Evaluating and enhancing the sustainability of Vietnam's pearl farming value chain through a circular economy framework | |
| Author | Nguyen Quynh Chau |
| Call Number | AIT Proj. no.PM-ESG-26-20 |
| Subject(s) | Social responsibility of business--Vietnam Sustainable development--Vietnam Pearl industry and trade--Environmental aspects--Vietnam |
| Note | A project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Professional Master in ESG (Environment-Social-Governance) Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | What if one of the world’s lowest-carbon luxury products is already being cultivated along Vietnam’s coast remains structurally invisible within its own blue economy transition? Pearl farming a rare gemstone industry that relies on living organisms rather than extractive mining, appears inherently aligned with sustainability. However, in Vietnam, this ecological advantage coexists with a fragmented and weakly coordinated value chain, where environmental benefits are rarely measured and circular potential remains unrealized. This study examines how a contextualized circular economy framework can enhance the sustainability performance of Vietnam’s pearl farming value chain, marking the first systematic application of an integrated Circular Economy- Tripple Bottom Line value chain framework in this context. Adopting a qualitative design, the study draws on 16 semi-structured interviews across Khánh Hòa and Phú Quốc. Thematic analysis is conducted through a Triple Bottom Line lens to assess material flows, value distribution, and governance dynamics across hatchery, cultivation, processing, and marketing phases. Findings reveal a structural sustainability gap embedded within the value chain itself. Environmental advantages remain disconnected from market value, and limited coordination constrains circular integration. The study’s central contribution is the development of an integrated Circular Economy- Tripple Bottom Line value chain framework tailored to small scale marine aquaculture. By embedding circular governance and inclusive value distribution mechanisms across each stage, the framework reframes waste as strategic value and aligns ecological performance with economic resilience. The research demonstrates that advancing Vietnam’s blue economy requires systemic value chain restructuring rather than isolated environmental optimization. The proposed framework provides operational pathways toward responsible production (SDG 12), marine ecosystem stewardship (SDG 14), inclusive economic growth (SDG 8), climate action (SDG 13), food system diversification through oyster biomass utilization (SDG 2), and gender-responsive value creation (SDG 5). |
| Year | 2026 |
| Type | Project |
| School | School of Management |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Professional Master in Environment, Social & Government Managment (PMESG) |
| Chairperson(s) | Krishna, P.V. Gopi |
| Examination Committee(s) | Ransom, Lakeesha K.;Galipeau, David |
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