A conference was held on June 4 in northern Vinh Phuc province to discuss measures to promote the role of the Vietnam Farmers’ Association (VFA) in protecting the environment in building new-style rural areas.

The event, part of activities in response to World Environment Day (June 5), focused on the current condition of the environment in rural areas and the responsibility of the VFA and community in environmental protection, seeking solutions to improve the association’s efficiency in its efforts.

Conference participants pointed to a number of difficulties facing the completion of environmental preservation criterion in new-style rural area building, including shifting awareness and behaviour of farmers and adhering to laws on environmental protection in rural localities.

They agreed that protecting the environment is crucial during socio-economic development, contributing to ensuring sustainable growth.

By the end of last year, 785 communes and 3 districts nationwide were recognised as new-style rural areas. However, environmental protection requirements have not been ensured.

Only one third of the rural localities nationwide have adequate irrigation and waste treatment systems or sufficient public trees, they noted.

A number of outstanding models in protecting the environment were also shared at the event, together with new measures to recycle waste and reduce pollution.-VNA