 28 days)
- National Consultant - Climate Change Impact Assessment
Specialist (NC-CC: 28 days)
Duty station:

Home based and Hanoi

2. Final Products
-

An Inception Report, detailing the understanding of the consultants of the TORs,

the methodology to be followed, a draft Table of Contents of the Final Report, and

a detailed work-plan for completion of the assignment of the whole team within 2
week upon the signing of the contract.
-

Final and approved Team member reports on the topic of their assignment
(Resources Planning, Water Resources, Ecosystems Services, Climate Change,
GIS).

A Final and approved Team Report on EFZ in Viet Nam, which serves as a
preliminary baseline assessment with recommendations regarding the feasibility
of introducing and applying FZ to Viet Nam in the light of international
experience and available expertise in Viet Nam, including a roadmap for
designing a suitable FZ system appropriate to Viet Nam conditions (by the Team
leader, with inputs from Team Members, and peer-reviewed by International
Consultant).
The Report should:

review and evaluate the current understanding, knowledge, practical

application, and legal force of systems of land use classification, agroecological zoning, ecological stratification, and ecosystem functioning
nationwide and within various regions, as well as the possible gaps, and
provide a summary baseline.

Summary of international experience with EFZ, including highlights of few

case studies, which are of relevance to the Viet Nam context.

Gauge and record stakeholder views regarding how FZ may be best applied in
Viet Nam, and the extent to which these views are represented in the proposed
roadmap, particularly addressing questions of feasibility, scheduling and
adequate time-frame for implementation.

Include an indexed and fully referenced bibliography of materials consulted,

noting availability and any access restrictions of all collected and sourced
information, published, unpublished, on-line and spatial data, as well as
locations and accessibility of existing databases and meta-databases.

Include a list of all stakeholders consulted.

Include recommendations and a possible roadmap of introducing EFZ in

national planning, building on and strengthening already existing national
planning systems, as well as further research, surveys and analysis to be done.

Include an Executive Summary highlighting the main analysis,

recommendations, elements of the roadmap for introducing EFZ in the national
planning system and way forward.

Individual Technical Papers representing results from respective tasks of each

consultant as mentioned in the Scope of Work, including a summary of results

All the reports shall be in Vietnamese and English.

3. Provision of monitoring and progress controls

The selected consultants will work as a team with regular consultation and guidance by the
PMU/NPD, UNDP and ISPONRE, but they will also intimately consult with relevant
departments (BCA, Forestry, VASI, VEA, Water, MPI, etc.), organizations (Universities,
NGOs) and other relevant stakeholders. The NCs led by the Team Leader shall liaise with the
PMU on developing the proposed methodology and approach to successfully complete all
tasks/assignments given in this TOR. The work plan indicating time schedules and date of
outputs to be submitted by local experts must be approved by the PMU. This will be included
in the Inception report.
Consultants, led by the Team Leader, will be responsible for the content of and delivery in
the stakeholder consultation workshops and organizing technical inputs. The PMU will
provide logistics support for organization of the consultation workshop including venues,
schedules and participants.
The experts shall be supplied with all necessary documents by the PMU and UNDP and will
be introduced to all concerned parties in order to fulfill their responsibilities on schedule.
The experts shall be required to present their findings/results to relevant agencies/parties in
meetings organized by the PMU.
The Project Manager will be the overall supervisor for these assignments, and will be
responsible for all coordination activities.
4. Qualifications
National Consultant (Team Leader) Resource / Land Use Planning Specialist
-

Minimum of Masters degree in land use or marine spatial planning, land

administration or related fields relevant to assessing the application of FZ in Viet
Nam required.
Minimum 10 years experience working at national level in land use, marine spatial
policy and planning in Viet Nam required
Experience in conducting and coordinating policy research related to land use
planning at national and/or regional level required. Experience in leading policy
research teams for multilateral agencies in the Viet Nam an advantage.
Experience in (agro-)ecological and/or coastal/marine spatial zoning schemes, land
use classification, conservation area demarcation or protection forest delineation in
Viet Nam would be an advantage.
Adequate computer literacy required. Experience working with spatial data and
knowledge of GIS mapping software, eg ArcGIS, an advantage.
Good contacts in key environmental sector policy and planning agencies and
institutions in Vietnam an advantage.
Good knowledge of Viet Nam Government policy-making structures and systems,
and key Viet Nam environmental policies and strategies required.
International experience in ecosystems analysis and planning an advantage
Excellent oral and written communication skills in Vietnamese and English required.

