In response to World Environment Day (5 June) and World Oceans Day (8 June), the National Sea and Islands Week 2013, themed “Together We Take Action for the National Sea”, is being held nationwide from 1 - 8 June, with a wide range of activities involved.  The event aims to raise the public’s awareness of the strategic position and value of Viet Nam’s sea, as well as enhance their responsibilities for protecting the national sea.

In Da Nang, the local Department of Natural Resources and the Environment has organised a ceremony to launch a campaign in Son Tra District with a focus on cleaning up local beaches.  The district is one of the city’s coastal areas, and the living conditions of the local people, and its socio-economic development, are mainly dependent on the sea.

Cleaning up Tho Quang Beach

Da Nang boasts a favourable geographical position.  In particular, Da Nang Port is one of the major ports in the central region and highlands, and it specialises in freight transport services.  In addition, the port is the Pacific gateway for goods in transit along the East West Economic Corridor (EWEC).  These advantages have helped the city to promote the great potentials of its sea and islands.

Da Nang takes its pride in its maritime tourism potentials.  Local beautiful beaches, such as Non Nuoc, My Khe and Nam O, along with tourist attractions like the Marble Mountains, have attracted many domestic and foreign visitors.

Local relevant agencies should learn more about marine management models in foreign countries worldwide in order to effectively manage and exploit our maritime resources.

Special attention should be paid to perfecting the regulations on marine management, upgrading the marine environment, and raising the whole community’s responsibilities for safeguarding the country’s sea and ensuring sustainable use of the maritime resources.  In addition, more effective measures should be taken to accelerate the city’s marine economic development, in combination with the protection of national sovereignty over its sea and ensuring maritime security.