The Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MONRE) and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) reviewed their cooperation over the past decade and set out guidelines for working together in the future on October 21st.

MONRE Deputy Minister Bui Cach Tuyen spoke highly of Germany ’s assistance for Vietnam since the two ministries’ cooperation agreement on natural resources and environmental protection was signed in 2004. German assistance helped Vietnam use its natural resources more effectively, reduce pollution in urban areas, industrial parks and craft villages, conserve biodiversity, and adapt to climate change.

Environmental pollution in industrial parks. Photo: VNA

Over the past ten years, the two sides jointly implemented a number of measures, such as sharing experience in dioxin monitoring, land pollution management, and personnel training; surveying the state of water reservoirs in Vietnamese cities; and developing sustainable water exploitation technologies in mountainous areas, he said.

German Ambassador Jutta Frasch said both countries’ environments were affected by war, and their cooperation on environmental issues helped strengthen bilateral ties and mutual understanding.

BMUB State Secretary Gunther Adler said Germany provided Vietnam with 19 million EUR so far to clear unexploded ordnances, and pledged further support to address the consequences of war.

To enhance their affiliation between 2015 and 2025, the Vietnamese ministry proposed cooperation focus on water and natural resources, hydrometeorology, geology, and minerals.

It also asked Germany to help Vietnam develop environmentally friendly products, set up a financial mechanism that stimulates the production and use of the products, and run reforestation programs in contaminated areas.

In response to MONRE’s proposals, Jutta Frasch said her country will continue its cooperation with Vietnam for the benefit of the global environment and the interests of the Vietnamese people.

Source: VNA