What does environmental protection agency do

A view of the Dong Van II Industrial Park in the northern province of Ha Nam. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has called for the implementation of an industrial environmental index in Vietnam, according to Le Thanh Quan, head of MPI's department of economic zone management. Quan said the establishment of environmental standards in more than 400 industrial parks and 18 economic zones across the country was to play a significant role in resolving environmental issues, reducing waste and achieving sustainable development. The MPI had been gathering data and feedback in preparation to set up Vietnam's industrial environmental standards. He said it was in line with the global trend to promote sustainable industrial development among developed countries including Japan, the Republic of Korea and Switzerland. The implementation of the index was also part of a national development strategy on green growth for the 2021-2030 … [Read more...] about Vietnam to establish industrial environmental index

Mekong Delta farmers (Photo: sggp.org.vn) Can Tho (VNA) – The “Securing the Food Systems of Asian Mega-Deltas for Climate and Livelihood Resilience ” Initiative (AMD) was launched at a conference in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on June 28. Home to 177 million people, of whom 36% are poor, the densely populated Asian mega-deltas are biodiverse, fertile and productive food baskets dominated by rice, fisheries and aquaculture that support millions of people beyond the delta dwellers themselves. However, tens of millions of small-scale producers living in Asian mega-deltas face risks to food and nutrition security and livelihoods from impacts of climate change. The deltas are also severely affected by more frequent and more intense floods, sea-level rise and salinisation of freshwater and soil. Therefore, this initiative aims to create resilient, inclusive and productive deltas - which maintain socio-ecological integrity, adapt to climatic and other stressors, and … [Read more...] about Initiative to protect food systems in Asian mega delta launched in Can Tho

Cửa Việt Sea Port in the central province of Quảng Trị. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyên Lý HÀ NỘI — Appropriate policies and regulations are needed to help fully exploit the untapped potential in developing the maritime economy, which plays an essential role in the socio-economic development of Việt Nam, according to insiders. One of the challenges of ocean management is how best to promote sustainable development goals within the maritime economy. According to Dr Tạ Đình Thi, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment and former Director of the Việt Nam Administration of Seas and Islands (VASI), Việt Nam's marine economic development is still unsustainable and not well linked with social development and environmental protection. Serious pollution and environmental incidents have been reported in some waters and coastal areas, while plastic waste pollution has become an urgent problem, he said, adding … [Read more...] about Better policies needed to develop ocean economy

The adaptation of circular economic models would help Vietnam realize its commitment to net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) today [June 28] held a conference to kickstart the formulation of a national action plan to promote a circular economy in Vietnam. Minister of MONRE Tran Hong Ha at the event. Photos: UNDP At the event, Minister of MONRE Tran Hong Ha said climate change, environmental pollution, and the degradation of the natural ecosystem are posing threats to the world. He referred to the sixth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-AR6) which stated that if global warming gradually increases 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, some impacts may be lasting or irreversible, such as the loss of some ecosystems. The IPCC also estimated since 2008, around 20 million people annually have been forced to leave their homes behind due to extreme … [Read more...] about Vietnam to draft national action plan for circular economy adaptation

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Trần Hồng Hà gives a speech at the conference. — VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Tuesday chaired a conference to discuss a national action plan for Việt Nam's circular economy. Speaking at the conference, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Trần Hồng Hà said that climate change, environmental pollution and natural ecosystem decline were crises for humanity today. Last month, the World Meteorological Organisation released four key indicators of climate change, including greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rise, ocean heat and ocean acidification. The indicators set new records in 2021, showing that human activities are causing planetary-scale changes on land, in the oceans, and in the atmosphere, with serious and lasting consequences for sustainable development and ecosystems. “This is the consequence of the unsustainable model: resource extraction - production - … [Read more...] about National action plan for circular economy to be set up

