As a result, this study points out the way for improving the current SWM in the Central Highlands by, among other measures, rerouting the regional solid waste collection and transportation; Last but not least, the study concludes that in order to improve HDI in the Central Highlands to the average nationwide value of , it is unrealistic to be based only on GDP growth. Instead, however, it could be realistic if IGDP increases at only 2 - 3 % with an increase of Ieducation and Ilife time at about 5 %. | Journal of Science and Technology 54 (4B) (2016) 132-137 CHALLENGES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF VIETNAM Nguyen Hoang Phuong1, Nguyen Phu Bao2, Tran Tuan Viet2, *, Pham Hong Nhat2 1 2 University of Technology - Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, 268 Ly Thuong Kiet St., District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam Institute for Tropicalization and Environment (ITE), 57A Truong Quoc Dzung St., Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam * Email: Received: 15th August 2016; Accepted for publication: 10th November 2016 ABSTRACT The Central Highlands of Viet Nam has a large area of 56, km2 and is characterized by owning different types of topography, a thin population density (95 people/km2), a limited literacy level but rather high economic growth rates (average of %/year for the last few years). Besides, the municipal model for solid waste management (SWM) currently practiced in the Central Highlands appears to be ineffective due to, among other reasons, the limited capability of solid waste collection and transportation in the rural areas. Results of this study show rather poor collection rates in the region, ranging from % in Dak Nong to % as highest in Lam Dong. These figures have obviously not met the targets set for 2015 as required by the “Vietnam National Strategy for Integrated SWM till 2025, with a vision to 2050”. Based on the characteristics of natural environment, socio-economic and local culture values of the study area, a combination of regional SWM and ecological modernization theory (EMT) has been analyzed in this research. As a result, this study points out the way for improving the current SWM in the Central Highlands by, among other measures, rerouting the regional solid waste collection and transportation; Last but not least, the study concludes that in order to improve HDI in the Central Highlands to the average nationwide value of .
