A giant map of VN formed by 1,500 young people in white and blue uniforms on the beach of Nha Trang set a new national record on June 5 as part of activities to celebrate the 2011 Sea and Islands Week (June 1-8).

The 43 metre long human map, which included the Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagoes and Phu Quoc island, was formed during a meeting in the central province of Khanh Hoa to mark the Sea and Islands Week, The World Oncean Day (June 8) and the World Environment Day (June 5), drawing the participation of more than 4,000 people.

The one-week event, themed “Green brainpower for sustainable development of Vietnam ’s Sea and Islands ”, was held by the Khanh Hoa People’s Committee and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE).

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of MoNRE Nguyen Van Duc stressed the sea acts as a gateway for Vietnam to exchange and cooperate with international friends. Therefore, the goal of developing Vietnam into a country rich and strong in sea is a strategic issue of the Party and Government.

He added, the sea plays a strategic role in national socio-economic development and called on every Vietnamese to protect its natural resources to ensure their sustainability in the wake of climate change.
Localities throughout the country held a wide range of events to mark the Sea and Islands Week, from cultural festivals, and performances, photo exhibitions to sports competitions, all on the theme of sea protection./.