Brian Jeffrey
On the night of May 28, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) organized a press event to unveil a range of activities for Vietnam Sea and Island Week 2025, alongside World Environment Day on June 5, World Oceans Day on June 8, and the Environment Action Month.
During the gathering, Deputy Minister Le Minh Ngan highlighted two key themes for this year: “The Enchanting Ocean – Safeguarding the Lifeline of Humanity” and “Tackling Plastic Pollution.” The aim is to enhance public understanding and inspire actionable measures to safeguard the environment while fostering sustainable development.
As part of the initiative, a national event to commemorate World Environment Day is scheduled for June 1 at 30/10 Square in Ha Long City (Quang Ninh). This occasion will mark the official kickoff of the Environment Action Month, featuring innovative programs such as “Trash for Cash,” which encourages waste separation and recycling as a financial opportunity. Additionally, there will be displays of recycled materials and presentations of sustainable livelihood models.
Another national event will occur on June 6 at Ho Chi Minh Square in Dong Hoi City (Quang Binh), which will set into motion Vietnam Sea and Island Week under the theme “Sustainable Oceans Through Green Technology.”
Nguyen Duc Toan, the Director of the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands, pointed out that while oceans are vital for our existence, they are increasingly endangered by human activities. He asserted that advancing the marine economy should go hand in hand with conservation efforts and environmental safeguarding.
Toan indicated that technology and innovation will be critical in fostering a sustainable marine economy. Innovations like artificial intelligence, environmental monitoring tools, and digital maps for waste oversight will improve management practices, mitigate pollution, and aid in revitalizing marine ecosystems.
“With the establishment of marine spatial planning and integrated coastal zone management, we have the groundwork to address the challenges of balancing conservation with development, working toward a robust and enduring sustainable ocean,” he remarked.
Deputy Minister Le Minh Ngan encouraged individuals to begin with straightforward actions like sorting waste and reducing reliance on single-use plastics, emphasizing that such collective efforts can spark significant environmental improvements.
He appealed to everyone, from urban dwellers to those in rural and mountainous areas, to embrace environmentally friendly practices and responsible living. “We aspire for green marine economy initiatives to gain traction both nationally and globally, contributing to the vision of a safe, healthy, and sustainable ocean,” he stressed.
