Project on expansion, establishment of marine protected areas approved
Vietnam’s Ambitious Marine Protection Initiative
Vietnam is taking significant steps to enhance its marine conservation efforts. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has approved a comprehensive project aimed at expanding and establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) across the country. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to safeguard marine ecosystems and promote sustainable economic development by 2030. The project seeks to increase the area of marine and coastal protected zones to 6% of Vietnam’s natural marine area, reflecting the government’s commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.
Objectives of the Marine Protection Project
The primary goal of this project is to effectively manage and protect Vietnam’s marine, coastal, and island ecosystems. According to Decision No. 1539/QD-TTg, the initiative will establish and expand 27 marine protected areas, covering over 442,230 hectares. This expansion will increase the total area of marine protected zones to approximately 0.5% of Vietnam’s natural marine area. The project also aims to manage 59 fishery resource conservation zones and 63 temporary no-fishing zones. These measures are crucial for protecting spawning grounds and habitats for juvenile aquatic species, ensuring that conservation zones cover over 2.5% of Vietnam’s marine area.
In addition to these measures, the project will establish areas where effective conservation practices are implemented, covering around 0.5% of the marine area. It will also expand marine ecosystem restoration areas, which are expected to account for approximately 1% of the total marine area. Furthermore, the project includes efforts to expand and manage Ramsar sites, wetland conservation zones, and important coastal wetlands, which will collectively cover about 1.5% of the country’s natural marine area. These initiatives are designed to enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and promote a sustainable marine economy while ensuring national security and sovereignty.
Implementation and Coordination Efforts
To achieve the ambitious objectives outlined in the project, Deputy PM Ha has emphasized the importance of collaboration among various government ministries and local authorities. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will lead the implementation efforts, working closely with relevant ministries and local governments. This coordinated approach is essential for ensuring the effective management of marine protected areas and conservation zones.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will play a crucial role in guiding local authorities in establishing and managing coastal wetland conservation zones, Ramsar sites, and other important coastal wetlands. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Planning and Investment will be responsible for proposing and reporting on state budget allocations for medium-term and annual public investment plans to finance these projects, in accordance with the Public Investment Law.
Currently, Vietnam has established 16 national marine protected areas within the coastal waters of 12 localities. These areas are primarily located in near-shore regions, with the Nam Yet Marine Protected Area in Truong Sa island district being the farthest. In the Gulf of Tonkin, the Bach Long Vi Marine Protected Area is the most distant offshore site. Collectively, these marine protected areas cover approximately 0.24% of Vietnam’s marine area. Out of the 16 MPAs included in national plans, 11 have established management boards, including notable areas such as Cat Ba, Bach Long Vi, and Phu Quoc. This new project represents a significant step forward in Vietnam’s commitment to marine conservation and sustainable development.
