Vietnam Seas and Islands Week and the Action Month for the Environment 2024 was launched on June 10 in Nha Trang City by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in collaboration with the People’s Committee of the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh gives a speech at the event. Photo: baotainguyenmoitruong.vn
The event is designed to mark World Environment Day (June 5) with the theme 'Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience' and World Oceans Day (June 8) with the theme 'Deepening our understanding of the ocean'.
In his speech at the ceremony, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh pointed out the ongoing complex issues of drought and saltwater intrusion in Vietnam.
He said that river and reservoir flows in the northern region are typically 30-60% below the multi-year average, while in the central and Central Highlands regions, they are 25-50 per cent below average.
The World Environment Day 2024 calls on everyone to join hands towards the goals of land restoration, desertification combat, and drought resilience, so as to limit the negative impacts of climate change, protect natural ecology, and improve livelihoods and national food security.
The El Nino phenomenon, combined with low upstream water levels in the Mekong River and high tides, has exacerbated saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta.
In addition, over 11.8 million hectares in the nation, accounting for over 35.7% of the total natural land area, are affected by degradation and desertification. This situation continues to worsen, greatly impacting the country's agricultural sector.
Vietnam, with its significant potential and advantages in marine economic development, offers ample space for growth and international exchange. Therefore, the country must carry out solutions to become a strong and prosperous maritime country, he said.
At the event, Khanh called on central agencies, ministries, sectors, local authorities, organizations and businesses, along with all citizens, to take practical actions to deal with drought and desertification, protect the environment and sustainably exploit and use marine and island resources while adapting to climate change.
Additionally, every citizen, business and organization in society plays a vital role in land restoration, drought and desertification prevention, resource management, environmental protection and climate change response.
“By fully tapping the potential advantages of various regions and localities, we can develop the economy sustainably and contribute to the country’s goal of building a sustainable future in harmony with nature,” he added.