The Song Bung 4 Hydropower Project (SB4)1 was the first hydropower project in Viet Nam to receive financing from a multilateral financial
institution.2 The project aims to contribute toward meeting the rapidly growing demand for electricity by the population of Viet Nam, and to help reduce dependency on fossil fuels and
reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions. The Song Bung 4 Hydropower Project Management
Board (SB4HPMB) is implementing the project under the oversight of Viet Nam Electricity (EVN) as the executing agency. Project construction commenced in September 2010, followed by closure of the river and diversion of flows in January 2012, with impoundment and inundation of the reservoir scheduled for August 2014. In addition to power generation, SB4 will improve accessibility of the population to infrastructure facilities in this previously remote area. It is well recognized that projects of this nature can have a negative impact on the well-being of project affected people if not well managed in a proactive manner and with a long-term view. Therefore, significant environmental and social impacts have been carefully considered and are being managed in a socially inclusive and participatory
manner.