Environment

Hanoi and HCMC both have some serious air quality issues to grapple with. After using a “beehive coal” stove at her food stall in Nghia Do Market in Hanoi for more than ten years, Ms. Hong Hanh recently changed to a mini gas cooker. Though the cost is higher, she is happy to accept it after seeing warnings about air pollution in the media and being persuaded by local authorities about the harm coal stoves cause. The latter was among recent efforts by authorities to fight air pollution in Hanoi and also in Ho Chi Minh City, which both have hazy skies these days.  Multiple causes Hanoi’s particularly poor air quality over the last few weeks was the result of low air circulation in the atmosphere during the transition between summer and fall, which has become more common in recent years, according to the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration. Air could not rise by convection, so there were no cloud formations to produce rain and cleanse the … [Read more...] about Something in the air

Quang Nam is seeking solutions for the conservation of critically endangered primates living in a primary forest, while creating stable livelihoods for log farmers in Tam My Tay, home to 50 endangered grey-shanked douc langurs. Central province to restore forest for endangered langurs GMS biodiversity conservation corridors to operate from 2019 A gray-shanked douc langur on a tree in Hon Do Mountain in Nui Thanh District of Quang Nam Province. A population of 50 langurs is in danger of extinction due to the expansion of log farms and human activities. — VNS Photo Ai Tam An 120ha-area of acacia log farms provides significant income for 40 households living in the commune, but the development of log farms has pushed the endangered primates to the brink of extinction. A plan to transform the livelihoods of farmers while promoting eco-tour development, reforestation and gardening has been developed by the local authorities as a measure to restrict human activities around … [Read more...] about Forest restoration set to conserve grey-shanked doucs in Quang Nam

At the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Retreat in Bangkok on November 17 (Photo: VNA) Bangkok (VNA) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should exert more efforts to enhance internal integrity so as to flexibly cope with external challenges and impact, Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich said on November 17. Attending the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Retreat (ADMM Retreat) in Bangkok on the day, Lich said as the ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam affirms its wish to promote internal connectivity, improve the efficiency of ASEAN-led defence cooperation mechanisms, and enhance cooperative ties with dialogue partners. He laid a stress on several regional challenges, including competition among powers in the region, as well as compliance with international law to maintain regional and global peace and stability. No respect for international law will make the countries lose faith in each other, and lead to escalating tensions in a more serious case, he … [Read more...] about Vietnamese defence minister urges more internal integrity within ASEAN

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has instructed the Ministry of Finance to look at taxes and fees related to automobile manufacturing and assembly in order to help the sector grow. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) — Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has instructed the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to look at taxes and fees related to automobile manufacturing and assembly in order to help the sector grow. The PM also asked relevant ministries and departments to create good conditions to help the industry “take advantage of latecomers” by developing the local engineering industry and joining the global value chain. That involved helping enterprises access information, advanced technology and the application of new technologies such as robotics, 3D printing and self automation to improve productivity and competitiveness. The Ministry of Science and Technology has been tasked with stepping up research and development to manufacture … [Read more...] about MoF to give tax incentives to automobile manufacturers, electric car imports

Cu Lao Cham Island in the central city of Quang Nam has become overcrowded with tourists, further threatening its natural resources. Cu Lao Cham Island Authorities of Quang Nam’s Hoi An City held a seminar on measures to protect Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve on Friday. According to Dr. Nguyen Van Long, head of Institute of Oceanography, Cu Lao Cham is home to a diverse eco-system with 125 coral reefs and 30 hectares of seagrass. However, rocketing tourist development has critically affected the coverage of corals and seagrass. In the first quarter of this year, the island served nearly 54,000 visitors, up 169% on year from last year. This year, Cu Lao Cham is expected to welcome the same number of visitors as last year. This has also resulted in a freshwater shortage. The increasing number has pressured on local waste treatment facilities which are running on full speed to keep up with the amount of waste discharged, but their capacity still cannot meet demand. Tran Huu … [Read more...] about Solutions proposed to protect Cu Lao Cham amid rising tourist influx