The integrated management strategy of coastal zones through 2020, covering all 28 coastal localities nationwide, was launched on July 8 during a conference in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang

The strategy is built on the basis of respecting the laws of nature, being environmentally-friendly, and encouraging economic development suitable to the ecological conditions of each region with consideration of the capacity to adapt to climate change.

It will be implemented synchronously with clear definitions of responsibility of each ministry, sector and locality as well as with close coordination with the community, social organisations and other countries.

According to Vu Sy Tuan, Head of the Vietnam Administration of Sea and Island, the strategy aims to realise the new method of integrated management stated in the Law on Natural Resources and Sea and Island Environment recently approved by the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, Dr Christian Henckes, Head of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)’s integrated coastal management programme, spoke highly of the collaboration between Vietnam’s agencies and localities in launching the project in the Mekong Delta so far.

He said in the future, the German government will continue supporting Vietnam in managing natural resources and protecting the coastal environment amid climate change through increasing cooperation in building coastal fences and restoring alluvial ground and mangrove forests.

At the same time, Germany will help Vietnam access international financial resources for projects on integrated management in combination with climate change response, he said.

According to Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Chu Pham Ngoc Hien, this is a chance for ministries and localities to contribute ideas to a framework plan of action to realise the 2015-2020 strategy while sharing experiences in the field.

Participants at the event are scheduled to tour Au Tho B village in Vinh Hai commune, Soc Trang’s Vinh Chau district where a GIZ-launched model of managing coastal forest in groups is proving efficient.-VNA