Vietnam, Laos see progress in hydrometeorological cooperation
Vietnam and Laos have taken significant strides in recent years in hydrometeorological cooperation, according to General Director of the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration (VNMHA) Tran Hong Thai.
A system of flood warning measurement coordinated by Vietnam and Laos. (Photo: laodong.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam and Laos have taken significant strides in recent years in hydrometeorological cooperation, according to General Director of the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration (VNMHA) Tran Hong Thai.
At the 43rd meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation on December 6, 2020, the Vietnamese and Lao ministers of natural resources and environment signed a memorandum of understanding on hydrometeorological cooperation to strengthen ties in weather forecasting and disaster warning.
Under the agreement, the two sides have exchanged hydrometeorological monitoring data to help with weather forecasting and disaster warning. The Vietnamese ministry has also assisted its Lao counterpart to improve its capacity in this regard, which has contributed to socio-economic development and natural disaster prevention and control in both countries and the region as a whole.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) has provided the Lao side with in-depth information and warnings about dangerous weather conditions, helped draw up flood maps, and enhanced the capacity of hydrometeorological forecasters through training courses and sharing of specialised knowledge.
Thai said these activities are important for the two countries to realise the targets set in the development strategy of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
Since 2011, to carry out Vietnam’s commitments within the WMO framework, the country has built and developed the WMO’s Severe Weather Forecasting Programme’s Regional Sub-progamme in Southeast Asia (SWFP-SeA), under which the WMO assigned the country to chair the Regional Forecasting Support Centre in Hanoi (RFSC Hanoi).
Du Duc Tien, an expert from the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, said Laos and the Philippines are the most active members in using the RFSC Hanoi’s weather warnings and giving feedback to the Vietnamese side.
Besides, the VNMHA was also tasked with chairing the Southeast Asia centre of the WMO’s project on the Southeast Asia Flash Flood Guidance System, he said, adding that it will coordinate the provision of flash flood warnings for Laos, as well as other Southeast Asian countries.
Based on this, specialised groups of Vietnamese and Lao forecasters have been set up to exchange knowledge when dangerous weather conditions are forecast by the RFSC Hanoi, according to Tien./.
The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the Lao News Agency (KPL) held talks via videoconference on March 29 to review outcomes of their cooperation during 2016 - 2020 and discuss plans for this year and beyond.
Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien hosted a reception in Hanoi on April 5 for Lao Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam Chanthaphone Khammanichanh, during which he appreciated defence cooperation between the two countries, especially between their military regions and border guard forces.
The Vientiane Times of Laos ran an article on April 8 titled “Special solidarity between Laos and Vietnam” to mark the Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022 and celebrate the 60th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties.
The 12th Vietnam - Laos border trade development cooperation conference was held in the Lao capital of Vientiane on April 11 under the co-chair of Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and his Lao counterpart Khampheng Xaysompheng.
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.
A system of flood warning measurement coordinated by Vietnam and Laos. (Photo: laodong.vn) 
