SIDA ENVIRONMEMTAL FUND

 BACKGROUND

 Since 1984, Vietnam had cooperated with Sweden in field of environmental protection and natural resource management. In 1985, with Sida financial support, the draft of national conservation campaign in Vietnam was published. In addition, in 1990, Sida with United Nations sponsored a project of Vietnam to carry out national activity schedule to sustainable development environment in period of 1991 – 2000. Sida also provided capital for some other projects to build - up managing capacity of environment and develop mountainous and rural regions, management environment of sea and coastal area.

 However, the number of initiative in sector of  preservation and sustainable development nature are raising quickly/ promptly. Those are given by individual research, NGOs, research and training  colleges, local people and government at various level of location, that has little chance to approach the limit budget of government or foreign helps. Besides, small project will gain higher effect if the beneficiary direct achieve helping.

 In respond to this demand, an individual fund called SEF was created by Swedish Embassy in Hanoi in 1997 aim to promote and support local initiatives in environmental protection and natural resource reservation.

 After 8 year applied implementing, SEF has active distribution in this field, and initial created more social interesting in environmental protection at grass root level and role of social organizations. Nowadays,  when Vietnam enter into  industrialization, modernization; and begin implement important document including National Environmental Strategy from 2010 to 2020; National Agenda 21; and Resolution of the Politburo on Environment Protection. Moreover, the cooperation between Vietnam and Sweden is strengthened, especially in the field of environmental protection. In the recent time, some new concepts and suggestions of civil society were introduced to Sida’s small funds  in Vietnam. Hence, SEF continue support this period from 1/2006 to 6/2007. By the fact of raising awareness and the participation of local community in environmental protection activities; and supporting CBOs, NGOs, CSOs to promote development of civil society and sustainable  environment.