Solutions sought to promote sustainable growth of Ly Son island

Ly Son is an outpost island with beautiful natural landscapes (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Experts have gathered in a conferenceto discuss measures to connect resources to promote the sustainable developmentof Ly Son island in the central province of Quang Ngai.

Tran Huu Vy, Director of the GreenViet Biodiversity ConservationCentre, said that Ly Son is an outpost island with beautiful naturallandscapes thanks to the perfect combination of mountain and sea.

The island has strong potential in sea-based economicdevelopment, said Vy, stressing the need for the island to growth in thedirection of sustainability with ensured livelihood for local residents, preservedcultural identity, suitable use of natural resources and protected environment.

Mentioning the promotion of marine biodiversity in the island,Dr. Nguyen Van Long from the Institute of Oceanography under the VietnamAcademy of Science and Technology held that in recent years, the strong andunplanned growth of a number of economic sectors have harmed the ecologybalance, natural landscape and the living environment of many aquaticspecies.

The over-exploitation of coral sand and aquatic farmingactivities, along with the plastic pollution are among reasons behind theproblem, he said, adding that waterway traffic works and the formation offishing vessel wharfs have also caused difficulties in managing and handlingmaritime violations.

He stressed the need to continue strengtheningcommunications to raise public awareness of environmental protecting, whileseeking ways to improve locals’ livelihood, increasing patrol to handle violations to maritime reservation and promoting financial solutions.

A bird view of Ly Son island (Photo: VNA)

Meanwhile, Bui Thi Thu Hien from the International Union forConservation of Nature (IUCN) in Vietnam said that in the near future, theengagement of businesses in operating small-scaled natural reserves can be keyto successfully protect the ecosystems of forest, coral reef, sea grass, and mangroveforest.

At the event, the business circle, scientists  and managers discussed a number ofissues related to the ensuring of balance between economic development andnatural reservation, as well as the support to enterprises in investing in thefield as well as the ensuring of legal responsibility of State agencies andbusinesses.

Experts also gave recommendations and effective measures forthe sustainable development of Ly Son island, including the enhancing of theefficiency of management and use of software in biodiversity and naturalresources preservation, the adjustments of planning, as well as theestablishment and operation of aquatic varieties reservation areas, thecombination of conservation and eco-tourism, and the development ofenvironmentally-friendly recovery models./.

VNA