Navigating the bureaucracy: an analysis of implementation feasibility for the Mekong Delta Plan, Vietnam. Issue 9 (29th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Korbee, Dorien; Hong Quan, Nguyen; Hermans, Leon; Ho Long, Phi
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental planning and management. Volume 62:Issue 9(2019)
• Page Start: 1545
• Page End: 1561
• Publication Date: 2019-07-29
• Subjects: strategic delta planning -- implementation -- Vietnam -- Mekong Delta Plan -- MOTA -- water management -- actor analysis; City planning -- Periodicals; City planning -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2019.1623014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-0568

Abstract

Abstract : Strategic delta planning focuses on strategic, long-term choices to stimulate sustainable development in deltas. Strategic delta plans outline a long-term vision to be embedded into the plans and activities of government agencies and semi-public actors at multiple levels. This implies a form of coordinated, yet decentralized, implementation. Although, its importance is widely acknowledged, there are few analytical approaches to assess the feasibility and possible bottlenecks of such implementation processes. This article applies a motivation and ability (MOTA) framework to assess the implementation feasibility of the Mekong Delta Plan in Ben Tre province, Vietnam. The results reveal diverging motivations and a perceived lack of ability among government actors at local and regional level. When not well-managed, this could hamper the translation of the strategic goals and visions into local and regional actions. This suggests the usefulness of the MOTA framework as a tool to help manage implementation processes for strategic delta planning.