Awareness of environmental protection in Vietnam raised: Deputy PM

Public awareness of environmental protection in Vietnam has improved over the past years, Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh said today.

Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh delivers a speech at the 5th National Environmental Conference held in Hanoi on August 4. Photo: Hoai Anh

There has been a positive change in the compliance with environmental laws by the community and businesses, especially in the consumption of green and environmentally friendly products with the limited use of disposable plastics, Thanh made the statement at the 5th National Environmental Conference held in Hanoi on August 4.

Apart from public awareness, a better legal framework is another breakthrough in this field, contributed by the National Assembly’s adoption of the Law on Environmental Protection in 2020  and its entry into force in early 2022, Thanh noted.

In addition, many projects on waste treatment, pollution remediation, and environmental improvement have been carried out while an increasingly bigger volume of solid waste has been treated over the years, as well as the conservation works of nature and biodiversity have been enhanced, he emphasized. 

Sharing the same idea, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) Tran Hong Ha said it is necessary to raise awareness and responsibility of each citizen and business for environmental protection, at the same time solve environmental pollution in craft villages, main river basins, and promote domestic solid waste sorting at source.

Tran Hong Ha, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment speaks at the event. Photo: Hoai Anh

Missions ahead

In this regard, Deputy PM Thanh requested authorized agencies to refine the legal system on environmental protection, climate change, and disaster warnings as environmental protection is one of three key pillars in Vietnam’s sustainable development strategy for 2022-2025.

Thanh said it becomes necessary to implement the Government’s commitments made at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) on energy transition, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, afforestation, and sustainable livelihoods.

To make the goals attainable, international support is essential, especially climate finance while boosting the application of science, technology, and digitalization in the climate response.

The last but not least, Thanh urged better human resources in this sector together with diversifying investment inflows while minimizing investment in environmentally harmful projects.

Regarding international support, Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, said the UN body stands ready to assist Vietnam in its transition to a green, carbon-neutral, circular, and climate-resilient economy.

The aforementioned issues were discussed at the event which aimed to draw the participation of all stakeholders to the common drive for Vietnam’s green growth.

This 5th edition follows those held in 2015, 2010, 2003, and 1998.

Vietnam’s environmental protection has covered a wide range of issues, including biodiversity protection, waste management, and sustainable economic development. Among those, the number of natural protection zones has increased to 219 while that of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (RAMSAR) rose to 9 with a total area of 120,000 ha, besides 11 UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserves with a total area of 4.3 million ha; and 5 ASEAN Heritage Parks.

Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, addresses the event. Photo: Hoai Anh