13 Jan, 2025
In a world increasingly concerned related to climate change and sustainable development, The Economy and Environment Partnership for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA) under the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has made an important contribution to the journey of building a greener future. Established in 2016, EEPSEA is like a small seed, gradually growing and reaching out, carrying the mission of connecting research with practice to contribute to solving environmental challenges in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
EEPSEA originated from the Southeast Asia Economy and Environment Program, with the desire to promote multidisciplinary research and cooperation on the environment. Over the years, it has grown steadily to become one of the leading research centers on environmental economics in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
EEPSEA focuses on core research areas of clean energy, circular economy, climate change, and integrating gender equality issues. Researchers at EEPSEA have made constant attempts to apply modern research methods to find practical solutions to environmental problems. From improving technology in agriculture to building circular economy models, or researching climate change adaptation, EEPSEA's research aims to improve the quality of life and to protect the environment.
EEPSEA is not constrained to research, actually, this actively connects with policy makers, businesses and communities to convert scientific knowledge into action. The Institute has participated in the development of important policies, listed as the National Action Plan on Circular Economy, and contributed opinions to draft laws on environmental protection. EEPSEA has carried out consulting projects for businesses to build sustainable business strategies, listed as the cooperation project with Vinagame or organizing workshops with businesses on the situation of glass recycling in Vietnam.
Dr. Pham Khanh Nam presenting at the workshop on the National Action Plan on Circular Economy organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
EEPSEA and an alliance of businesses participating in discussing glass recycling activities in Vietnam and policy proposals with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
As a member of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), EEPSEA has actively contributed to the development of new courses and programs, and improving the university’s quality of training and research. The Institute has organized training courses, seminars, and academic exchange programs to equip learners and staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to solve environmental problems.
EEPSEA has worked closely with localities, especially in the Mekong Delta, to support the development of sustainable development strategies. EEPSEA projects help farmers improve productivity, reduce environmental pollution, and adapt to climate change.
EEPSEA and UEH successfully organizing the international summer school “Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) Environmental Valuation: Sustainable Development Strategies in Southeast Asia”
EEPSEA is not only a research institute but also an important bridge between researchers, governments, businesses, and communities. The Institute has built and maintained close cooperations with prestigious international organizations, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Mekong Sustainability Research Network (SUMERNET), the Asian Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (AAERE), etc.
EEPSEA researchers participating in the discussion session “A Comprehensive Low-Carbon Transition Pathway in Asia: Greening Agriculture and Local Climate Management” at the 56th ADB Annual Meeting in Incheon, Seoul, Korea
In particular, EEPSEA is currently coordinating the BlueRforD project, an international research initiative focused on the sustainable development of marine resources. This project brings scholars from many countries together for the purpose of researching fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture, and marine spatial planning.
EEPSEA participating in the Mekong Subregion Water Resources Policy and Research Forum
EEPSEA always aims for a future where people and nature live in harmony. In the upcoming years, EEPSEA will continue to perform the following activities:
• Expanding the cooperation network: Connecting with research organizations, governments and businesses to share knowledge and experience.
• Improving the quality of research: Investing in groundbreaking research, meeting the practical needs of society.
• Training human resources: Training young generations of researchers and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to solve environmental problems.
• Strengthening the role of policy consultancy: Providing high-quality empirical evidence to support the policy-making process.
The Economy and Environment Partnership for Southeast Asia, like a small seed that has sprouted and grown, is contributing to creating a green garden. EEPSEA believes that with the continuous efforts of scholars, policy makers and the community, we will gradually build a greener future for future generations.
New, photos: The Economy and Environment Partnership for Southeast Asia