Good practices and barriers in implementing integrated coastal management (ICM) in Viet Nam and promoting cooperation for the protection of natural resources and environment of the seas of East Asia were discussed at a forum held in Da Nang on November 19.

As part of the 5^th East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress, the forum focused on the needs, opportunities and challenges in promoting and strengthening cooperation between Viet Nam and other EAS countries in the conservation and protection of natural resources and the environment for sustainable development of the East Asian seas.

Illustration photo. (Source: Internet)

As a member of the Partnerships in Environmental Management in the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), Viet Nam has made active contributions to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) and other programmes and projects.

The government’s approval of the Viet Nam Integrated Coastal Management Strategy to 2020 and Vision to 2030 indicated the country’s determination to pursue the targets of sustainable coastal development.

In 2016-2020 and beyond, Viet Nam will focus on improving policies and laws regarding ICM, stepping up the implementation of ICM in coastal localities and enhancing cooperation with other PEMSEA countries in this field, he added.

Many delegates shared a view that the ocean- and coast-based economy plays an extremely important role in promoting economic growth and prosperity of localities, sub-regions and regions. However, rapid economic growth and urbanisation, especially in coastal cities, have posed negative impacts on marine ecological systems.

To prevent the degradation of marine natural resources and environmental pollution, they suggested that the integrated management of marine natural resources and environment should be carried out in all coastal countries.

(Source: VNA)