The 2014 Week on Vietnam’s Sea and Islands themed “Joining hands to protect the green ocean” will be launched in Do Son town from June 1-8, the Nhan Dan (People) online newspaper reported on May 27.

Activities include the sixth forum on the maritime branding of Vietnam, under the theme “Vietnam's Maritime Brand in International Integration” which will be held on June 6, a ceremony to mark the 2014 World Oceans Day and Vietnam Sea and Island Week on June 7 and the launching of a campaign by youth volunteers on cleaning beaches and cycling along the beaches to communicate about sea and environmental protection.

The activities aim to improve the public’s awareness of protecting the ocean and responding to climate change by such practical acts as cleaning beaches and maritime ecological zones.

They also help change the community’s awareness, habits and lifestyles towards environmental friendliness and improve the awareness of preserving maritime biodiversity, as well as encourage officials, soldiers and people in disadvantaged islands.

The week is organised annually by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental in a response to the World Environment Day (June 5) and the World Oceans Day (June 8).-VNA