A Multi-Sectoral analysis of conflicts and priorities in the economic development and environmental protection of Quang Ninh marine, Vietnam

This study investigates public perceptions in Quang Ninh, Vietnam to identify conflicts and establish development priorities for sustainable coastal management. This study designs a decision tree model to analyze intersectoral conflicts and their underlying causes by using descriptive statistics for ranking and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine priority levels. Results show that, at the local level, major conflicts occur between tourism and marine services versus coastal industrial parks, between aquaculture and exploitation versus marine environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, between industrial expansion and ecosystem preservation, particularly concerning marine biodiversity and environmental quality, and between maritime economic activities versus sustainable development goals. The findings emphasize the urgent need for integrated coastal zone management and coordinated policy responses. Key recommendations include strengthening intersectoral spatial planning, investing in waste management infrastructure in high-pressure areas such as Ha Long and Quang Yen, and promoting eco-tourism in Mong Cai and Hai Ha to foster sustainable economic growth. Encouraging environmentally friendly aquaculture and mangrove restoration in Dam Ha and Tien Yen is essential to enhance both ecological resilience and local livelihoods. Also, community engagement and capacity-building initiatives are very important to ensuring stakeholder participation and effective policy implementation. Aligning environmental protection with economic priorities will enable Quang Ninh to develop a sustainable marine economy, serving as a model for other coastal provinces in Vietnam and for developing countries seeking balanced growth between economic progress and environmental conservation. • Identifies key conflicts between economic sectors and marine environmental protection. • Applies decision tree and Analytic Hierarchy Process to rank intersectoral priorities. • Finds major tensions between tourism, aquaculture, and industrial park expansion. • Recommends integrated coastal planning and eco-tourism for sustainable development.