World Wetlands Day 2023 to be observed in Vietnam with various activities
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has issued a document, calling for response to the World Wetlands Day 2023, celebrated annually on February 2.
With high biodiversity, wetlands in Vietnam have played an important role in the agriculture-based economy as well as socio-economic activities. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of NaturalResources and Environment has issued a document, calling for response to the WorldWetlands Day 2023, celebrated annually on February 2.
World Wetlands Day aims to raise global awarenessabout the vital role of wetlands in the life of the people and its importance to the planet. This day also marks thedate of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2,1971, in theIranian city of Ramsar.
This year’s theme is “It’s Time for WetlandsRestoration” which highlights the urgent need to prioritise wetlandrestoration.
With high biodiversity, wetlands in Vietnam haveplayed an important role in the agriculture-based economy as well associo-economic activities.
In the document, the ministry urged communicationactivities to promote values and significance of wetlands, and called on peopleto commit to protecting and using wetlands sustainably.
Vietnam expects to complete a survey of wetlands nationwide and build a database on the wetlands by 2025. (Photo: VNA)
The activities would be celebrations, competitions,exhibitions and drives in line with the theme of World Wetlands Day 2023,according to the document.
Decree No. 109/2003/ND-CP was the first legaldocument directly stipulating the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands,contributing to the effective implementation of Vietnam's commitments as amember country of the Ramsar Convention.
The Prime Minister approved Decision No. 1975/QD-TTgin November 2021 regarding the issuance of a national action plan on the conservationand sustainable use of wetlands for 2021-2030.
Vietnam expects to complete a survey of wetlandsnationwide and build a database on the wetlands by 2025, and effectively controlimportant wetlands and further promote eco-tourism by 2030.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
To that end, the country will work to perfectrelevant policies and legal documents, improve the efficiency of wetland management,diversify resources for the sustainable use and preservation of wetlands, stepup the information work, enhance research studies and boost international cooperationin this regard.
Vietnam became a member of the Convention onWetlands, known as the Ramsar Convention, in 1989. So far, nine wetlands in thecountry have been recognised as Ramsar sites – wetlands of internationalimportance, namely Xuan Thuy National Park – important bird sanctuary, Bau SauWetlands and Seasonal Floodplains – habitat of Siamese crocodiles, Ba BeNational Park – green jade of northeastern mountains, Tram Chim National Park, MuiCa Mau National Park – three sides bordering the sea, Con Dao National Park –first maritime Ramsar site in Vietnam, Lang Sen Wetlands Reserve, U Minh ThuongNational Park, and Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve – habitat of biggest langurcommunity in Vietnam./.
A photo contest highlighting the importance of conserving and sustainably using Vietnamese wetlands was launched on December 21 by the centre for environment and resources communications under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA).
Vietnam will join other United Nations member states to mark World Wetlands Day on February 2 this year, according to a notice sent by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MoNRE) to concerned ministries, organisations, and cities and provinces.
Vietnam is home to nearly 12 million hectares of wetlands or 37 percent of the total natural land area. The majority of these wetland can be found in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam.
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.
With high biodiversity, wetlands in Vietnam have played an important role in the agriculture-based economy as well as socio-economic activities. (Photo: VNA) 
Vietnam expects to complete a survey of wetlands nationwide and build a database on the wetlands by 2025. (Photo: VNA) 
Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
