Youth raise voices to help biodiversity protection
The top entries of the online speaking contest “Sustainable Development Goals on biodiversity and financial resources for biodiversity” were awarded in Hanoi on November 8.
Prizes are presented to winners of the online speaking contest on November 8 (Photo: nhandan.com.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – The top entries of the onlinespeaking contest “Sustainable Development Goals on biodiversity and financialresources for biodiversity” were awarded in Hanoi on November 8.
The competition was launched by the UNDevelopment Programme (UNDP) and the Biodiversity Conservation Agency, underthe Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, to mark theInternational Day for Biological Diversity (May 22).
It aims to raise awareness amongst local youthon biodiversity and sustainable financial resources for its protection, whilecreating a space for their creativity to develop and in which they can improvetheir presentation, analytical skills, and abstract thinking.
The competition attracted 72 video entries sentin by Vietnamese students.
In the individual category, the first prize wentto a student from the Academy of Finance, while the second and third prizeswere presented to a competitor from the Vietnam Women’s Academy and anotherfrom the Academy of Journalism and Communications, respectively.
In the team category, the top prizes wereawarded to two teams from the Foreign Trade University and a team from the RMITUniversity Vietnam.
UNDP Vietnam Deputy Country Director Akiko Fujiisaid she was impressed with the entries from Vietnamese students. The entriesshowed their thorough understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals andthe importance of wildlife conservation.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director of the BiodiversityConservation Agency Hoang Thi Thanh Nhan said biodiversity is criticallyimportant to socio-economic development and the environment of Vietnam. It is afoundation to develop many important sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals,fisheries, and tourism.
She noted the National Biodiversity Strategy for2020 with a vision to 2030 emphasises that protecting biodiversity is theresponsibility of all society, with the youth able to play a critical role inthis matter.
This contest was a chance for young people toshow their love for and understanding of nature and suggest initiatives to helpwith biodiversity protection, Nhan added.–VNA
The central province of Thua Thien-Hue has decided to establish a biodiversity corridor connecting the saola (an endangered bovine, scientifically known as pseudoryx nghetinhensis) reserve with the Phong Dien Natural Reserve.
The second stage of a pilot project in the central provinces of Quang Nam, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien-Hue will create a biodiversity-preservation corridor in order to restore and maintain the connectivity of the ecological system spanning Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
The People’s Committee in Ha Long City, in the northern province of Quang Ninh, has announced that all kinds of fishing will be banned in Ha Long Bay’s natural reserve sites as of October 1.
Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.