Ten major natural resource and environmental events in 2016

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) has announced the top 10 events of the natural resources and environment sector in 2016.

1. Issuing action programme for implementation of the 12th Party’s Resolution

The Party Delegation and Executive Committee of MoNRE has issued an action programme to successfully implement the Resolution of the 12th National Party Congress.

The programme highlighted the ministry’s determination to creatively, drastically and synchronously implement measures to build a clean and strong Party committee.

The sector’s goal by 2020 will be creating basic change in rationally, effectively and sustainably exploiting and using natural resources, as well as controlling the rising level of environmental pollution, towards a green and environmentally friendly economy and actively respond to climate change.

2. PM’s issuance of the Directive on environmental protection

On the basis of the Government’s national online conference on environmental protection on August 24, 2016, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on August 31, 2016 issued Directive No. 25/CT-TTg on a number of urgent tasks and solutions for environmental protection.

The Directive highlighted the PM’s major views of not sacrificing the environment for economic growth; developing the economy in association with environmental protection; ensuring economic growth in line with environmental protection, towards the country’s green growth and sustainable development.

The Government’s national online conference on environmental protection (Credit: VGP)

3. Master plan for national natural resources and environment monitoring network approved

The PM has approved the first-ever master plan for a national natural resources and environment monitoring network for the 2016-2025 period, with a vision to 2030.

The plan is expected to meet the needs of basic survey information serving State management of natural resources and environment, as well as other technical and economic sectors of the country.

4. Planning MoNRE’s public service units

The PM has approved a planning on the network of the public service institutions under the Ministry until 2020, with an orientation towards 2030. It is an important legal foundation for organising the units in a lean and synchronous manner, meeting requirements for the development of the Ministry as well as the country’s socio-economic development.

5. Vietnam attends Global Green Growth Forum (3GF)

Vietnam participated in the Global Green Growth Forum (3GF) in June, 2016, becoming the first ASEAN nation and the eighth member to join the forum. On the occasion, MoNRE signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with 3GF.

The event offered an opportunity for Vietnam to promote and expand the scale of green growth through connecting different regions and fields, particularly via public-private partnership. The experience of 3GF in mobilising financial and human resources for green growth activities around the world will help Vietnam respond to climate change and promote green growth in the future.

6. Adjustment of land use plan until 2020 approved

The 13th National Assembly approved the adjustment of the land use master plan until 2020 and the national land use plan for 2016-2020 at its 11th session on April 9, 2016.

Accordingly, the criteria for land use until 2020 were adjusted to meet the goals and tasks for socio-economic development, defence and security in the new period, aiming to improve the efficiency of the land management and use in the country.

7. Paris Agreement on climate change signed

The 21st Conference of the Parties (COP-21) adopted the Paris Agreement on climate change, the first global legal document defining global joint responsibilities in fighting climate change. The agreement officially took effect on November 4, 2016.

Vietnam issued a national plan to implement the agreement, showing its efforts in coping with climate change. It consists of 68 tasks covering all fields related to climate change, especially five main goals: mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to climate change, resources preparation, establishment of public and transparent systems, and the building and completion of institutions and policies for 2016-2020 and 2021-2030.

8. Discovery of copper and uranium ore in Kon Tum

An estimated 108,925 tonnes of copper and 241.7 tonnes of uranium ore were discovered in Dak Ruong commune, Kon Plong district, in the Central Highland province of Kon Tum. The discovery opened the prospect of finding and discovering more uranium reserves in the province and the Central Highlands region.

9. Set of maps of Vietnam – Laos borderline completed

A set of maps of the Vietnam – Laos borderline was completed at the 1:50,000 scale, along with a protocol on Vietnam-Laos borderline and border demarcation and an agreement on border and border gate management which were inked between the two countries in March 2016. They were a solid foundation for building a borderline of peace, friendship, co-operation and long-term stability, affirming the special relations and comprehensive co-operation between the two countries.

10. Conducting management activities on electronic environment

The Ministry has used a management system of documents and job profiles associated with digital signatures and applied information technological advances in its steering activities.

(Source: NDO)