Man invents nature-friendly plastic bag

After years of experimenting with different materials, Loc finally discovered the secret to biodegradable plastic. Thu Ngan reports. For a long time, I’ve been curious about disposable plastic bags. They aren’t that strange in other parts of the world, but in Viet Nam, fewer people have had a chance to use them, despite mentions in the mass media.

Protecting the Environment: A Major Task of Vinacomin

Le Minh Chuan, the deputy general director of the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin), said that improving the environment in coal mining areas is one of the major tasks of the coal sector.

Phu Quoc likely has special status for development

Phu Quoc island off southern Kien Giang province will likely gain a special status that will allow for the remote district to develop special business facilities, including a casino complex to better woo international visitors, heard a meeting on Sunday.

HCM City plans for climate change adaptation

The country’s largest economic hub has been identified as one of the 10 cities in the world most likely to be severely affected by climate change, and the need to deploy an adaptation plan is urgent, officials have said.

Ha Noi rivers, lakes to get $56m clean-up

The municipal authority has planned to spend VND1 trillion (US$56.5 million) from the State’s budget to alleviate the severe pollution the city’s rivers, lakes and ponds are facing.

Sand thieves prosper along Mekong Delta

Illegal sand exploitation of the Hau River that flows through Can Tho city in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta has reached alarming levels. Subterfuge tactics used by the thieves make it difficult for local authorities to curb this practice, they add.

Authorities step in as factories pollute Dalat lake

The Lam Dong Province Department of Natural Resources and Environment began testing July 9 the wastewater discharged by factories into Xuan Huong Lake in Dalat to assess the pollution level in the national attraction.

VN’s douc face risk of extinction due to deforestation

Hundreds of hectares of protected forest in Tam My Tay Commune, Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam, are being cut down. The alarming deforestation is not only posing a threat to water sources, but also the existence of the gray-shanked douc, which has been listed in the Red Book.

Review to ensure businesses assess environmental impact

A comprehensive review of environmental impact assessments aiming to ensure licensing procedures for businesses are being appropriately and accurately applied, has been launched.

Titanium mines threaten forests

Protective forest coverage in the central province of Binh Dinh is at risk of being wiped out by titanium mining in the province. Coastal forests in Phu My and Phu Cat districts, as well as in the town of Quy Nhon, have been cleared by mining companies, with none making the effort to replant forests upon completion of their mining operations.