Understanding the Challenges of Waste Management in Vientiane, Laos

• Název práce v češtině: Porozumění výzev odpadového hospodářství ve Vientiane, Laosu
• Název v anglickém jazyce: Understanding the Challenges of Waste Management in Vientiane, Laos
• Klíčová slova anglicky: Urbanization; economic growth; environmental issues; development of human and natural capital; Laos
• Akademický rok vypsání: 2022/2023
• Typ práce: bakalářská práce
• Jazyk práce: angličtina
• Ústav: Katedra veřejné a sociální politiky (23-KVSP)
• Vedoucí / školitel: Mirna Jusić, M.A., Ph.D.
• Řešitel: skrytý - zadáno vedoucím/školitelem
• Datum přihlášení: 13.06.2023
• Datum zadání: 14.06.2023
• Datum a čas obhajoby: 20.06.2024 12:00
• Místo konání obhajoby: Areál Jinonice, B228, 228, seminární místnost ISS
• Datum odevzdání elektronické podoby: 30.04.2024
• Datum proběhlé obhajoby: 20.06.2024
• Oponenti: Aysha Farhana Chakkampully

Seznam odborné literatury

- Get CLEAN and GREEN - Solid and Plastic Waste Management in Lao PDR: Findings and Actions for Change (English). Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group. http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099100002182296296/P17101101230c40bc096bf0a757bd16eb65
- Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Lao PDR, TOWARDS REDUCING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS IN LAO PDR In collaboration with: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Lao PDR Options for a National Policy Strategy and Action Plan
- Vientiane Capital, (2018), National Green Growth Strategy of the Lao PDR till 2030 (Secretariat for Formulation of National Green Growth Strategy of the Lao PDR)
- Vongthavilay K., Rawling M. S., and Sattler S. (2022) Reducing plastic waste to get “clean and green” in Lao PDR, World Bank Blogs; https://blogs.worldbank.org/eastasiapacific/reducing-plastic-waste-get-clean-and-green-lao-pdr

Předběžná náplň práce

1. Statement of the problem
The Lao People's Democratic Republic (the Lao PDR) is one of the countries with the greatest economic potential. However, Rapid urbanization has resulted in an expansion of waste, as well as severe short and long-term health issues and other critical issues. Laos' government approved a National Green Growth Strategy 2030 in 2018 (Vientiane Capital, 2018). It promotes effective green strategies for the development of human and natural capital, as well as ensuring cleanliness and environmental friendliness and fostering economic growth. Addressing the environmental issue in Laos is critical because environmental degradation can slow economic growth.

2. Merit of studying the problem
Laos has poor waste management and only 40% to 60% is only being recycled. Organic waste and plastic waste are the two most common types of waste in Lao PDR cities (Vongthavilay et al., 2022). Plastic waste can be found everywhere in Vientiane, including the lake and the streets, and it can have serious health consequences both short and long term (Vientiane Capital, 2018). Also, it can distract the tourist. By embracing these critical elements, Laos can surmount its daunting waste management challenges, and pave the way for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for all its citizens.
The primary goal of this thesis is to investigate potential waste management challenges in Vientiane in order to understand the causes of the waste problem. For example, it could be a failure of implementation due to poor policy or a lack of resources. The findings of the study could have far-reaching implications for understanding policies and developing effective waste management strategies.

3. Research questions
- Why does the capital of Laos face challenges in its system of waste management?
- How does the broader institutional framework, the current policy framework, as well as the resources for policy implementation, contribute to the current state?
- Is the problem the policies themselves or a lack of resources to support the policies?

4. Methods of data collections
Considering the goal and research question, this study will primarily use a qualitative approach, with a few meetings held to gather data and conduct context analysis on existing policies. Data can be gathered by thoroughly examining Laos-related policy documents, reports, theoretical frameworks from the public policy literature, and other materials in both the English version and in the Lao Language.
A few interviews will be conducted with people who work in or are related to the environment to determine what challenges exist in the current waste disposal policies. One interview is scheduled with the founder of Zero Waste Laos and a representative from Laos' Ministry of Environment who is involved in waste management policies. Another interview could be carried out with citizens, such as university students who specialize in environmental fields.

5. Methods of data production
The interviews will be semi-structured and transcribed into documents that will be coded using Requal software. Furthermore, an in-depth review of existing research on recycling policies and sustainable waste management practices in foreign countries is required to look at successful recycling policies in other countries and approach Laos' recycling response measures from a social welfare standpoint. The information gathered will be analyzed qualitatively and thematically. Based on data analysis, it will be able to answer the research question and propose strategies for addressing these challenges.

6. Ethical consideration
Considering the ethical implications of this thesis. Personal information from interviewees will be anonymized and kept strictly confidential. Individuals will have time before the interview to read and sign the consent form to ensure what the purpose of this study is and where it is going to be shared. During the project, we will discuss wage management in Vientiane; however, questions that may make participants feel anxious will be excluded from the interview. Finally, only relevant questions about my project will be asked.