Coalitions foster citizen participation in decision making over land

Location: Vietnam

Timeline: 2012-present

Principal organisations: OXFAM

While industrialisation, economic growth and climate change are increasing pressures over land tenure in Vietnam, more public attention over land disputes is helping to reduce land-based conflicts. Oxfam has facilitated the formation of two land governance coalitions to foster civil society and media engagement in national policy reform processes. The coalitions bring together Vietnamese NGOs, state agencies at different levels, universities and research institutes, the private sector, and media. A consultation process involved more than 1300 people and nearly 300 local government officials in 22 communities. Many of the resulting recommendations were reflected in the Land Law passed in 2013.