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính addresses the 'Aspiration for a Peaceful, Sustainable, and Prosperous Ocean' programme held Tuesday night in Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photo. — VNA/VNS Photo HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has underlined the urgent need to establish and implement a regional and global cooperation mechanism, increase data sharing, and perfect policies for the conservation of ecosystems and environmental protection. Addressing a videoconference broadcast live on the Quân đội Nhân dân (People’s Army) television channel on Tuesday night, the leader also stressed the importance of the sustainable exploitation of marine resources in a substantive and effective manner, coupled with the preservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems. The act of protecting seas and oceans shows the gratitude and responsibility to "Mother Nature" and the life on Earth of each country and each person, he stressed. The leader underlined that seas and oceans are facing numerous … [Read more...] about Proper awareness, actions crucial for conservation of marine ecosystems: PM

Zoo employees collect around 800 kg of dung from five elephants in their enclosure. In the past, the dung was discarded or used for manure. Now, it gets recycled into paper. Mai Khac Trung Truc, director of the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, said the elephants eat mostly grass and sugar cane, so their dung has a lot of fiber and isn't too smelly. "They can be used to make paper. Some countries have already done it and are producing high quality paper," he said. Truc said such recycling would help raise awareness about wildlife protection and teach children to save resources and protect the environment. The zoo has begun recycling elephant dung since February. Last Friday, Truc washed the collected dung at least seven times to remove impurities, leaving only the fiber left for recycling. The fiber was boiled at 200 degrees Celsius for two hours to kill bacteria and remove odor. The zoo uses around 3-5kg of elephant … [Read more...] about Elephant dung makes good sheets: Saigon zoo

The kick-off conference on the national action plan for the circular economy and net-zero emissions - from commitment to action At the conference, national and international partners exchanged successful circular economy (CE) models from the region and globally, with the intention of identifying suitable models that can be applied in Vietnam. The forum provided an important opportunity for all parties to exchange ideas and prioritise mechanisms and policies to promote CE models. It hopes to strengthen cooperation and the mobilisation of resources, especially from the private sector, for the development and implementation of the CE model in Vietnam, which is critical to achieving the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Beyond the plenary session, the conference included thematic sessions focusing on the following issues: (i) Promoting cooperation in CE through the establishment of a network of partners and knowledge sharing; (ii) Financing and green technologies; (iii) … [Read more...] about Conference on national action plan for a circular economy net-zero emissions kicks off

Roads, airports, and seaports are being looked at by overseas companies in terms of investment feasibility, Photo: Shutterstock On June 16, Hoang Gia Khanh, deputy general director of state-owned railway giant Vietnam Railways (VNR), received a delegation of Austrian businesses at its headquarters who introduced new products and technology solutions aiming to seek opportunities in the local industry. The commercial counsellor of the Austrian Embassy in Hanoi said that businesses expect to intensify cooperation with VNR, specifically those in funding and upgrading projects, as well as machinery upgrading and maintenance. He added that besides official development assistance, the Austrian government also has other financial tools that can help VNR access financial resources and technologies. According to Khanh, investment demand for the industry’s infrastructure development is huge and he highly appreciates the products and technology of groups like Plasser & Theurer and … [Read more...] about Reopening increases foreign interest in transport upgrade

Addressing a videoconference broadcast live on the Military Broadcasting Center's television channel on June 28 night, the leader also stressed the importance of the sustainable exploitation of marine resources in a substantive and effective manner, coupled with the preservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems. The act of protecting the sea and the ocean shows the gratitude and responsibility to "Mother Nature" and the life on Earth of each country and each person, he stressed. The leader underlined that seas and oceans are facing numerous traditional and non-traditional challenges and various problems that are threatening the existence of many nations, countries and communities. This is a common issue of the globe and all people, requiring all countries and communities and each person to show proper awareness and actions for the green ocean, peace, safety and sustainable development, Chinh underscored. He highlighted the significance of ensuring a peaceful and … [Read more...] about Proper awareness, actions crucial for blue sea, peace, sustainable development: PM