More protection for marine life (09/05)
06/08/2010 - 32 Lượt xem
The Prime Minister has approved more than 30 projects to protect and revitalise endangered marine life in Viet Nam.
Decision 485, released earlier this month, stipulates that these projects will be carried out over the next 13 years, with priority given to completing a database of high-risk maritime animals and identifying protection methods for each of the animals by 2010.
The total cost is estimated at around VND570 billion (US$35.6 million), covering the construction of marine reservation parks, a surveillance network, gene storage, communication activities and development of relevant laws.
The decision, consisting of two chapters and 14 articles, regulates the classification, management, protection and development of marine reserves of national and international significance in Viet Nam as well as responsibilities of relevant ministries, agencies and localities.
In particular cases relating to national security, individuals and organisations will only be allowed to carry out activities within these reserves after getting permission from the Prime Minister.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will work with relevant ministries and agencies to map out a master plan for the management of marine reserve systems and build reserves for better sea resources management.
Currently the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Department of Aquatic Resource Exploitation and Protection is the key state agency in charge of high-risk marine animal protection.
While there had been previous marine animal protection projects by state agencies, international organisations or both, they aimed at specific species, said environment specialist Vu Van Trieu from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Although Viet Nam has generated legal documents for marine animal protection, the high economic growth rate along with minimal awareness of environmental protection has led to minimal progress in Viet Nam, he said.
Source: VNS
