Time
Ongoing (Pilot phase completed; insights under dissemination)
Project Facts
- Duration 2023 – present
- Field sites Hai Phong City, Vietnam
- Principal investigator Dr. Dinh Thi Hai Van and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Doanh
Objectives
- To analyze the underlying behavioral, institutional, and spatial barriers in waste separation practices.
- To co-develop viable behavioral nudges and incentive structures with local communities.
- To propose a roadmap for participatory solid waste policy in Hai Phong.
Focus areas
- Behavioral Insights & Community Practices: Examining public perception, behavior, and motivation related to household waste separation.
- Policy & Institutional Interface: Identifying key friction points in regulatory enforcement and public communication.
- Co-Design & Civic Participation: Engaging with local residents through workshops, interviews, and prototype testing.
Methodology
- Field Surveys: Quantitative household survey across multiple wards in Hai Phong.
- Focus Groups & Interviews: Targeting waste collectors, residents, and officials.
- Behavioral Mapping: Spatial analysis of waste hotspots and behavior clusters.
- Scenario Co-Creation: Participatory workshops to prototype interventions.
- Data Synthesis: Cross-referencing qualitative and quantitative insights to generate practical recommendations.
Results
- Low Participation Despite Awareness: 70% of respondents were aware of waste separation policies, but only 18% practiced regularly.
- Confusion over classification rules, lack of infrastructure, absence of enforcement, and social stigma.
- Proposed Solutions: Color-coded bins, community role models, visual signage, school-based awareness programs, and gamified reward systems.
- Policy Brief Submitted to Hai Phong authorities with phased implementation suggestions.
Partners & stakeholders
- Local Stakeholders: Hai Phong Urban Environment Company, neighborhood committees, secondary schools
- Academic Partners: UMMISCO, VinUniversity (support in behavioral science)
- Policy Outreach: Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Hai Phong
