Marine sanctuaries crucial to developing sea-based economy

Vietnam’s nine marine protect areas play a crucial role in sea-based economic development, a conference in Hanoi heard on October 21.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Vu Van Tam highlighted the role of the conservation sites in improving fishermen’s livelihoods, safeguarding national sovereignty and addressing cross-border environmental issues in the East Sea.

Tam said the legal framework on marine conservation is for the most part completed, including the Biodiversity Law, the Law on Forest Protection and Development, and the National Strategy for the Management of Special-purpose -Forests and Marine Protected Areas for 2020.

Donald Macintosh, senior advisor for the Mangroves for the Future (MFF) programme, said marine conservation not only preserved biodiversity, but also cultural and historical values.

The programme will continue to support Vietnam in its efforts to protect mangrove forests and sanctuaries in a bid to improve residents’ livelihoods and increase their awareness of conservation.

Vietnam has established nine marine conservation areas: Cat Ba, Bach Long Vi, Con Co, Cu Lao Cham, Nha Trang Bay, Nui Chua, Hon Cau, Con Dao, and Phu Quoc.

Head of the MFF co-ordination department, Chu Ngoc Hoi, called upon ministries and sectors to help local authorities manage cross-border conservation sites and prioritise the sanctuaries located in key economic and defence positions, such as Bach Long Vi in Hai Phong northern city.

Deputy Minister Tam suggested developing policies that encourage the involvement of the local community, while expanding cooperation with foreign partners to seek financial and technical support.

(nhandan.org.vn)