Dr. Nguyen Hong Thuc from the Institute of Resettlement Studies says that while the Vietnam Golf Association puts the expected number of golf courses in 2020 at 30 (the current number is 18), 144 golf course projects have been licensed, which is questionable. It is also noteworthy that 76 projects are under construction, covering 23,832ha, including 15,466ha for golf courses and the remainder for commercial services, villas and hotels.
Regarding this matter, Thuc says their unfettered development will lead to significant socio-economic impacts on each province in particular and Vietnam in general, as well as on the livelihood of those stripped of their land, arguably an invaluable national asset. “In general, the problem of idle villas and golf courses indicates that some people are cashing in on legal loopholes. Besides, project licensing on the local level is spontaneous and neither transparent nor subject to critique from scientists and the public,” she says. Thuc contends that, in general, licensing procedures for investment projects need an overhaul. Just as necessary are regional zoning plans, which have not been fleshed out. She believes that local authorities are not entirely to blame as they must ensure economic growth in their localities. “The issue is that if the State does not set limits or construct master plans for economic development and zoning plans for golf courses, managing them will be difficult,” she says.

Another problem Thuc brought up is that without a comprehensive zoning plan, it will take another 50 years to construct the 144 licensed golf courses or even longer if new projects are approved. Commenting on this problem, Thuc says that Vietnam fails to distinguish between beneficial golf courses and those used for dubious purposes.
Moreover, according to Dr. Ton Gia Huyen from the Land Science Association, the 76 projects under construction have seized 9,847ha of farmland, including l,847ha of paddy fields. Thuc believes this is clearly problematic.
“1 think Vietnams cities must have standards and criteria to make golf courses an integrated part of entertainment places and parks. For instance, Hanois population has soared to 6.5 million, which breeds demand for entertainment facilities. New Zealand has designed green belts in cities to separate urban and industrial areas and offer locals a place to relax on weekends,” Thuc says. Thuc thinks that in so doing, locals can benefit from golf courses and the services available there while the Government can collect taxes. She remarks that these factors are necessary attributes of a modern city and that, unless Vietnam ponders these issues thoroughly, it may engender the perception that golf courses merely serve the rich. “Apparently, Vietnam lacks a master zoning plan regarding land use, greenery and golf courses. This, in turn, leads to shrinking farmland and excessive licensing, both of which have not been adequately tackled,” Thuc says. She highlights the need to include golf courses in zoning plans for land use, as well as the importance of compulsory standards regarding environmental protection, local socio-economic welfare and the livelihood of those whose land is seized to develop these projects. “There must be a specific study on how to develop golf courses in the long run. International standards have been established and can be adapted to suit Vietnams case. The Government should foster coordination among scientists, managers and the policymakers in charge of economic matters, as well as functional and regional zoning. Vietnams current efforts are clearly inadequate,” Thuc argues.

S.G