Illustrative image (Photo: Hung Vo/Vietnam+) VNA (Hanoi) - On June 3, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment held a conference in the north central province of Nghe An to announce the Strategy for the Sustainable Exploitation and Use of Natural Resources and Protection of the Marine and Island Environment to 2030 with a Vision to 2050.
The strategy aims to ensure the efficient and equitable exploitation and use of natural resources in Vietnam's coastal areas, islands, archipelagos, seas, and airspaces, based on a harmonious combination of socio-economic interests, environmental protection, and national defense and security.
At least half of the sea areas surveyed
The strategy sets a target of basically surveying at least 50% of the country's sea areas for marine resources and environment by 2030.
Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan stressed that sea is an integral part of Vietnam's sovereignty, a living space, a gateway for international exchanges, and plays a significant role for the cause of national construction and defense.
The strategy proposes three perspectives. First, natural resources and environment of the sea and islands are the foundation and important resources for the country's development, which must be exploited and used effectively and sustainably. Second, the sustainable exploitation and use of natural resources and environmental protection of the sea and islands must be based on the results of basic investigation. And third, sustainable exploitation and use of natural resources and environmental protection are the rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders.
By adopting this strategy, Vietnam aims to promote the sustainable development of its marine resources while ensuring environmental protection and national security.
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan speaks at the conference. (Photo: Hung Vo/Vietnam+) Three recommendations for Vietnam
Nguyen Van De, Vice Chairman of Nghe An Provincial People's Committee, highlighted that the north central province boasts a coastline of over 80km, which offers great potential for marine economic development.
In recent years, Nghe An province has prioritised the development of the marine economy as it believes that this will not only drive the local economic growth but also strengthen national defense and security, and protect Vietnam's maritime sovereignty.
Nguyen Van De, Vice Chairman of Nghe An Provincial People's Committee speaks at the conference. (Photo: Vietnam+) Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, congratulates the Government of Vietnam for the promulgation of the strategy.
“It reaffirms the government’s commitment for green growth, biodiversity conservation, marine environment protection, and a society in harmony with nature. We at UNDP welcome this important step forward in developing solutions that will benefit both the ocean and the people of Vietnam”, the UNDP official said.
She made three recommendations from UNDP for Vietnam.
Firstly, after the adoption of the strategy, the Government needs to accelerate the formulation and approval of the marine spatial planning (MSP), which is essential for unlocking the tremendous potential of sustainable ocean economy.
Secondly, Vietnam’s seas and islands are currently being used by many different sectors with limited coordination. Enhanced governance and coordination across the various marine sectors (tourism, marine transport, fisheries, industry and exploration, energy development, planning and investment and environment) are very important for successful implementation of the strategy, as well as other important policies on seas and islands.
Finally, international support in terms of know-how, technology transfer, and sustainable finance will be essential for catalyzing changes./.
