Quang Binh (VNA) - The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the Quang Binh People’s Committee, launched Vietnam Sea and Island Week 2025 in response to World Oceans Day. on the evening of June 6 in Dong Hoi city. The event united ministries, sectors, organisations, and the public—along with millions around the globe—to celebrate and take action for the blue ocean, the shared home of all life.
A commitment to a sustainable ocean
At the event, Deputy Minister Le Minh Ngan stressed that oceans are not just economic assets but also essential to humanity’s future.
With the 2025 World Oceans Day theme "Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us" and Vietnam Sea and Island Week’s theme “Green Technology for a Sustainable Ocean,” Vietnam reaffirmed its strong commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and advancing a modern, sustainable blue economy.
Deputy Minister Ngan noted that Vietnam has issued several key policies, including Resolution 36-NQ/TW on sustainable marine economic development; Resolution 48/NQ-CP on sustainable resource use and marine environmental protection through 2030 with a vision to 2050; and most recently, Resolution 139/2024/QH15 on national marine spatial planning.
These policies emphasize science, technology, and innovation as central drivers of the blue economy. Ngan called on all stakeholders—government, businesses, citizens, and especially youth—to take action, starting with small steps to spread awareness and protect the ocean.
Speaking on behalf of the host province, Vice Chairman of the Quang Binh People’s Committee Hoang Xuan Tan said Quang Binh, with its long coastline and marine tourism potential, considers sustainable marine resource management a top priority.
Taking action for the ocean
Through the event, provincial leaders called on departments, organisations, and citizens to promote Party and State policies on maritime issues, reduce plastic waste, adopt circular economy models in coastal communities, and launch initiatives like “Let’s Clean the Sea” and “Blue Coastal Communities.” They also encouraged applying technology in marine conservation, and recognizing individuals and organizations contributing to ocean protection.
A regional leader in ocean sustainability
Jean Paul Paddack, Regional Director for East, Central Asia & Pacific at WWF International, congratulated the Vietnamese Government for its strong commitment and strategic vision for marine sustainability.
He said the event was not only significant for Vietnam but also contributed to global efforts such as the 30x30 target and the upcoming UN Ocean Conference.
WWF and partners shared proposals with the Vietnamese Government to enhance marine conservation and sustainable development. Vietnam is encouraged to quickly implement its commitments by expanding marine biodiversity areas, strengthening environmental protection, and supporting key global agreements like the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework, and global plastic treaty negotiations.
WWF also urged increased investment in marine ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, to maintain ocean health and improve climate resilience in coastal communities. Vietnam should support nature-based solutions, integrate science and digital technologies into national strategies on climate, biodiversity, and sustainability, and mobilize resources for marine protection through international cooperation.
Delegates emphasized that sustainable ocean development is a national strategic goal requiring collective effort across all sectors, with international cooperation playing a key role. As Vietnam aims to become a developed country by 2045, the marine economy will remain a vital pillar of its overall development strategy.
“Oceans and islands are magical and irreplaceable sources of life. Vietnam will become a strong, prosperous, sustainable, and secure maritime nation,” said Deputy Minister Ngan.
To promote patriotism, love for the sea, and a sense of responsibility in protecting maritime sovereignty, the Ministry also donated freshwater tanks to support Quang Binh fishermen at sea./.
