Project launched to foster environment security in Vietnam, Laos
Hanoi (VNA) – A project aiming to foster water and environment
security in the Ma and Neun - Ca river basins and related coastal areas in
Vietnam and Laos was launched in Hanoi on March 12.
The event was co-hosted by the Vietnamese
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s Department of Water Resources
Management (DWRM), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation
(FAO), the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s Department of
Water Resources and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Speaking at the event, DWRM Deputy Director Ngo
Manh Ha said the Water Resources Law, passed by the 15th National
Assembly on November 27, 2023 and effective from July 1, 2024, replaces the
2012 version, with many provisions designed to improve water source security
and promote cross-border cooperation.
The project perfectly aligns with the Vietnamese
Government’s orientations and vision for sustainable water resources
development. Its overall goal is to assist Vietnam and Laos in managing
freshwater resources and ecosystem health in the transboundary basins of the Ma
and Neun-Ca rivers, as well as related coastal areas, by creating an environment
conducive for cross-border cooperation activities.
Inthavy Akkharath, Director General of the Lao
Department of Water Resources, said the Vietnamese and Lao Governments will work
closely with the IUCN, FAO and other partners in both countries to address challenges
posed by climate change and improve natural resource management in the two
river basins.
FAO Representative in Vietnam Rémi Nono Womdim said the project closely aligns with FAO's 2022-2031 strategic framework, promoting better production, nutrition, environment and overall quality of life for communities in Vietnam and Laos.
Scientists, managers and foreign partners also discussed project activities at the event./.