Int’l day for disaster risk reduction: cooperation to overcome dual challenges
The theme of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2021 spotlights the importance of international cooperation to overcome the dual challenges of natural disasters and COVID-19 pandemic, according to deputy head of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Tran Quang Hoai.
Hanoi (VNA) – The theme of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2021 spotlights theimportance of international cooperation to overcome the dual challenges of natural disastersand COVID-19 pandemic, according to deputy head of the Central SteeringCommittee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Tran Quang Hoai.
People around the world and inthe ASEAN region in particular are facing the complicated developments of COVID-19,and extreme natural disasters, he said.
Internationalcooperation to respond to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic is thekey to help countries overcome the pandemic to restore the economy andstrengthen resilience to natural disasters, Hoai stressed.
The historic flooding in the central region in October 2020 (Photo: VNA)
Vietnamese Party and State leaders have implementedthe policy of promoting vaccine diplomacy in order to increase the vaccination coveragein the community, he said.
During the historic flooding in the centralregion in October 2020, only a short time after Vietnam appealedfor help, domestic and international organization and individuals donated over25 million USD to support flood victims.
Beside direct cooperation, Vietnam’s partners indisaster prevention and control have also transferred techniques, science andtechnology, shared information and initiatives with Vietnam in disaster riskmanagement, helping Vietnam strengthen its resilience to natural disasters and disease,he added.
October 13 was designatedthe International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in 1989.
ASEAN also designates the same day to celebrate the ASEANDay for Disaster Management (ADDM).
According to the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR),this year's theme focuses on the global targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction andpromoting international cooperation to help developing countries mitigatedisaster risks and losses through appropriate and sustainable support toimplement country-level actions in order to realise the Sendai Framework’stargets by 2030./.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Park Noh-Wan on October 29 handed over 300,000 USD in cash from the RoK government to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep to help flood-hit provinces in central Vietnam.
Vietnam will continue its active participation in international efforts to combat climate change, so as to transform climate-induced “challenges” into “opportunities” for the sustainable development for all, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told the Climate Adaptation Summit (CAS) 2021.
Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) 
The historic flooding in the central region in October 2020 (Photo: VNA) 
