A conference was held on June 4 in northern Vinh Phuc province todiscuss measures to promote the role of the Vietnam Farmers’ Association(VFA) in protecting the environment in building new-style rural areas.

The event, part of activities in response to WorldEnvironment Day (June 5), focused on the current condition of theenvironment in rural areas and the responsibility of the VFA andcommunity in environmental protection, seeking solutions to improve theassociation’s efficiency in its efforts.

Conferenceparticipants pointed to a number of difficulties facing the completionof environmental preservation criterion in new-style rural areabuilding, including shifting awareness and behaviour of farmers andadhering to laws on environmental protection in rural localities.

They agreed that protecting the environment is crucial duringsocio-economic development, contributing to ensuring sustainable growth.

By the end of last year, 785 communes and 3districts nationwide were recognised as new-style rural areas. However,environmental protection requirements have not been ensured.

Only one third of the rural localities nationwide have adequateirrigation and waste treatment systems or sufficient public trees, theynoted.

A number of outstanding models in protectingthe environment were also shared at the event, together with newmeasures to recycle waste and reduce pollution.-VNA