An overview of the seminar (Source: nature.org.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam will face challenges in implementing policies and laws on environmental protection, especially in industries seeing strong growth, said Nick Thorpe from the People and Nature Reconciliation (PanNature💛) centre.
Speaking at a seminar themed “Free trade: Investment movement and environmental issue in Vietnam” held by PanNature in Hanoi on May 27, Nick Thorpe highlighted that Vietnam will meet difficulties in abiding by environmental standards regulated in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, and those concerning land compensation at the local level.
There are loopholes in Vietnam’s policies on environmental management for businesses, he stressed.
Le Dang Doanh, former Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management, said by joining free trade agreements (FTAs), Vietnam has to commit to ensuring regulations related to indicators on ozone-depleting substances , pollution at sea, transparent cooperation in protecting the environment, and reduction of fishing activities detrimental to fisheries resources.
Doanh suggested building a relevant regulation system, adding that it is necessary to enhance supervision of environmental protection for foreign-invested enterprises.
FDI businesses’ operation ought to obey regulations on management of waste water, dust, and noise – right from the first phases of design and technology selection, to construction and operation, he noted.
According to Do Thanh Bai from the Chemical Society of Vietnam, industries that will most benefit from TPP such as textiles, footwear, and electronics are the most prejudicial sectors to the environment because they use many toxic and persistent chemicals.
Bai underlined the need to carefully select investors, aiming to seek those using environmental friendly technologies.
Vietnam has joined and negotiated 15 FTAs so far, with the TPP officially signed in October last year after five years of negotiation.
The trade pact is said to give Vietnam the chance to upgrade its investment and business environment, attract foreign investment, speed up its restructuring process and shift its growth model.-VNA
Authorities from Ba Ria – Vung Tau province on May 10 sealed 28 yarns and fabrics-dying machines of a Taiwanese firm in the Ngai Giao Industrial Park (IP) for violating environmental regulations.
The central province of Thua Thien – Hue has decided to invest over 68 billion VND (3.1 million USD) to increase its environment monitoring competence.
A series of activities in response to World Environment Day (June 5) and Vietnam Sea and Island Week (June 1-8) will be held nationwide, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment announced.
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.
The dispatch noted that since the beginning of 2025, natural disasters have claimed 29 lives and left several others missing. A total of 67 houses have collapsed, and 2,342 homes have been unroofed or damaged.
Its Forest Protection Sub-department has applied various specialised software and information technologies in forest management and protection and fire prevention.
In 2005, Nghe An had 570 captive bears, the largest number in Vietnam. Thanks to efforts by local authorities, forest rangers, and rescue forces, the number has fallen to just 15.
An overview of the seminar (Source: nature.org.vn)
