The 2020 Law on Environmental Protection has led to significant advancements in governance and public awareness over the past three years. The legal framework has been strengthened, waste and wastewater treatment rates have risen, and the foundations of a circular economy are beginning to emerge. However, enforcement still faces notable challenges: pollution remains inadequately controlled, infrastructure is underdeveloped, and investment resources are limited. From legal framework to concrete action According to the supervisory report presented by the National Assembly on October 28, 2025, the implementation of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection has yielded numerous noteworthy achievements. Over the past three years, ministries, agencies and local authorities have issued 572 guidance documents, establishing a relatively coherent legal framework that translates environmental principles into actionable measures. Notably, three out of four national environmental criteria have been met ahead of schedule. More than 97% of urban household waste is now collected and treated, nearly 95% of industrial parks are equipped with centralized wastewater treatment systems, and forest coverage has exceeded 42%. Industrial parks across the country have implemented automatic monitoring systems that transmit real-time data to state management agencies. Environmental remediation efforts have successfully addressed severe pollution in 31 out of 47 […]
Cleaner, but not yet green
By Cam Ha








