Vietnam aims to expand marine protected areas to cover 6% of its natural sea area by 2030, according to the Plan signed by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on December 10.
The initiative focuses on ecosystem conservation, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable marine economic development, aiming to enhance climate resilience and national sovereignty.
Per the plan, Vietnam targets establishing 27 marine protected areas, accounting for 0.5% of Vietnam’s natural sea area, while managing 59 fisheries resource protection zones and 63 temporary no-fishing zones, covering 2.3%. The country will also try to expand Ramsar sites and wetland reserves to encompass 1.5% of the sea area.
Implementation strategies encompass legal and policy measures, capacity building, scientific research, and international cooperation.
Key tasks involve restoring degraded ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves, assessing carbon storage in marine ecosystems, and applying advanced technologies for management. Vietnam will prioritize pollution control and the establishment of ecosystem payment mechanisms. (Tin Tuc, Vietnam Plus)