Fishing boats off the coast of Quy Nhon city, Binh Dinh province (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – A sea-based economy holds the key position in sustainably developing the sea and the islands, according to Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha. He made the confirmation in an article written ahead of the 8th session of the 12th Party Central Committee from October 2 to 6. The Vietnam Maritime Strategy towards 2020 is part of the event’s agenda. The minister emphasised that Vietnam is a littoral nation with its history, traditions and culture closely connected with the sea. The East Sea holds a pivotal role in the country’s geostrategy, politics, economy and nature. Amidst the trend of developing and capitalising on marine potential and advantages, the 10th Party Central Committee issued Resolution No. 09-NQ/TW, dated February 9, 2007, on the Vietnam maritime strategy towards 2020. This is a big and visionary policy matching the global trend and … [Read more...] about Building sea-based economy key to sustainable marine development: Minister
Marine protected area
UN treaty would protect high seas from over exploitation
The first significant steps towards legally protecting the high seas are to take place at the UN in New York. Photo: JEREMY BISHOP These waters, which cover 46% of the planet's surface, are under threat from deep-sea mining, over-fishing and the patenting of marine genetic resources. Over the next two years, government representatives aim to hammer out a binding agreement to protect them against over-exploitation. But several nations, including the US, are lukewarm towards the proposals. Experts believe that the oceans of the world are vital for a number of reasons. Scientists say they capture around 90% of the extra heat and around 26% of the excess carbon dioxide created by humans through the burning of fossil fuels and other activities. "The half of our planet which is high seas is protecting terrestrial life from the worst impacts of climate change," said Prof Alex Rogers from Oxford University, UK, who has provided evidence to inform the UN treaty process getting under … [Read more...] about UN treaty would protect high seas from over exploitation
Biodiversity protection promoted on Chàm Islands
Viet Nam News QUẢNG NAM — The Management Boards of the Chàm Island Marine Protected Area (MPA) and the Đồng Nai Biosphere Reserve site have agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on co-operation for information exchanges, protection of biodiversity, eco-tourism, management and sustainable development of livelihoods. Deputy head of the Chàm Islands MPA Trần Thị Hồng Thúy told Việt Nam News that the MoU, which was signed earlier this week, is part of a series of programmes to be carried out in response to the call of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) for the 2015-20 period. She said the two management boards will boost scientific research between the two world biosphere reserve sites and personnel training on biodiversity protection. The 33,000ha Chàm Islands-Hội An, a world biosphere reserve recognised by UNESCO in 2009, is a favourite eco-tour site in central Việt Nam. In 2017, … [Read more...] about Biodiversity protection promoted on Chàm Islands
Funds allocated to preserve Lý Sơn Marine Protected Area
Viet Nam News LÝ SƠN — The central province of Quảng Ngãi has allocated funds of VNĐ42 billion to support ecosystem recovery and biodiversity supervision as well as strengthening the protection of the Lý Sơn Marine Protected Area (MPA) for the 2018-22 period. The province said the funds will be used to rebuild coral reefs and sea weed and aquatic species, raise awareness among community members of the need for marine protection and supporting fishermen living in the core zone of strict protected area in the MPA in changing their livelihoods. The fund will also aim to conserve over-exploited unique seafood products including abalone, holothurian, giant clam and pearl that are threatened with extinction. The Lý Sơn MPA, in the waters off Lý Sơn Island, 30km off the coast of Quảng Ngãi Province, is the … [Read more...] about Funds allocated to preserve Lý Sơn Marine Protected Area
Coastal areas raise awareness on marine protection
Thousands of people in Quảng Trị central province collect garbage on beaches and other places in response to the Sea and Islands Week from June 1 to 8. – Photo baochinhphu.vn Viet Nam News QUẢNG NGÃI – Thousands of people in the coastal areas of Quảng Ngãi central province have been educated on the management, protection and sustainable development of the sea and islands. They have been made aware of these issues through training courses and direct awareness communication over the past two years by the provincial natural resource and environment department. People have been taught about the techniques of prevention, response, control and overcoming of the consequences of natural disasters and marine incidents to ensure their safety as well as the safety of fishing boats. The province has set up self-management teams to protect the marine environment and join forces on the sea to protect the sovereignty of the islands. Nguyễn … [Read more...] about Coastal areas raise awareness on marine protection