National Consultant Ecosystem Services Specialist

Minimum of Masters degree in environmental economics, ecology, conservation

biology, environmental science or related fields relevant to assessing the application
of ecological FZ in Viet Nam required, Doctoral degree preferred.
Minimum 5 years experience working on ecosystem services or ecological or
environmental aspects of land management at the landscape-level in Viet Nam
required
Sound understanding of Viet Nam regional terrestrial and marine ecological regions /
systems required.
Experience in conducting policy research in Viet Nam on landscape ecologyrelated
issues required.
Good knowledge of Viet Nam Government policy-making structures and systems, as
well as key Viet Nam environmental policies and strategies required.
Experience in working as part of policy research teams for multilateral agencies in the
Viet Nam an advantage.
Experience in agro-ecological and/or coastal/marine spatial zoning schemes, land use
classification, conservation area demarcation or protection forest delineation in Viet
Nam would be an advantage.
Adequate computer literacy required. Experience in working with spatial data and
knowledge of GIS mapping software, eg ArcGIS an advantage.
Good contacts in key environmental sector policy and planning agencies and
institutions in Vietnam an advantage.
International experience in ecosystems services an advantage.
Experience in working as part of international consultancy teams an advantage.
Good oral and written communication skills in Vietnamese and English required.

National Consultant Water Resources Specialist

-

Minimum of Masters degree in hydrology, water resources engineering, geography,

natural resource management, environmental science or related discipline relevant to
assessing the application of FZ with respect to water resources in Viet Nam required.
Doctoral degree an advantage
Minimum 5 years experience working on water resource planning /policy at national
level in Viet Nam required
Sound understanding of Viet Nam Government regional / provincial water resource
management and planning practices required.
Experience in conducting policy research in Viet Nam on water resource planning
related issues required.
Good knowledge of Viet Nam Government policy-making structures and systems,
and key Viet Nam environmental policies and strategies required.
Experience in working as part of policy research teams for multilateral agencies in the
Viet Nam an advantage.
Experience in multi-disciplinary policy research teams an advantage.
Experience of agro-ecological and/or coastal/marine spatial zoning schemes, land use
classification, conservation area demarcation or protection forest delineation in Viet
Nam would be an advantage.
Adequate computer literacy required.
Good contacts in water sector institutions in Vietnam required.
Experience in working as part of international consultancy teams an advantage.
Good oral and written communication skills in Vietnamese and English required.

National Consultant Climate Change Impacts Specialist

Education: Minimum of Masters degree in meteorology, geography, natural resource
management, environmental science or related discipline relevant to assessing the
application of FZ with respect to Climate Change resources in Viet Nam required. Doctoral
degree an advantage
Experience and Competencies:
- Minimum 5 years experience working on climate change planning /policy at national
level in Viet Nam required
- Sound understanding of expected impacts of climate change at regional / provincial
management on rural and urban livelihoods required.
- Experience in conducting policy research in Viet Nam on bio-physical and/or socioeconomic impacts of climate change issues required.
- Experience in working as part of policy research teams for multilateral agencies in the
Viet Nam an advantage.
- Adequate computer literacy required.
- Good contacts in Government and Non-Government agencies working on climate
change impacts in Vietnam an advantage.
- Experience in working as part of international consultancy teams an advantage.
Language
- Good oral and written communication skills in Vietnamese and English required.
Other Desirable skills:
- Good interpersonal and presentation skills.
National Consultant - GIS Specialist
Education: Minimum of University degree in geography, geodetic engineering, natural
resources, computer science or related discipline required. Masters an advantage.
Experience and Competencies:
At least 4 years of professional GIS experience in conducting GIS project(s)
involving data management, map production, and spatial analysis.
Experience with environmental projects is desired.
Excellent ArcGIS software skills and management of spatial databases required, .
Good knowledge of ERDAS ER Mapper and ENVI an advantage.
Ability to interpret information from spatial management systems for policy and
planning purposes required.
Good contacts in Viet Nam agencies holding spatial environmental datasets and in
key environmental sector policy and planning institutions in Vietnam an advantage.
Experience in working as part of international consultancy teams an advantage.
Excellent written, oral and graphic communication skills
Language
- Good oral and written communication skills in Vietnamese and English required.

Other Desirable skills:

- Good interpersonal and presentation skills.
5. Administrative support and reference documents
Documents/ secondary documents
Copies of the following documents will be made available to the consultants upon
commencement of the assignment by the PMU and ISPONRE:
1. The Resolution No. 24-NQ/TW on Strategic measures of response to climate
change, strengthening natural resources and environment protection
2. Relevant VCPs resolutions and their Government Action Plans relating to climate
change, natural resource management and environmental protection.
3. Assignments and requirements from the Government/MONRE to develop draft
Government Action Plan.
4. Natural Strategy for Social-Economic Development until 2020 approved by VCP.
5. UN REDD Viet Nam (2011) Final report on Forest Ecological Stratification in
Vietnam Hanoi, October 2011 .
6. Ecosystems classification mapping in Viet Nam, (WWF, SIDA, Stockholm
University, BCA, 2013).
7. Other relevant documents
6. Review time required and payment term
- The first installment of 20% contract value will be paid upon submission the
inception report with satisfactory acceptance by UNDP and the NPD
- The second installment of 40% contract value will be paid upon submission the draft
consultants report with satisfactory acceptance by UNDP and the NPD.
- The last payment of 40% will be paid upon the completion of final products under the
contract, with satisfactory acceptance by UNDP and the NPD.
7. Consultant presence required on duty station/UNDP premises
NONE
TIME

PARTIAL

INTERMITTENT

FULL-